Chapter 8 - THE SECRET OF DANIEL VANCE
Adeline had never told Enzo the full truth about her marriage.
She had told him Daniel was controlling.
That he damaged her career.
That she lost everything.
But she had not told him why.
Years earlier, Adeline had worked on the conservation of a private collection of historical documents.
The collection belonged to a wealthy family connected to Daniel's law firm.
During the project, she noticed inconsistencies.
Documents that appeared older than they were.
Signatures that had been altered.
Ownership records that didn't match.
She raised concerns.
Daniel told her to stay quiet.
She refused.
Soon afterward, she was accused of mishandling valuable materials.
Her professional reputation collapsed.
Clients disappeared.
And Daniel filed for divorce.
Adeline had kept copies of her notes.
Photographs.
Examination records.
And correspondence.
All stored in the bundle inside her trunk.
When Enzo learned this, he listened quietly.
Then asked:
"Who owned the collection?"
Adeline hesitated.
"The Vanderly family."
Enzo's expression changed.
"What?"
She looked up.
"Do you know them?"
He nodded slowly.
"The Vanderlys have been connected to several development projects."
Adeline stared.
"With Preston Cain?"
Enzo looked at Silvano.
Silvano checked the records.
Then went still.
"Yes."
The connections were becoming impossible to ignore.
Daniel Vance.
Preston Cain.
The Vanderly family.
The forged documents.
The redevelopment scheme.
Enzo looked at Adeline.
"Your husband may have been involved in more than you knew."
She swallowed.
"I always suspected."
That evening, investigators examined Adeline's preserved materials.
They found evidence suggesting that ownership records had been manipulated years earlier.
Those records were linked to properties later acquired through Cain's development network.
Adeline sat beside Enzo.
Her hands trembled.
"I lost everything because I wouldn't sign those papers."
He looked at her.
"Then we make sure the truth is heard."
She shook her head.
"I'm scared."
Enzo nodded.
"I know."
He took her hand.
May you like
"But you don't have to face it alone."
For the first time, Adeline allowed herself to believe him.
