Chapter Two: The Secret in the Library
Alexander locked the salon doors and led Emma into the library. Vanessa followed, demanding that he call the police, but he ordered the guards to remain outside.
Alexander inserted the memory card into his laptop.
The first recording showed Vanessa entering the library with Richard Cole, Alexander’s chief financial officer. They spoke beside the fireplace, unaware that one camera had continued recording after the system was supposedly disabled.
Richard placed several documents on the desk.
“When Alexander signs the merger,” he said, “the shell company receives the transfer. By the time he discovers the missing money, the board will blame him.”
Vanessa smiled. “And after the scandal, he’ll need someone loyal beside him.”
The next recording was worse.
Vanessa and Richard discussed the crash that had killed Alexander’s father eleven months earlier. Richard admitted that he had paid a mechanic to damage the brakes. They had intended only to frighten the older man into abandoning an investigation, but the car had gone over a bridge.
Alexander sat completely still.
His father’s death had been ruled an accident. Alexander had blamed himself for not answering the last call his father made that night.
On the screen, Vanessa lifted her champagne.
“One dead Hart was unfortunate,” she said. “Two would be careless. Make sure Alexander signs before we leave the country.”
The recording ended.
Then Vanessa lunged for the laptop.
Emma stepped between them. Vanessa struck her across the face, but Alexander caught Vanessa’s wrist before she could do it again.
“You forced her to kneel because she found this?” he asked.
Vanessa’s elegant mask disappeared.
“I did what was necessary,” she snapped. “Do you know how many years I spent smiling at your family while they treated me like decoration? Your father never trusted me.”
“My mother’s necklace is around your throat.”
Vanessa touched the diamonds instinctively.
Alexander’s voice became quiet. “Take it off.”
With shaking fingers, she unclasped the necklace and dropped it onto the desk.
A crash sounded outside. Richard had entered through the service door and was trying to escape after receiving Vanessa’s warning message.
Alexander called the police, but Vanessa laughed.
“You think that card saves you? Richard has people everywhere. By sunrise, the evidence will disappear.”
Emma wiped blood from her mouth.
“No,” she said. “It won’t.”
She had copied the recordings before the gala and attached them to a scheduled email. If she did not cancel it by midnight, the files would go to the police, three news organizations, and every member of Hart Industries’ board.
Vanessa stared at her.
“You’re a maid.”
Emma met her eyes. “I’m also a cybersecurity student. I took this job because my mother needed surgery, not because I was stupid.”
Police sirens rose beyond the gates.
Vanessa turned toward Alexander. “We were going to be married.”
“No,” he said. “You were going to bury me.”
When officers entered, Richard was already restrained by security. Vanessa was arrested for conspiracy, assault, fraud, and obstruction. As she was led across the salon, the guests who had ignored Emma finally moved aside.
May you like
Emma did not watch her leave.
She looked down at the wet cloth still lying on the floor.
