Chapter 15 - Vanessa Returns Without Her Cameras
Vanessa requested one meeting.
No press.
No friends.
No silver heels.
She looked exhausted.
“My father used me.”
Naomi did not comfort her.
Vanessa admitted Victor had recognized Naomi’s name months earlier when
Adrian mentioned his new housekeeper.
He told Vanessa to keep Naomi away from old company records.
Vanessa began humiliating her deliberately.
Changing schedules.
Inventing complaints.
Making her feel disposable.
The ballroom kick was meant to push Naomi into reacting violently in
front of cameras.
If Naomi struck Vanessa, Vanessa planned to have her removed from the
estate immediately.
Naomi understood then.
Her restraint had saved more than her dignity.
It had saved access to Richard’s archive.
Vanessa whispered:
“I’m sorry.”
Naomi looked at her for a long time.
“I believe you’re sorry now.”
Vanessa waited.
Naomi added:
May you like
“That doesn’t require me to trust you again.”
Forgiveness, Naomi had learned, did not have to reopen a door.
