Chapter 12 - THE FALL OF THE WHITMORES
Richard Whitmore was arrested six weeks later.
Federal investigators charged him in connection with financial crimes and the conspiracy surrounding Gabriel's disappearance.
Vanessa also faced investigation over the false theft accusation and the attempt to intimidate Elena.
The Whitmore family's reputation collapsed.
Businesses withdrew partnerships.
Donors demanded explanations.
And the engagement that had once seemed like a perfect alliance became a public scandal.
Elena watched the news from her mother's hospital room.
Rosa was recovering after a successful procedure.
She looked stronger.
More alert.
Elena sat beside her.
“Mamá?”
Rosa smiled.
“Yes?”
“Do you think I did the right thing?”
Rosa took her hand.
“You told the truth.”
Elena looked down.
“But everything became so complicated.”
Rosa squeezed her fingers.
“Truth often makes life complicated before it makes it better.”
Elena smiled through tears.
Then Rosa asked:
“And Dante?”
Elena blushed.
“What about him?”
Her mother laughed softly.
“Don't pretend.”
Elena looked away.
Rosa smiled.
“He looks at you like a man who has forgotten how to breathe.”
Elena covered her face.
“Mamá.”
Rosa laughed.
Then whispered:
“Just make sure he loves you for who you are.”
May you like
Elena nodded.
“I will.”
