She considered Daniel's wealth a resource Vanessa should have access to.
She considered Amelia an inconvenient obligation from a previous marriage.
And she believed the existence of Naomi's trust proved that the child had more financial protection than she needed.
One evening, while Daniel was away for a single night, Diane sat with Vanessa in the kitchen.
Trevor was there too.
They were discussing his latest failed investment.
Vanessa rubbed her forehead.
"I can't keep paying his bills."
Diane looked offended.
"He's trying."
Trevor shrugged.
"The contract fell through. It happens."
Vanessa stared.
"You said the money was secured."
"It was supposed to be."
She closed her eyes.
Diane leaned forward.
"Doesn't Daniel have resources?"
Vanessa looked up sharply.
"I'm not asking my husband to pay Trevor's business debts."
"Why not?"
"Because they're Trevor's debts."
The younger man rolled his eyes.
"Thanks."
Diane ignored him.
She glanced toward a stack of mail on the counter.
A Westbridge Trust Company envelope rested near the top.
She pointed toward it.
"What's that?"
Vanessa followed her gaze.
"Amelia's trust."
Diane's expression changed.
"How much money?"
Vanessa hesitated.
"I don't know exactly."
Her mother leaned back.
"Surely the child doesn't need all of it immediately."
Vanessa stared.
"Diane."
"I'm asking a question."
Trevor looked toward the envelope.
For a moment, something calculating entered his expression.
Then he said, "Depends on what the trust allows."
Vanessa did not answer.
But she did not put the envelope away either.
And the three adults began discussing money that was never theirs to spend.
The scheme developed through a series of dishonest decisions rather than one sudden theft.
Trevor had a small consulting company with an account history and a business registration. It had performed legitimate administrative work in the past, though most of its recent projects had failed.
He proposed submitting charges for support services supposedly provided to Amelia during Daniel's travel.
Vanessa objected at first.
"She doesn't need that."
Trevor shrugged.
"Lots of families use home-care support and respite services."
"But we haven't hired anybody."
Diane leaned forward.
"Then hire somebody."
Vanessa stared.
"Who?"
Trevor gave an evasive answer.
The conversation continued.
Over time, the proposal became more specific.
Documents were prepared claiming Amelia had received services that had not actually been delivered.