Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Vanessa Bellamy did not appreciate being dismissed.
She had spent six months positioning herself to marry Lucas Ravalini.
Her father, Richard Bellamy, controlled investment funds connected to several Ravalini businesses.
A marriage would strengthen both families.
At least, that was the plan.
Then Hannah Cooper arrived.
A former teacher.
No money.
No connections.
And a five-year-old boy who adored her.
Vanessa considered that unacceptable.
She visited the penthouse on Wednesday afternoon.
Hannah was helping Matteo with a puzzle when the doorbell rang.
The house manager announced:
“Miss Bellamy.”
Hannah looked up.
Vanessa entered wearing a cream coat.
She smiled at Matteo.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
Matteo looked at her.
“Hi.”
Vanessa turned toward Hannah.
“Miss Cooper.”
Hannah stood.
“Miss Bellamy.”
Vanessa looked around.
“Lucas isn't home?”
“No.”
“How unfortunate.”
She placed her handbag on the sofa.
“I wanted to discuss something with you.”
Hannah glanced at Matteo.
“Could it wait?”
Vanessa smiled.
“No.”
They moved into the adjoining sitting room.
Vanessa closed the door.
Then turned.
“You seem intelligent.”
Hannah said nothing.
Vanessa continued.
“Surely you understand that Lucas Ravalini is not a man you can manipulate through his child.”
Hannah stared.
“Excuse me?”
Vanessa smiled.
“Matteo is vulnerable. You know that.”
“Yes.”
“And you've made yourself indispensable.”
“I'm doing my job.”
Vanessa laughed softly.
“Of course.”
She opened her handbag.
Inside was an envelope.
She placed it on the table.
Hannah looked down.
“What is that?”
“Fifty thousand dollars.”
Hannah froze.
Vanessa continued.
“Resign. Leave quietly. Tell Lucas you've accepted another position.”
Hannah stared at her.
“You're offering me money to abandon a child?”
Vanessa's smile vanished.
“Don't be dramatic.”
Hannah pushed the envelope back.
“No.”
Vanessa's expression hardened.
“Think carefully.”
“I have.”
“You don't know who you're dealing with.”
Hannah looked directly at her.
“Neither do you.”
Vanessa left twenty minutes later.
But before she reached the elevator, she made a phone call.
“Father.”
Richard Bellamy answered.
“Yes?”
“We have a problem.”
“What kind?”
“A nanny.”
He laughed.
Vanessa did not.
“She has Lucas's son wrapped around her finger.”
Richard was silent.
Then asked:
“What's her name?”
“Hannah Cooper.”
The silence deepened.
Finally, Richard said:
“Cooper?”
Vanessa frowned.
“Yes.”
May you like
Richard's voice changed.
“Find out who her father was.”
