Chapter 10 - THE CONFESSION BEHIND THE GLASS
Vanessa was questioned after investigators uncovered messages linking her to the ladder's preparation.
She initially denied everything.
Then the evidence became harder to explain.
A maintenance worker testified that Vanessa had ordered the damaged ladder placed in the foyer.
Security footage showed her entering the storage room before Adeline's shift.
Messages from Anthony instructed her to keep Adeline away from the household archives.
Vanessa finally admitted that she knew the ladder was unsafe.
She claimed she only wanted to frighten Adeline into quitting.
She denied intending serious injury.
Investigators would determine the appropriate charges.
But the truth was clear enough for Roman.
Vanessa had knowingly exposed Adeline to danger.
And she had lied afterward.
When Roman saw her through the interview-room glass, she began crying.
“Roman.”
He remained silent.
“I didn't think she'd fall.”
He looked at her.
“You knew the ladder was damaged.”
Vanessa nodded.
“I thought she'd refuse.”
Roman stared.
“She did refuse.”
Vanessa looked down.
He continued.
“And you ordered her up anyway.”
Tears slipped down Vanessa's cheeks.
“I was afraid.”
“Of what?”
“That she'd find out about my father.”
Roman shook his head.
“You could have told the truth.”
She began sobbing.
“I thought you'd leave me.”
Roman looked at her.
“I did.”
He paused.
“But not because your father was accused of a crime.”
Vanessa looked up.
“Then why?”
“Because you decided another woman's safety mattered less than protecting your place beside me.”
She covered her face.
Roman turned away.
May you like
For the first time, he felt no desire to punish her personally.
Only the certainty that she would have to answer for what she'd done.
