Chapter 4 - THE MONEY BENEATH THE MARRIAGE
Elena reached her studio before lunch.
The transfer had failed because her office manager, Tasha Green, refused to approve it without Elena’s verbal authorization. Adrian had used credentials Elena gave him two years earlier when their businesses shared administrative services.
Elena had forgotten the access still existed.
Tasha had not.
“Your husband said it was the reimbursement you promised,” she said.
Elena found the document Adrian referenced.
Six months earlier, she had signed a letter agreeing that her studio might reimburse Vale Urban Development for construction services on the hotel project. The amount was to be calculated after completion.
No final calculation had been approved.
The $460,000 figure came from Adrian.
His company had cash-flow problems. A lender had delayed financing on a condominium project after presales slowed. Adrian had personally guaranteed subcontractor payments and needed money before the end of the week.
Elena understood why he had pushed her to accept the Raleigh installation.
Her absence gave him access to the house, Valeria, and the business account.
Denise instructed the bank to remove Adrian’s authority and preserve login records. Elena notified her accountant and placed a hold on any intercompany payments pending review.
The decision carried an immediate cost.
Without Adrian’s construction team, Elena’s hotel installation could fall behind. Her largest client could withhold final payment. Her employees knew something was wrong before she finished the first meeting.
At Maren’s townhouse, Valeria began refusing food.
She asked whether finishing dinner would make Camila return.
Elena scheduled a pediatric appointment and contacted a child therapist recommended by the hospital.
The therapist advised her not to question Valeria repeatedly.
“Let professionals gather details carefully. Your job is to make food safe again.”
That night, Elena served buttered noodles, apple slices, and milk at Maren’s kitchen table.
Valeria stared at the plate.
“You don’t have to earn dinner,” Elena said. “You don’t lose food because you make a mess.”
Valeria ate three bites.
Then she asked, “Did Daddy tell Miss Camila to throw the shoe?”
Elena did not know.
“I’m going to find out what Daddy told her. You don’t have to solve it.”
After Valeria fell asleep, Denise called with the first response from Adrian’s attorney.
Adrian denied authorizing physical punishment.
He also claimed Camila had no role in the custody plan.
Attached to his response was a statement from Camila.
It said Elena had entered the house violently, threatened her, and caused Valeria’s injury during the confrontation.
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Camila had changed her story.
Someone had given her a reason.
