Chapter 3: Every Lie Begins to Collapse
Richard looked toward the head of security.
"Bring in the recordings."
Within seconds, the ballroom's giant LED screen flickered to life.
Security footage filled the wall.
The timestamp showed only twenty minutes earlier.
Everyone watched as Vanessa quietly removed her own bracelet before slipping it into a decorative flower arrangement.
A collective gasp swept through the guests.
The next clip appeared.
Claire walked past without noticing anything.
Then Ethan grabbed her arm.
Hard.
The bruises forming on her shoulder suddenly made perfect sense.
Another video played.
Claire tried to pull away.
Ethan shoved her into the marble column with enough force to knock her to the floor.
Someone in the audience whispered,
"My God..."
Vanessa covered her mouth.
Ethan turned pale.
Richard's voice became ice.
"You framed her."
Neither of them answered.
"You assaulted her."
Still silence.
"You lied to every person in this room."
The board members slowly rose from their seats.
One after another.
May you like
Not to support Ethan.
To distance themselves from him.
