Chapter 4: The Livestream
Chapter 4: The Livestream
Victoria was halfway through a toast inside the ballroom when flashing blue and red lights illuminated the mansion windows.
The music stopped.
Guests turned toward the entrance.
Heavy footsteps echoed through the marble foyer.
Federal investigators entered alongside local detectives carrying search warrants.
"What is the meaning of this?" Victoria demanded.
Before anyone answered, Valerie walked into the room.
Supporting her mother.
The ballroom fell completely silent.
Several guests gasped.
Many had believed Beatrice was vacationing overseas.
Victoria's face turned white.
"I can explain—"
"No," Valerie interrupted.
"You've already explained."
She connected her phone to the ballroom television.
Video filled the massive screen.
The cage.
Victoria threatening Beatrice.
The forged documents.
Private security discussing orders to keep the old woman hidden.
Everything had been recorded.
Unknown to Victoria, one of the replacement security contractors had secretly worn a miniature camera after becoming disturbed by what he'd witnessed.
He had anonymously uploaded the footage to military investigators earlier that afternoon.
There was nowhere left to hide.
Handcuffs clicked around Victoria's wrists.
The investors quietly stepped away.
No one spoke in her defense.
As officers escorted her toward the waiting vehicles, she glanced desperately at Julian, who had rushed home after receiving Valerie's emergency call.
His expression carried only heartbreak.
"I trusted you," he said softly.
Victoria lowered her eyes.
May you like
For the first time in years...
She had nothing to say.
