Chapter 2 - THE REFLECTION BESIDE THE TABLE.
Elena claimed the reflected man was a waiter.
Sophie enlarged the image.
The figure wore a custom Hale Foundation cuff link issued only to family trustees and senior executives.
Richard’s younger brother, Nathan, owned the same pair.
Elena immediately changed her story.
“Nathan may have walked past. That proves nothing.”
Richard looked at her coldly.
“It proves you were not alone.”
Elena turned toward the guests.
“Are we really going to destroy a marriage because a server filmed a private moment?”
Sophie answered before Richard could.
“You made it public when you tried to make him drink it in a room full of witnesses.”
Elena’s eyes narrowed.
“You should be careful. Girls who live on hourly wages rarely survive accusations against families like ours.”
The threat was quiet, but every banquet worker heard it.
Richard asked why Sophie had been recording the table.
She explained that Elena had ordered her removed from the ballroom earlier after Sophie questioned why staff service charges were missing from payroll.
The Hale Foundation advertised the gala as support for hospitality workers.
Yet banquet employees received reduced tips while guests donated millions.
Richard looked toward the hotel manager.
The man lowered his eyes.
Then Sophie opened another video.
It showed Nathan handing Elena the vial in the service corridor.
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His voice was clear:
“Once Richard is out, the board signs everything tonight.”
