Samuel’s Discovery
Chapter 10 - Samuel’s Discovery
Samuel Price called back in eleven minutes.
Dante placed the phone on speaker, but kept it close enough that Lily did not have to hear details meant for adults. Samuel’s voice was calm and precise.
“Vanessa contacted an outside attorney three times regarding emergency guardianship.”
Vanessa’s expression froze.
Samuel continued.
“She also requested copies of Lily’s trust summary, school medical authorization, and your most recent travel schedule. Two draft petitions were created. Neither was filed.”
Dante stared at Vanessa.
“On what grounds?”
Samuel paused.
“Parental instability, dangerous professional associations, and extended absence from the home.”
Samuel added, “There is also correspondence suggesting she planned to petition immediately after the wedding, using spousal status to strengthen the claim.”
Vanessa raised her voice.
“I was protecting Lily if something happened to you.”
Lily flinched.
Dante’s anger sharpened.
“Lower your voice.”
Vanessa did.
Samuel asked, “Do you want me to freeze all pending access?”
“Yes.”
“Done.”
Dante looked at the woman in the wedding gown.
She had planned to marry him, isolate his daughter, remove the staff, and position herself beside Lily’s trust.
Dante ended the call.
“Security will search every office you used in this house.”
Vanessa whispered, “You cannot do this to me.”
Dante’s eyes went cold.
“You did it to a six-year-old first.”
May you like
Vanessa looked toward Lily as if expecting the child to defend her. Lily moved behind Elena instead. That small movement ended the last illusion in the room. Whatever Vanessa called love, Lily had learned to experience it as danger.
Dante understood that legal documents could expose a scheme, but only his daughter’s trust could tell him whether the home was safe. Lily had already answered.
