“A custody matter?” Vanessa’s voice rose. “You told me the custody hearing was settled. You told me the mother gave up her rights.”

Nathan stepped forward, his shadow falling over the two women.

“Grant is facing federal bank fraud charges, Vanessa,” Nathan said. “The FBI is freezing his accounts as we speak.”

Vanessa took a step back, her hand dropping from her travel bag.

“He used your family’s political connections to clear this flight plan,” Nathan added. “If that plane takes off with Rosie, you are an accomplice to federal kidnapping.”

Vanessa’s face went completely pale.

The air in the lobby felt heavy, the sound of the idling jet engines vibrating through the glass walls.

“He told me we were getting married next month,” Vanessa whispered.

“He wanted your family’s money to pay off his debts,” I said. “And he wanted your clean reputation to cover his tracks.”

Evelyn glared at me, her eyes filled with hatred.

“You quiet, insignificant little girl,” Evelyn said to me. “You have ruined everything.”

Vanessa looked at Evelyn, then at the security trucks visible through the window.