Chapter 5 - THE ENGAGEMENT THAT WASN'T REAL
Luca returned to the mansion with a copy of the trust amendment and a question that nobody could answer.
Why had Vanessa chosen him?
He had wealth, influence, and a name that opened doors. That was obvious. But the trust clause gave her a more specific reason.
If Luca married before his fortieth birthday and remained married for at least one year, he would become the controlling trustee of his grandfather's estate. If he died or became legally incapacitated before that date, control would pass to a designated spouse.
The document had been written decades earlier, when the family believed a stable marriage would protect the business from internal disputes.
Vanessa's engagement to Luca was not simply a social event.
It was a route to control.
Daniel placed a report on Luca's desk.
“Mercer's payments came through three shell companies. One connects to Vanessa's father. Another connects to a former Moretti accountant.”
Luca looked up.
“Which accountant?”
“Peter Bell.”
Luca's jaw tightened.
Peter Bell had worked for the family for fifteen years before disappearing after a financial investigation. He had been suspected of stealing millions, but no evidence had ever been recovered.
“Find him.”
Daniel nodded.
Luca turned toward me.
“Olivia, did Vanessa mention the trust?”
“No. But she said something about the wedding changing everything.”
“What exactly?”
“She was on the phone in the guest room. She said, ‘Once the vows are done, no one can stop it.’”
Luca looked at Daniel.
“Find out what she meant.”
That afternoon, Vanessa returned from a shopping appointment. She entered the foyer carrying several garment bags and kissed Luca's cheek.
“Darling, I missed you.”
He did not move.
“Where were you?”
“Wedding fittings.”
“With whom?”
“My stylist.”
Luca glanced at the bags.
“Did you find what you wanted?”
Vanessa smiled.
“Almost. I need one more thing.”
“What?”
She touched his lapel.
“Your grandfather's ring. The one you keep in the safe.”
Luca's eyes did not change.
“Why?”
“It would be beautiful for the ceremony.”
“That ring isn't part of the wedding.”
Her smile faltered.
“It's a family heirloom.”
“Exactly.”
Vanessa withdrew her hand.
“You've been strange since last night.”
“Have I?”
“You've barely spoken to me.”
Luca looked at her for a long moment.
“I'm thinking.”
“About what?”
“About how much I don't know.”
For the first time, Vanessa seemed unable to find an answer.
She turned toward the staircase.
“I'm going to rest.”
“Of course.”
When she had gone, Luca called Daniel.
“Put a temporary hold on every trust-related transaction. No changes without my signature and Elena's verification.”
Daniel nodded.
“And Olivia?”
“Yes, sir?”
“From now on, you work directly under Mrs. Carter. No more assignments in Vanessa's rooms. If she asks you to do anything, you tell Daniel.”
I nodded.
I should have felt safer.
Instead, I felt the danger moving closer.
May you like
Because Vanessa had noticed the change in Luca.
And she knew I was the reason.
