Chapter 17 - The criminal case begins
Prosecution focused on fraud first.
Evidence:
Florence’s original two-page document.
Expanded packet.
Vanessa’s email:
Build final packet around it.
Conflict form marking no sibling interest.
Nicholas beneficial ownership records.
Pilot presentation.
Food-delivery hold.
Projected family-office contract.
Defense:
Florence authorized broad household restructuring.
Signature page generic by design.
Vanessa reasonably believed consent extended.
Nicholas’s investment in Maison was known socially even if form incomplete.
Family office had not awarded contract.
No money obtained beyond refundable pilot fees.
Could felony fraud be proven?
Attempt requires intent plus substantial step.
Likely contested.
Then child charge.
Defense:
Children ate daily.
No medical harm.
Vanessa intended portion control, not deprivation.
Dinner delay on final night due chaotic schedule.
But emails:
Hold everything until meeting.
After approval I can normalize portions.
Hard.
Then Vanessa testified? Later.
First Adrian.
He said:
“I asked if Florence reviewed terms.”
“What did Vanessa say?”
“She approved the household plan.”
“Did you speak to Florence?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I relied on Vanessa.”
“Was that good practice?”
“No.”
Then signature page.
He admitted Bellacourt deliberately used generic signature sheets across pilot documents.
Not illegal by itself.
Poor control.
Then Nicholas.
He admitted financial interest in Maison.
“Did Vanessa know?”
“Yes.”
“Did you discuss family contract?”
“Yes.”
“Did you ask her to hide interest?”
“No.”
No email showing that.
Then:
“Why did she mark none?”
“I don’t know.”
May you like
Important.
No invented conspiracy.
