Chapter 5 - THE ENGAGEMENT THAT WAS NEVER LOVE
Vanessa Whitmore arrived at the Moretti estate the next morning.
She wore sunglasses despite the cloudy weather.
Dante waited in the library.
Marcus stood near the door.
Vanessa removed her glasses.
“Dante.”
He didn't stand.
“Sit.”
She hesitated.
Then obeyed.
Dante placed the dismissal order on the desk.
“Explain this.”
Vanessa glanced at it.
“My father handles staffing matters.”
“Not in my house.”
She swallowed.
“Dante, you're overreacting.”
He placed the bank transfer beside it.
“Seventy-five thousand dollars.”
Vanessa's face tightened.
“I don't know anything about that.”
Dante leaned forward.
“Then explain why you tried to force Elena out during the party.”
Vanessa looked away.
“Because you embarrassed me.”
Dante shook his head.
“No.”
Silence.
“You were trying to make her leave before anyone discovered her mother's connection to Gabriel.”
Vanessa's eyes widened.
Dante noticed.
“That's it, isn't it?”
She stood.
“You're being ridiculous.”
Dante rose.
“Our engagement is over.”
Vanessa froze.
“What?”
He removed his ring.
Placed it on the desk.
“I won't marry someone who humiliates people to protect a lie.”
Vanessa's face twisted.
“My father will destroy your business.”
Dante looked at her.
“Then he can try.”
She stared at him.
For the first time, she seemed to understand that the man she intended to marry could no longer be controlled through money or reputation.
She turned toward the door.
Then stopped.
“You think Elena is innocent?”
Dante's expression hardened.
“What are you implying?”
Vanessa smiled coldly.
May you like
“Check your mother's jewelry collection.”
Then she walked out.
