Chapter 5 - THE MAN WHO BOUGHT THE WRONG LIE
Vanessa Monroe had never intended to become pregnant.
That was the first problem.
The second was that she had never intended to fall in love with Daniel Russo.
But both things happened.
Daniel was handsome.
Reckless.
And loyal to Victor Salerno.
He had introduced Vanessa to the plan.
Get close to Ethan Blackwood.
Gain his trust.
Access his financial network.
Then help Salerno take control of the shipping business.
Vanessa believed she could manage it.
She had known Ethan when they were young.
Before he became rich.
Before he became dangerous.
She knew how to make him feel wanted.
How to remind him of the boy he used to be.
And how to make him believe their reunion was destiny.
Then she discovered she was pregnant.
Daniel was thrilled.
Vanessa was terrified.
Because Daniel wanted her to keep working with Salerno.
And Ethan wanted an heir.
So she made a decision.
She told Ethan the baby was his.
It worked.
For exactly six weeks.
Then Claire Bennett Blackwood received Ethan's fertility results.
And everything began collapsing.
Vanessa stood in her bathroom staring at her reflection.
Her phone rang.
Daniel.
She answered.
“Don't call me.”
His voice was cold.
“We have a problem.”
“I know.”
“Blackwood is investigating the accounts.”
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“Then we need to stop.”
Daniel laughed.
“Victor doesn't stop.”
Her stomach tightened.
“Daniel—”
“You promised you'd get the shipping contracts.”
“I can't.”
A pause.
Then Daniel said quietly, “You'd better find a way.”
The call ended.
Vanessa stared at the phone.
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For the first time, she understood that Ethan Blackwood was not the most dangerous man in her life.
And she had just placed herself between two men who would destroy each other rather than surrender.
