Chapter 3: The Web of Lies Unraveled
The atmosphere in the ballroom shifted from luxury to a crime scene in a heartbeat. Julian stared at the phone, then at his wife. The color drained from his face until he looked like a statue.
Victoria, realizing the game was up, didn't cry. She didn't apologize. She straightened her gown, smoothed her hair, and her expression morphed into one of pure, unadulterated hatred.
"You really thought you could pin this on me?" she whispered, her voice dangerously calm. "Do you think the Board of Directors will believe a maid over a Sterling? You are nothing, Elena. You are a ghost in this house."
"I am the person who kept the records," Elena replied, stepping closer, unafraid now. "I knew about the shell accounts you opened in the Cayman Islands. I knew about your meetings with the rival firm, Apex Industries. You didn't just want him dead, Victoria. You wanted to inherit his legacy and burn it to the ground."
Julian looked at his guests, then back at his wife. "Is it true?"
Victoria laughed, a hollow sound that chilled everyone present. "He was holding me back, Julian! You’re soft. You’re sentimental. I built this empire with you, but I deserve to own it."
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Julian signaled the police, who were already pushing through the crowd. As the officers approached, Victoria didn't run. She stood there, regal and defiant, until the steel cuffs clicked shut around her wrists.
"You haven't won, Julian," she spat as they dragged her away. "You have no idea what else is buried in this house."
