Chapter 10 - THE SECRET IN THE VANCE ACCOUNTS
The financial investigation uncovered a larger scheme.
Richard Vance had used his banking connections to divert money from several private investment accounts.
Some belonged to Tony's companies.
Others belonged to outside investors.
The transfers were hidden through complicated corporate structures.
Tony turned the evidence over to independent forensic accountants and federal investigators.
Lana was furious.
She stormed into his office.
“You're destroying my family!”
Tony looked up.
“Your father made his own decisions.”
She stared.
“You promised to marry me.”
Tony's expression hardened.
“Before you nearly killed Clara.”
Lana flinched.
“That was an accident.”
Tony stood.
“No.”
His voice was quiet.
“You ordered her outside.”
Lana looked away.
“You locked the doors.”
Silence.
“You knew she had no coat.”
Lana swallowed.
Tony continued.
“And you left her there.”
Her eyes filled.
For a moment, she looked genuinely frightened.
Then she whispered:
“I was jealous.”
Tony stared.
“Of what?”
She looked down.
“The way you looked at her.”
Tony went still.
Lana continued.
“You never looked at me that way.”
Silence.
Then Tony said quietly:
“Jealousy doesn't excuse cruelty.”
Lana began crying.
Tony looked toward the door.
May you like
“Goodbye, Lana.”
And this time, she understood the engagement was truly over.
