My phone filled with messages from relatives who had suddenly discovered an interest in Leo’s condition.
A few sounded genuinely concerned.
Others asked oddly specific questions about Vanguard Alpha and whether David really controlled Eleanor’s financing.
One uncle wanted to know if my husband could arrange a private investment meeting.
I deleted his message.
Another relative warned me that Eleanor was telling everyone David had manipulated me into attacking the family.
I ignored that one too.
Then a link appeared in the family group chat.
It led to a public statement posted through the Vance Family Foundation’s social media account.
The statement described an unfortunate misunderstanding involving a hospitalized child and a private family disagreement.
It claimed Eleanor had remained deeply concerned throughout the evening.
It also accused unnamed outsiders of exploiting the situation for financial advantage.
I read the statement twice.
My hands began shaking.
Not because I believed it.
