Chapter 8 - The Gala's Second Invitation
The message led investigators to a surveillance camera near the roadside motel. Its footage showed a dark vehicle following Anna's car, but the license plate was obscured.
The police intensified their search.
Meanwhile, the foundation's independent audit revealed a network of questionable payments routed through companies associated with Richard Rochefort. Several grant applications contained forged signatures, and records suggested that money intended for children's shelters had been diverted to private accounts.
The evidence was substantial enough for investigators to obtain warrants.
Richard denied wrongdoing.
Elisa insisted that the payments had been approved by others and that she had never threatened Anna.
The investigation continued.
Damon's lawyers advised him to cancel the foundation's upcoming public fundraiser. Instead, he changed its purpose. The event would focus on transparency, and every dollar raised would be independently monitored.
The board objected.
“You're inviting the press into a financial crisis,” one member warned.
“The press is already here,” Damon replied. “The only question is whether we tell the truth.”
On the evening of the fundraiser, Elisa arrived unannounced.
She wore a black gown and carried herself with the same confidence she had displayed at the first gala.
“I want to speak with you privately,” she said.
Damon agreed only after Detective Mitchell confirmed that officers were nearby.
Elisa entered his office and closed the door.
“You have no idea what you're doing,” she said.
“Then explain it.”
“My father built a business that employs thousands of people. Amelia was going to destroy it over accounting errors.”
“Those weren't accounting errors. Money intended for children disappeared.”
“People move money between accounts. That's how business works.”
“Not when the money belongs to starving families.”
Elisa's composure cracked.
“Your sister was reckless. She thought she could expose everyone and walk away untouched.”
Damon's voice became quiet.
“Are you saying you knew she was in danger?”
Elisa looked away.
“I didn't know what would happen.”
“What does that mean?”
She pressed her lips together.
For a moment, Damon thought she might finally tell him the truth.
Instead, she said, “You should have left the girl alone. Anna made her choices. You don't have to ruin your life because of them.”
Damon opened the office door.
“Detective Mitchell would like to speak with you.”
Elisa's face changed.
Two officers stepped inside. They informed her that she was being questioned in connection with the financial investigation and the threats against Anna. She was not convicted, and the officers made no claim that the case against her was complete.
As she was escorted out, she turned toward Damon.
“You think you're a hero because you gave a child a piece of cake?”
“No,” he said. “I think I failed because she had to beg for it.”
The event began without Elisa.
Damon stood before the guests and explained the foundation's failures. He did not reveal Lily's name or tell the public details of her trauma. He announced an independent oversight committee, direct payments to verified shelters, and a review of every grant issued during the previous decade.
Some donors left.
Others stayed.
By midnight, the foundation had received commitments from several organizations willing to support the reforms.
Then Detective Mitchell approached Damon.
“We found Anna.”
He stopped breathing for a moment.
“Is she alive?”
“Yes. She's at a secure location with officers. She's safe, though frightened.”
“Can I see her?”
“Not until she agrees. She wants to see Lily first.”
Damon closed his eyes briefly.
After weeks of uncertainty, the little girl might finally see her mother again.
May you like
But Mitchell was not finished.
“There's another development. Anna says she has direct evidence identifying the person who ordered the threats. She also believes that person knows more about Amelia's accident than anyone has admitted.”
