Chapter 8 - THE FIANCÉE WHO PLAYED INNOCENT
Vanessa Bennett appeared on television three days later.
She wore a pale blue dress.
Her engagement ring glittered beneath the studio lights.
She told the interviewer that her relationship with Dante had been damaged by “malicious rumors.”
She claimed Elena was a disgruntled employee seeking financial compensation.
She smiled sadly.
“It's unfortunate when people mistake kindness for entitlement.”
Elena watched the interview from her apartment.
Her stomach turned.
Then Vanessa made a mistake.
She mentioned Margaret Carter's medical treatment.
“Of course, my family has always supported charitable healthcare initiatives,” Vanessa said. “We've even helped families like Miss Carter's.”
Sarah immediately recognized the significance.
Vanessa had publicly acknowledged a connection between Bennett Biomedical and Margaret's medical care.
The attorneys requested records showing who had paid for which treatments and under what agreements.
The results revealed something disturbing.
A Bennett-affiliated foundation had been paying a portion of Margaret's bills.
But the payments were routed through a shell company.
The shell company also held licensing revenue from the disputed patent.
Elena stared at the financial report.
“They were using money from my mother's invention to pay for her treatment.”
Sarah nodded.
“And using that support as leverage.”
Elena felt sick.
Vanessa had not simply mocked her.
She had participated in a system designed to keep Margaret dependent.
Elena looked at Sarah.
“What happens now?”
May you like
Sarah closed the folder.
“Now we follow the money.”
