Chapter 9 - THE LAST ACCOUNT
The financial investigation eventually established that Seraphina had
diverted household funds through a consulting company controlled by
Adrian. The money had been used to cover his debts and finance a planned
move overseas.
Investigators also found documents showing that Adrian had drafted false
reports about Dominic’s mental fitness. The aim was to pressure the
family trust into granting Seraphina temporary authority over certain
assets.
The plan had not been completed, and the evidence showed that Ella had
been used as leverage in conversations between the adults.
Adrian was arrested after returning to the state through his attorney.
He faced charges related to fraud and conspiracy. Seraphina cooperated
with investigators about some of the transfers, but her own actions
remained subject to legal proceedings.
Dominic did not use his influence to make the matter disappear.
He wanted an independent process. He wanted the records examined, the
money traced, and the people responsible held accountable under the law.
The family court appointed a professional to assess Ella’s needs and
determine safe arrangements for contact with both parents. Dominic
agreed to counseling for himself and Ella.
When the counselor asked Ella what she wanted, she answered simply.
“I want Daddy to keep coming to my school. And I want Mommy to stop
saying hugs cost money.”
The counselor wrote it down.
Dominic sat quietly.
After the appointment, he asked Ella whether she wanted ice cream.
She nodded.
They stopped at a neighborhood shop. Ella chose vanilla with rainbow
sprinkles.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Is Mommy going to be okay?”
Dominic took a moment.
“She’s an adult, sweetheart. The adults will help her work through what
happened. You don’t have to fix it.”
“Can I still love her?”
“Of course.”
“Can I be mad too?”
“Yes. You can feel more than one thing.”
Ella thought about that.
“That’s confusing.”
“It is.”
They sat together by the window.
Dominic realized that being a father did not mean having every answer.
It meant staying present while a child learned how to ask the difficult
questions.
When they returned home, the wooden box was waiting on Ella’s desk.
She had placed a new note inside.
IT COSTS NOTHING TO LOVE SOMEONE.
Dominic read it twice.
Then he asked whether he could put it beside the photograph from the
May you like
school play.
Ella nodded.
