Chapter 5 - THE DIAMONDS WERE COLLATERALAurelia Fine Jewels cooperated with investigators.
Vanessa had purchased three major pieces over six months.
Necklace.
Bracelet.
Loose diamond.
Total retail price approximately $412,000.
Not all paid from the twins’ expense account.
Money flowed:
VSA invoices.
Personal line of credit.
Transfers from a household reserve.
Then jewelry purchases.
Voss took the loose diamond.
The bracelet had already been sold through a broker.
The necklace remained with Vanessa because Voss refused it after an appraiser questioned one stone.
That was the piece I saw under the chandelier.
The symbol everyone would later remember.
But I learned not to overfocus on it.
The diamonds were not why my children were hungry.
Vanessa’s decisions were.
May you like
Objects do not starve toddlers.
People choose to.
Related Stories
Chapter 6 - VANESSA SAID SHE WAS PROTECTING MEHer first full statement through counsel lasted four hours.
Chapter 7 - MY SISTER FOUND THE ACCOUNT I DIDN’T KNOW EXISTEDMy younger sister, Caroline Hartwell, was not involved in daily company operations.
Chapter 8 - THE CHILD-EXPENSE ACCOUNT WAS CLOSEDI closed it.
Chapter 9 - VOSS HAD ONE MORE PERSON INSIDE HARTWELLThe investigation widened.
Chapter 10 - MY CHILDREN ASKED IF MOMMY WAS COMING HOMEThis was harder than any board meeting.
Chapter 11 - THE COMPANY SURVIVED THE TRUTHWe disclosed Dad’s emergency shipments to relevant manufacturers and regulators.
