Chapter 3 - The True Colors of Vanessa Hale
With the threat of financial ruin looming over them, Vanessa Hale’s affectionate demeanor began to evaporate rapidly.
Inside the penthouse suite she shared with Damian, the air was thick with tension. Suitcases lay open on the designer bed, half-packed with expensive designer clothes and jewelry.
"What are you doing, Vanessa?" Damian demanded, entering the bedroom to find her packing. "My company is in a temporary liquidity crisis. I need you to talk to your father. If Hale Industries can provide a temporary guarantee for our loans, we can stabilize the stock!"
Vanessa paused, holding a diamond necklace up to the light before tossing it into her suitcase. She turned to him, her expression devoid of the sweet, comforting warmth she had displayed at the gala.
"Are you insane, Damian?" she scoffed, her voice sharp and mocking. "My father is already in emergency meetings trying to distance Hale Industries from you. Do you think we’re going to sink our own ship to save your drowning family?"
Damian stepped backward, shocked by her coldness. "You said you loved me. You said Isabella was holding me back, that we were meant to build an empire together!"
"I loved the Damian Cross who was the heir to a multi-billion dollar estate," Vanessa retorted, zipping up her suitcase with a loud, aggressive click. "I didn't sign up to be the partner of a bankrupt executive with a criminal fraud investigation looming over his head. Your mother is a delusional snob, and you are a weak man who couldn't even see that his own wife was holding your entire life together."
"Vanessa—"
"Save it, Damian," she interrupted, grabbing her bags. "I’m going to Paris. Don't call me. My lawyers will handle any questions about the shared accounts."
As the door slammed shut behind her, Damian collapsed onto the edge of the bed. He remembered Isabella’s quiet, steady presence. For four years, she had never raised her voice, never demanded expensive gifts, and had always been there to pick up the pieces when his business ventures failed.
He had traded a diamond for cheap, glittering glass. And now, he was left with nothing but the shards.
May you like
That afternoon, a viral video began circulating on Facebook and TikTok. It was a leaked recording from the gala, showing the exact moment Damian threw the divorce papers at Isabella, followed by Arthur Pendelton’s dramatic entrance. The caption read: "When you try to humble your 'poor' wife, but find out her family owns your entire existence."
Within hours, the video gained millions of views. The public commentary was ruthless. The Cross brand was officially toxic.
