Chapter 9 - THE BRIDE WHO LOST EVERYTHING
Vanessa's reputation collapsed quickly.
The wedding video had already damaged her public image.
Now reports about the disputed crystal collection began appearing in the press.
Her family's company faced scrutiny.
Collectors demanded provenance records.
Several galleries suspended business with Bellmont Heritage Collections.
Vanessa insisted she had done nothing wrong.
But her own documents contradicted her claim that she knew nothing about the collection.
Adrian moved out.
He contacted a solicitor to discuss ending the marriage.
Vanessa called me repeatedly.
I didn't answer.
Then she appeared outside my office.
I was leaving work when I saw her.
She wore a designer coat and dark sunglasses.
For a moment, I barely recognized her.
“Maya.”
I stopped.
“What do you want?”
She removed the sunglasses.
Her eyes were red.
“You've destroyed my life.”
I stared.
“No.”
She stepped closer.
“You humiliated me.”
I shook my head.
“You humiliated yourself.”
Her face twisted.
“You could have left.”
“I was invited.”
“You knew what would happen.”
“I didn't know your family had my father's collection.”
She looked away.
I continued.
“Vanessa, you could have apologized.”
She laughed bitterly.
“And that would have fixed everything?”
“No.”
I looked directly at her.
May you like
“But it would have been a start.”
For the first time, she had no answer.
