Chapter 5 - THE CONTRACT BEHIND THE ENGAGEMENT
Richard Bennett had offered Dante a partnership worth nearly four hundred million dollars.
The arrangement would give Moretti Holdings access to valuable commercial properties.
In exchange, Bennett Capital would receive a controlling interest in several waterfront development projects.
The engagement had been presented as a celebration of two families.
But the financial documents told a different story.
Dante sat in his study reviewing the agreement.
Marco stood nearby.
“There's something strange,” Marco said.
Dante looked up.
“What?”
“Bennett Capital has been purchasing debt connected to your properties.”
Dante frowned.
“How much?”
“Enough to create leverage.”
Dante studied the documents.
Richard had positioned himself to gain control if Dante failed to complete the merger.
And the engagement announcement had been timed to reassure investors.
Dante leaned back.
“So this marriage isn't a celebration.”
Marco shook his head.
“No.”
“It's insurance.”
Marco hesitated.
“There's more.”
He placed a folder on the desk.
Inside were employment records from the Bellamy Grand.
A payment receipt.
A security-camera log.
And a photograph.
Dante opened it.
His expression changed.
Vanessa Bennett.
Entering the hotel service corridor.
Two hours before Elena was accused of theft.
Dante stared.
Marco spoke quietly.
“She wasn't there as a guest.”
Dante looked up.
“Then why was she there?”
Marco swallowed.
“To meet the hotel manager.”
Dante's jaw tightened.
“And the manager received fifty thousand dollars from a Bennett account the following morning.”
The room went silent.
Dante closed the folder.
May you like
He had suspected cruelty.
Now he was looking at a conspiracy.
