Chapter 9 - The Livestream Had a Second Audio Track
The platform’s preserved file contained more audio than the version visible on Vanessa’s tablet.
A wireless microphone had been active nearby.
It captured Vanessa speaking off-camera before Lily entered.
Gavin was on speakerphone.
His voice was clear.
“I’m serious. If Dad hasn’t signed off, don’t use the kid.”
Vanessa answered:
“Daniel signs whatever Mom puts in front of him.”
I froze.
Mom?
Gavin said:
“You told me you had a release.”
“I will.”
Then Vanessa laughed.
“Worst case, Mom handles him.”
That pointed us toward a document I had never seen.
A media release supposedly granting Vanessa’s salon permission to photograph and film Lily for promotional purposes.
My signature was at the bottom.
Not mine.
It looked close.
But I hadn't signed it.
I showed Mom.
Her face collapsed.
“I thought it was for the Thanksgiving video.”
“Did you sign my name?”
“No.”
“Then who did?”
She looked toward Vanessa’s empty salon chair.
My sister.
Vanessa had created the release.
Mom had witnessed it.
Not realizing—or not wanting to know—that the signature was false.
That was serious enough.
But the recording gave us something more.
Vanessa continued talking after the call ended.
She apparently believed the microphone was muted.
“It’ll be worth it when he sees the balance.”
A second woman asked:
“What balance?”
Vanessa answered:
“Lily’s account.”
I stopped the recording.
My daughter had an investment account established by my late father.
Vanessa knew it existed.
Why was she talking about it during a haircut livestream?
The financial motive had just expanded.
May you like
This wasn’t only about selling hair or saving a salon.
Somehow Vanessa believed what she was doing would give her access to money belonging to Lily.
