"Yes, Mom."
Catherine placed an arm around her daughter.
"Then let's stop wasting our time here."
But before they could leave, Daniel spoke.
"Mrs. Bennett, please. We should talk about the business arrangement."
Catherine stopped.
"What business arrangement?"
Daniel swallowed.
"The investment."
Catherine looked at him.
"What investment?"
CHAPTER 7: THE REAL REASON DANIEL WAS AFRAID
Daniel had been hoping that Olivia would never reveal the financial documents.
He had borrowed money from her.
But there was another issue.
He had also used the credibility of the Bennett family name when negotiating with potential business partners.
He had implied that Catherine's company would eventually invest in his business.
That claim had helped him secure meetings and convince several people to consider financing his expansion.
But Catherine had never promised such an investment.
In fact, she had repeatedly told him that any business relationship would require an independent financial review.
Daniel had ignored those warnings.
Vanessa knew some of the details, but she had never understood how serious the situation was.
Now she looked at Daniel.
"What investment is he talking about?"
Daniel tried to change the subject.
"Vanessa, this isn't the time."
Catherine looked at him.
"Did you tell people my company was investing in your business?"
Daniel remained silent.
Catherine's expression hardened.
"Did you use my company's name without authorization?"
Daniel finally answered.
"I was trying to create opportunities."
Catherine shook her head.
"That is not an answer."
She took out her phone.
"I will have our legal department review everything."
Daniel panicked.
"Please, Mrs. Bennett. Don't make this bigger than it needs to be."
Catherine looked at him.
"You made it bigger when you decided to use my daughter's trust and my company's reputation to support your lies."
Vanessa stared at Daniel.
"Is that true?"
He said nothing.
Her confidence began disappearing.
The man she had believed was building a successful business had apparently been relying on someone else's money and reputation.
CHAPTER 8: THE PHONE CALL
Catherine stepped away from the group and called her company's legal director.
She explained the situation briefly.
Then she requested a review of all documents connected to Daniel's company.