Chapter 16 - Vanessa Without Adrian

Vanessa looked different without Adrian beside her.

Not softer.

Smaller.

We met in a secure conference room with attorneys present.

She was no longer wearing champagne silk.

Just a gray suit.

Her pregnancy was visible now.

She sat across from me.

"I'm sorry."

I did not answer.

She swallowed.

"I know that means nothing."

"It means something if it's true."

She looked down.

"I hated you before I knew you."

"Why?"

"Because Adrian talked about you like you were weak, but everything changed when you entered a room."

I almost laughed.

"He told me I was useless."

"He told everyone different stories."

Of course he did.

Vanessa admitted she helped build the divorce strategy.

She created VMC Holdings with Marcus.

She believed Adrian would join her after the asset transfer.

Marcus planned to remove Adrian afterward.

"Did you drug me?" I asked.

She closed her eyes.

"Yes."

My hands went cold.

"Why?"

"To make you look unstable at dinner. Adrian said if you caused a scene, he could push you to sign that night."

"Did you know he would hit me?"

"No."

"Did you stop him?"

"No."

"Did you smile?"

Her eyes filled.

"Yes."

At least she did not lie.

"Why delete the footage?"

"Because I knew what I had watched."

There was no apology big enough for that.

I did not offer one.

Then I asked about the fertility file.

Vanessa's face changed.

"That was Marcus."

"Adrian admitted he knew it was manipulated."

"He knew we were trying to make you believe pregnancy was unlikely. He didn't ask how."

"And you were comfortable with that?"

"I was winning."

She said it like a confession.

Then she touched her stomach.

"I don't think like that anymore."

I looked at her hand.

"Do not use your baby to ask me for sympathy."

She flinched.

"You're right."

We sat in silence.

Before I left, Vanessa said:

"There's one thing Adrian still doesn't know."

I stopped.

"What?"

"The night he hurt you, Marcus had already emptied the VMC accounts."

"So?"

"Adrian thought he was throwing you away for me."

Her laugh was bitter.

"But I was planning to leave him too."

I looked at her.

Then at the attorneys.

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