Chapter 1 — The Camera Never Blinked
The ambulance sirens grew louder.
For the first time that evening, panic flickered across Preston's face.
"What CCTV?" he asked.
I didn't answer.
Instead, I pressed my hand against Sophie's wound while a hotel medic rushed into the ballroom.
The little girl clung to me, trembling.
"Mommy..."
"I'm here."
"I promise."
Hotel security arrived moments later.
The lead supervisor looked from the bleeding child to the shattered oak menu board lying across the marble floor.
"What happened?"
Before I could speak, Preston stepped forward.
"The child attacked me."
The lie came effortlessly.
"My sister became violent after Sophie stole my phone."
Several guests nodded uncertainly.
They hadn't seen everything.
Only the ending.
Then the hotel manager entered.
His expression changed the instant he saw Sophie.
"This incident occurred beneath Camera Four."
He looked toward security.
"Preserve every recording."
Preston laughed.
"Fine."
"It'll prove she stole from me."
The manager calmly shook his head.
"It will prove everything."
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For the first time all night...
Preston looked nervous.
