The Gala Invitation
Chapter 06 - The Gala Invitation
The annual Ashford Foundation Winter Gala was one week away. Conrad planned to announce Adrian as the foundation’s next executive director, a decision that would place nearly every Ashford asset under their control.
Noah believed the gala offered their best chance to expose the truth before Conrad could bury it again. Elena hated the idea of returning to the manor, but Teresa’s journal and the switched DNA sample were not enough. Conrad would call the photograph sentimental, the letter forged, and Noah biased.
They needed the original security files.
Mateo discovered that the manor’s cameras automatically stored an unedited backup on a maintenance server for thirty days. His scholarship program had taught him network architecture, and he recognized the equipment manufacturer from a photo Noah had taken.
“I can tell you where the backup terminal should be,” Mateo said. “But you are not going alone.”
Elena refused to involve him. Conrad had already threatened his future.
A surprising ally solved the problem. Adrian Ashford appeared at Noah’s office after midnight, wearing a baseball cap and looking nothing like the polished heir from the newspapers.
“Conrad is watching me,” he said. “He told me Elena was a fraud, but I heard him ordering the lab switch.”
Adrian admitted he had lied about seeing Elena near the necklace. Conrad promised him control of the foundation and warned that Evelyn would leave everything to charity if he refused to cooperate. Adrian had spent his life desperate for his aunt’s approval and had chosen ambition over decency.
“Why help us now?” Elena asked.
“Because Conrad changed the foundation documents. I am not taking control. He is.”
Adrian gave them a key card and the gala’s service schedule. In return, he asked for one thing: Evelyn must hear the truth privately before it became public.
On gala night, Elena entered Ashford Manor in a borrowed black dress instead of a maid’s uniform. Conversations stopped as she crossed the ballroom. Evelyn stood beneath the chandeliers, pale but unbowed.
Conrad moved toward security, but Noah handed him a court notice preserving all digital records related to the necklace investigation.
While the guests watched, Elena approached Evelyn and said, “Your son left proof. I am asking you to look at it before Conrad destroys what remains of him.”
Evelyn’s eyes moved from Elena to Conrad.
Then every screen in the ballroom went black.
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A moment later, security footage began to play.
It showed Conrad opening Elena’s locker and placing the necklace inside.
