Chapter 5 - Setting the Trap
The next morning, while Vanessa was out for a spa appointment, I made a secure phone call to Martin Hale, our family’s general counsel and my most trusted advisor. Martin had navigated the foundation’s legal affairs for decades and possessed a mind like a steel trap.
“Good morning, Eleanor,” Martin’s gruff voice came through the line. “To what do I owe the pleasure? More wedding contracts to review?”
“Actually, yes, Martin. But not in the way you think,” I said, pacing my study. “I need you to audit the special wedding account Vanessa requested.”
A heavy pause hung on the line. “The account we funded with nine hundred thousand dollars? Has something happened?”
“I don't trust her, Martin. She insisted Daniel give her full authorization to manage those expenses because 'it was too stressful for him.' Daniel thinks that account is linked directly to his primary trust.”
“But we set it up as a traceable reserve, completely isolated from his main assets,” Martin noted. “Exactly as you instructed.”
“Precisely. Rosa told me Vanessa has been putting immense pressure on the vendors. I want to know exactly where every dollar is going. I suspect she is inflating invoices.”
“I’ll put our forensic accountants on it immediately,” Martin promised. “If there’s a discrepancy, we’ll find it by the end of the week. But Eleanor, what about Daniel? He won't believe paperwork without a fight.”
“I know. Daniel needs to see who she is with his own eyes. I am going to give Vanessa an afternoon where she believes she is entirely unguarded. I need her to believe she holds all the power.”
“What are you planning?” Martin asked, sounding both amused and concerned.
“Daniel mentioned the staff has mandatory safety training next week,” I said, formulating the plan in my mind. “I’m going to send everyone away for the afternoon. And I am going to hire a 'temporary housekeeper' to fill in.”
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“Eleanor, be careful,” Martin warned. “If she is as ruthless as you suspect, you don't want to be in the crossfire.”
“I’ve survived worse than a social climber, Martin. Just get me those financial records.”
