Chapter 2: The Second Folder
The rain intensified outside, streaking against the tall windows like silver threads.
Inside the dining hall, no one moved.
Jonathan Hayes slowly opened the second folder.
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"What now?"
Jonathan removed several photographs and spread them across the table.
Emma recognized them immediately.
Luxury vacations.
Private dinners.
Hotel receipts.
Years of evidence.
Vanessa stared at the photographs.
At first, confusion crossed her face.
Then realization.
Then horror.
One receipt carried a date from nearly three years earlier.
A date long before Daniel had claimed their relationship began.
"You told me you were separated," Vanessa whispered.
Daniel said nothing.
Jonathan placed another document beside the photographs.
"The evidence indicates multiple affairs over the course of seven years."
Vanessa's face turned pale.
"You lied to me too."
For the first time that evening, Daniel looked trapped.
Not angry.
Not arrogant.
Trapped.
Emma felt something unexpected.
Not satisfaction.
Relief.
The burden she had carried for years was finally leaving her shoulders.
Vanessa slowly removed the diamond bracelet Daniel had given her.
She placed it on the table.
Without another word, she walked toward the door.
No one tried to stop her.
The mansion door closed behind her.
Daniel watched her leave.
Then he turned toward Emma.
"You planned all of this."
Emma nodded.
May you like
"Yes."
"And I'd do it again."
