Chapter 4: My Grandmother's Terrifying Confession
"Alexander, whatever happens at that hotel, do not let Danielle see the original DNA report.""
My grandmother's voice echoed through my father's phone.
Nobody moved.
I stared at him, waiting for an explanation that would somehow make those words less horrifying.
Dad pressed the speaker button.
"Mother, why are you involved in this?""
A pause.
Then Margaret Brooks sighed.
"Because you're allowing your daughter to destroy everything we've worked for.""
My stomach twisted.
"Grandma?""
Silence.
"Danielle, sweetheart," she finally said. Her voice softened.
"You need to go home. You're exhausted, and you're letting strangers manipulate you.""
I looked at Vanessa.
She was watching me with the expression of someone waiting for a bomb to explode.
"Grandma, did you change my daughter's DNA report?""
"Don't be ridiculous.""
"Did you?""
"Your father has always been overly protective. He's making this situation worse.""
Dad's voice sharpened.
"Mother, answer the question.""
Margaret ignored him.
"Danielle, listen carefully. Nathan came to me because he was concerned about the baby's paternity. He had legitimate reasons to question things.""
I felt my throat tighten.
"What reasons?""
"He found messages on your phone.""
"What messages?""
"Conversations with another man.""
I shook my head.
"That's impossible.""
"Then perhaps you should explain why they existed.""
My hands began trembling.
Dad reached for my shoulder.
"Mother, you will not accuse my daughter without evidence.""
Margaret laughed bitterly.
"Alexander, you've spent your entire life giving Danielle everything. Perhaps it's time someone reminded her that actions have consequences.""
Then the call ended.
For several seconds, the lobby remained silent.
I looked at my father.
"She thinks I cheated?""
He pulled me into his arms, careful not to disturb Grace.
"I know you didn't.""
"But why would she say that?""
"We'll find out.""
Richard stepped closer.
"Sir, there's something else. The trust documents show that Margaret accessed Danielle's marital records approximately six months ago.""
Dad frowned.
"Why?""
"She requested a review of the inheritance provisions.""
I stared at him.
"What inheritance provisions?""
Dad hesitated.
He had always told me that the family business would eventually pass to me and my brother, Daniel. But I had never been interested in the details.
I wanted to raise Grace.
I wanted a normal marriage.
I wanted to believe Nathan when he said we didn't need anyone else's money.
Dad finally spoke.
"Your grandfather established a separate trust for you when you were born. It's substantial, Danielle.""
"How substantial?""
Richard answered quietly.
"Approximately forty-eight million dollars in current assets.""
My mouth fell open.
"What?""
Dad nodded.
"Your grandfather wanted you protected. When you married Nathan, we added safeguards to prevent anyone from accessing those assets without your independent authorization.""
I looked at the forged contract.
"Someone tried to transfer 2.4 million dollars.""
"Yes.""
"And the DNA test?""
Dad's jaw tightened.
"The trust contains a provision protecting your daughter's inheritance if her parentage is disputed. But a legitimate dispute must be supported by independently verified evidence.""
I slowly understood.
Someone had tried to manufacture a reason to interfere with Grace's financial protection.
Vanessa stepped forward.
"That's not what happened.""
Dad turned.
"Then explain it.""
She pressed her hands against her dress.
"Nathan told me Danielle's marriage was falling apart. He said he needed temporary financial assistance because he was preparing for a divorce.""
I stared at her.
"And you believed him?""
"He said the inheritance would eventually be released.""
"To whom?""
She didn't answer.
Richard looked at his tablet.
"Mrs. Whitmore, your company received three payments from an account associated with Nathan's business.""
Vanessa's face went white.
"Those were consulting fees.""
"Then why were they followed by luxury purchases?""
She swallowed.
I suddenly remembered the bracelet.
The enormous diamond bracelet she had proudly adjusted after slapping me.
"Was that bought with the money?"" I asked.
Vanessa looked away.
Dad turned toward security.
"Make sure she remains available to the investigators.""
Then he looked at Richard.
"Get the original hospital report. Not a copy supplied by Nathan or Margaret. Contact the hospital directly.""
Richard nodded.
"Already underway.""
I held Grace closer.
"There's something I don't understand.""
Dad looked at me.
"What's that?""
"If Nathan believed Grace wasn't his, why did he stay with me?""
Nobody answered.
Then my phone vibrated.
A message appeared.
Nathan.
Where are you? Mom says you've been making trouble at Dad's hotel.
A second message arrived.
Don't believe anything Vanessa tells you. She's unstable.
I stared at the screen.
Before I could respond, another message appeared.
And Danielle, whatever you do, don't let Dad get the original DNA report.
My blood ran cold.
Because Nathan had just confirmed something.
May you like
He knew exactly what we were looking for.
And he was terrified we'd find it.
