The Enemy Within

Vanessa's father stared at her in surprise.

"You've met him?" He asked, settling down on his swivel chair opposite Vanessa.

"Not really. I saw him at a recent award event. He was staring at me like a creep." Vanessa cringed as she explained to her father.

He sighed, his face twisting in pain as he spoke. "Alexander's father... he was my partner. We built this company together. We were like brothers."

Vanessa's eyes narrowed. "What happened?"

His voice dropped to a whisper.

"He stole from us, from me. A lot. I don't know how much. He hid it well. But I knew something was wrong."

Vanessa's grip on her chair tightened. "Why didn't you stop him?" She asked, staring at her father.

Mr. Rodriguez's eyes flashed with anger. "I trusted him. I thought he was my friend. But he was manipulating me, using me."

Vanessa's voice was laced with disgust. "He used you?"

Mr. Rodriguez's jaw clenched. "He did. And when I found out... he was gone. Vanished. Left me to pick up the pieces. Left th