CHAPTER 2 — THE CAMERA NEVER LIED
The police arrived before anyone dared touch the cake.
Two officers pushed through the crowd while paramedics hurried toward Ethan. Rachel refused to let go of her son as a medic gently cleaned the deep cut on his cheek.
"He'll need stitches," the medic said quietly.
Vanessa scoffed.
"Can we hurry this up? My engagement party is being ruined over a little scratch."
Several guests exchanged uncomfortable looks.
Officer Daniel Morris glanced at the blood-covered cake before turning toward the ballroom manager.
"Your security cameras work?"
The manager swallowed.
"They record twenty-four hours a day."
For the first time that evening...
Vanessa stopped smiling.
"No need," she interrupted quickly. "My bracelet was already recovered."
Officer Morris looked at Ethan.
"The bracelet isn't what I'm investigating."
He nodded toward the broken crystal glass.
"A child was assaulted."
Silence spread through the ballroom.
Rachel gently brushed Ethan's hair away from his forehead.
"My son never touched her bracelet."
Vanessa laughed.
"Of course you're going to defend him."
Rachel slowly stood.
"Then let's watch the video."
Her words landed like thunder.
Vanessa's face lost all color.
"No."
Everyone turned toward her.
"I mean... there's no reason to embarrass the family further."
Rachel smiled for the first time all evening.
"A few seconds ago you wanted everyone to believe my son was a thief."
She pointed toward the blinking camera.
"Now you don't want anyone watching what actually happened?"
Nobody answered.
May you like
The ballroom manager quietly disappeared into the security office.
And Vanessa suddenly looked like someone running out of time.
