CHAPTER 3 — THE FOOTAGE
William nodded once.
The ballroom lights dimmed.
A massive LED screen descended from the ceiling.
Nathan laughed weakly.
"You don't have anything."
Amelia looked directly at him.
"I never rely on memories."
"I rely on evidence."
The security footage began playing.
Every camera angle.
Nathan grabbing Amelia's wrist.
Shoving her into the marble wall.
Ignoring her repeated attempts to step away.
Several guests watching.
Some whispering.
Others deliberately turning away.
No dramatic music.
No narration.
Only reality.
When the recording ended...
Silence felt heavier than any accusation.
A senator quietly removed the Ashcroft campaign pin from his lapel.
One investor stood.
"Our merger is canceled."
Another executive followed.
"So is our partnership."
Within minutes...
Nathan's phone vibrated nonstop.
Contracts withdrawn.
Board members requesting emergency meetings.
Media outlets asking for statements.
His own father slowly approached him.
Richard Ashcroft looked exhausted.
"You inherited our family name," he said quietly.
"But you forgot what it was supposed to represent."
He removed the Ashcroft signet ring from Nathan's hand.
"You will not lead this company."
Not because William demanded it.
Because Richard refused to reward violence with power.
Nathan lowered his head.
May you like
For the first time...
No one rushed to defend him.
