Chapter 11 - Elise’s Warning
Rebecca contacted Elise Vale.
At first, Elise refused to speak.
Then she learned Madison had been injured.
She arrived at Rebecca’s office carrying a flash drive.
“I did not prepare the final version,” Elise said. “Gloria altered it after I withdrew.”
Madison stared at her.
“You knew about the plan?”
“I knew they wanted a marriage trust. I did not know they intended physical coercion.”
“When did they first discuss my properties?”
Elise looked ashamed.
“Before Ryan proposed.”
Nora covered her mouth.
Elise inserted the flash drive into Rebecca’s laptop.
Emails appeared.
Gloria had sent Ryan a list of unmarried women from wealthy Dallas families.
Beside each name were estimated assets, family influence, and personal vulnerabilities.
Madison’s entry read:
Independent property. Small family circle. Military father frequently absent. Emotionally loyal. Strong rescue potential.
Madison stopped breathing.
Ryan had not met her accidentally at a charity dinner.
Gloria had selected her.
Elise explained that Mercer Crest Holdings had been losing money for three years.
Ryan needed capital but could not secure conventional financing.
Gloria believed marriage offered a cleaner solution.
Elise objected when the trust removed all protections for Madison.
Ryan ended their engagement soon afterward.
“He told everyone I was greedy,” Elise said.
“You were trying to protect yourself,” Madison replied.
Elise nodded.
“And I should have warned you.”
Madison looked at the list again.
Strong rescue potential.
May you like
She was not a bride to them.
She was an asset class.
