Chapter 2: The Recording
Vanessa finally recovered enough confidence to point accusingly at Maria.
"This servant planned everything!"
Maria lowered her head.
"I only tried to protect Mr. Ashford."
"Liar!" Vanessa shouted.
Before she could continue, Adrian raised one finger.
A large television hidden behind decorative curtains illuminated the patio.
His head of security stepped forward holding a tablet.
"I think," Adrian said evenly, "everyone should see what happened before today's engagement ceremony."
The security footage began to play.
The first video showed Vanessa entering Adrian's private office the previous night.
She searched through locked drawers.
She photographed confidential medical files.
She smiled after reading them.
The second recording came from the patio only minutes before the guests arrived.
Maria carefully adjusted Adrian's blanket.
Vanessa shoved the elderly servant aside.
The tray crashed.
Glass shattered.
Maria fell hard onto the marble.
Without offering help, Vanessa laughed.
"I'll replace you with someone younger after the wedding."
Several guests looked away in disgust.
Then the final recording appeared.
Vanessa whispered into her phone.
"Once I marry him, I'll have power of attorney."
"I'll sell the company within six months."
"And if he never walks again..."
"...even better."
The recording ended.
No one defended her.
May you like
Not one person.
Vanessa realized too late that every lie she had carefully built had collapsed in less than five minutes.
