Chapter 10 - Vanessa Admits Why She Panicked
Vanessa asked to speak to Sophia alone.
Sophia refused.
Adrian stayed.
Vanessa accepted it.
She explained what happened five years earlier.
After Anna died, Victor Lane’s estate attorney delivered old files to
Vanessa.
Inside were Ravenwood records.
And a note from Victor.
Keep Bennett’s daughter away from Sterling.
Vanessa became terrified.
She had just begun dating Adrian.
She feared the scandal would destroy his family and hers.
So when Sophia’s inheritance notice arrived at the Sterling foundation,
Vanessa intercepted it.
She redirected the fund through Eleanor’s company.
Daniel helped.
At first, Vanessa believed the money was being held.
Then she discovered Daniel was taking it.
“Why didn’t you tell Adrian?”
Vanessa looked at him.
“Because then I’d have to admit what I did.”
Sophia understood.
One lie protecting another.
Then another.
Until five years passed.
“Why humiliate me tonight?”
Vanessa’s eyes filled.
“Eleanor told me she was bringing you.”
“So?”
“I saw Martin watching you.”
Vanessa swallowed.
“I knew he recognized you.”
“And you wanted me gone.”
“Yes.”
Sophia stared.
“You could have whispered the truth.”
“I panicked.”
“So you grabbed me and called me ‘just the waitress.’”
Vanessa looked ashamed.
“Yes.”
Sophia’s voice remained calm.
“You weren’t protecting me.”
Vanessa looked up.
“You were protecting yourself.”
May you like
Vanessa nodded.
That was the first completely honest answer she had given.
