Chapter 6 - VANESSA'S VERSION
Vanessa's attorney contacted Francesca two days later. Vanessa wanted to provide a statement and insisted she had acted in Olivia's best interests.
Luca agreed to hear her, but only with lawyers present and the meeting recorded.
She arrived wearing a cream coat and a carefully composed expression.
“Olivia has always been fragile,” she began. “Since Ethan died, she's been overwhelmed. I thought I was helping.”
Olivia sat beside her independent attorney.
“You told the hospital my brother didn't want to hear from me.”
“I was trying to prevent unnecessary stress.”
“You told them to discharge me.”
“The doctor said you were stable.”
“The doctor wanted me to stay.”
Vanessa looked at Luca.
“Darling, you know how Olivia can be. She gets anxious, and then everyone has to rearrange their lives.”
Luca's voice was quiet.
“She was in pain, seven months pregnant, and asking for her brother.”
Vanessa's composure slipped.
“I was the only one doing anything.”
“You forged my signature.”
“I did not.”
Francesca placed the document on the table.
“Then you will have no objection to an independent handwriting and digital audit.”
Vanessa said nothing.
Olivia took a breath.
“Why did you file a guardianship petition?”
Vanessa turned sharply.
“What petition?”
Francesca opened the folder.
“This draft was found among Olivia's personal documents. It names you as the proposed temporary guardian and requests authority over the child's trust.”
Vanessa's face changed.
“That's not what it means.”
“Then explain what it means,” Olivia said.
Vanessa looked at Luca.
“You have no idea what it takes to be part of this family. Everything is about Olivia. Her grief. Her pregnancy. Her baby.”
Luca stared at her.
“She is my sister.”
“And I am your wife!”
“Not anymore.”
Vanessa stood.
“You can't end a marriage over a misunderstanding.”
“This is not a misunderstanding. You interfered with her medical care, used my name without permission, and tried to obtain authority over her child.”
Vanessa's eyes filled with fury.
“You'll regret choosing her over me.”
May you like
Luca did not move.
“Leave.”
