Chapter 7 - YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY PERSON I DECEIVED
The unauthorized access came from Julian’s executive suite.
He was banned from the hotel.
Someone else was helping him.
Security entered the suite.
It was empty.
A laptop remained active behind the desk.
The user had connected remotely and escaped before doors were sealed.
The laptop belonged to Vanessa’s uncle, Gregory Ashford.
He chaired the hotel group.
Gregory denied knowledge.
He claimed Julian borrowed the computer.
Access logs showed Gregory’s fingerprint unlocked it ten minutes earlier.
The initials G.M. did not match.
Unless the surname was false too.
Police found an older passport inside a private safe.
Gregory Michael Lane.
He had changed his name after marrying into the Ashford family.
G.M.
Gregory helped Julian fake his death.
Why?
The ledger answered.
Julian had been Gregory’s financial operator for years.
They targeted wealthy women and vulnerable family businesses.
Julian built relationships.
Gregory created documents.
They moved money together.
Then Julian began planning to steal from Gregory too.
Vanessa was both target and leverage.
Julian intended to use her access to Ashford Hotels.
Gregory intended to blame Julian and retain part of the proceeds.
Neither trusted the other.
Vanessa’s family betrayal was deeper than mine.
Her own uncle had introduced Julian to her at a charity dinner.
“I thought he wanted me to be happy,” she said.
“He wanted you to open the door.”
Gregory disappeared before police could detain him.
Security found a hotel uniform missing.
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A service elevator moved toward the lobby.
Then the fire alarm began.
