Chapter 6 - THE ENGAGEMENT BUILT ON A LIE
Roman confronted Vanessa that evening.
She stood in the library wearing a white silk dress.
Her engagement ring glittered beneath the chandelier.
“Darling,” she said, “you look exhausted.”
Roman closed the door.
“Why did you order Adeline onto the ladder?”
Vanessa sighed.
“We've discussed this.”
“No.”
His voice was cold.
“We haven't.”
She folded her arms.
“She was being dramatic.”
Roman placed a photograph on the desk.
The broken ladder.
The concealed cut.
The fresh paint.
Vanessa stared.
“What is that?”
“Evidence.”
Her face tightened.
“Roman, don't be ridiculous.”
He looked at her.
“Did you know the ladder was damaged?”
“No.”
“Did you order it moved into the foyer?”
“Yes, because—”
“Did Adeline warn you it was unstable?”
Vanessa hesitated.
Roman watched her.
Then said:
“Tell me the truth.”
She laughed nervously.
“You're taking her side?”
“I'm asking a question.”
Vanessa's eyes flashed.
“She's a maid.”
Roman went still.
Vanessa continued.
“A poor girl with a tragic story. You can't seriously believe she's more important than your future wife.”
Roman looked at her.
“Her life is not worth less than yours.”
Vanessa stared.
For the first time, she seemed uncertain.
Roman placed another photograph on the desk.
Thomas Bennett.
Anthony Caruso.
The old warehouse.
Vanessa's face changed.
“Where did you get that?”
Roman noticed.
“You recognize it.”
She swallowed.
“My father knew your family.”
“Did he know Thomas Bennett?”
Vanessa looked away.
Roman stepped closer.
“Vanessa.”
She snapped.
“Stop saying my name like that.”
He stared at her.
Then asked:
“Did your father tell you to get rid of Adeline?”
Silence.
Vanessa's eyes filled.
“Roman, I love you.”
He didn't move.
“That wasn't my question.”
She looked toward the door.
May you like
And Roman understood.
The woman he planned to marry knew far more than she'd admitted.
