Chapter 4 - The CameraVanessa stood alone beside the black double doors.
Adrian approached her.
“Give me your phone.”
“No.”
His expression changed.
Margaret stepped closer.
“You are an employee of this family.”
Vanessa looked at her.
“I’m your daughter.”
Silence.
For thirty-one years, Margaret had praised Adrian as the heir.
Vanessa became useful only when the company needed someone to clean up financial records.
She had the education.
The licenses.
The knowledge.
Adrian received the title.
Vanessa received instructions.
Margaret held out her hand.
“The phone.”
Vanessa stepped backward.
“No.”
Adrian’s face hardened.
“You submitted Claire’s signature.”
Vanessa stared.
“What?”
“The bank traced it to your device.”
“I didn’t.”
“Then prove it.”
Vanessa unlocked her phone.
Her finance application had been accessed fourteen minutes earlier.
The authorization log showed a remote connection from Margaret’s private office.
Everyone looked at the older woman.
Margaret remained composed.
“Devices are shared during events.”
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
“You used my credentials.”
“I protected the company.”
“You framed Claire.”
Margaret’s eyes narrowed.
“Claire was already becoming a problem.”
Vanessa looked toward the security dome above the chandelier.
A tiny red light blinked.
Adrian followed her gaze.
“The foyer camera.”
Margaret went still.
The mansion’s security system had recorded the slap.
But more importantly, it had recorded Margaret leaving her private office moments before Claire’s forged signature was transmitted.
Adrian whispered:
“Delete it.”
The door attendant spoke for the first time.
“I can’t, sir.”
“Why?”
“The archive transferred when Phase One activated.”
“To where?”
May you like
The attendant looked toward the dark driveway.
“To Mrs. Vale.”
