Chapter 18 — The Recording
Inside Daniel's office, dozens of security feeds covered the wall.
He played footage from two days earlier.
Vanessa entered her bedroom carrying the folder containing the silicone-belly receipts.
A few minutes later, Ethan walked past the open door.
He glanced inside.
Never stepped into the room.
Never touched anything.
Never opened a drawer.
Seconds later...
Vanessa herself placed the folder on the dining table.
Later that afternoon, Ethan photographed it.
Then carefully returned every document exactly where it had been.
Daniel paused the video.
"Watch this."
Another camera angle appeared.
After Ethan left...
Vanessa deliberately scattered clothing across the bedroom.
Pulled open drawers.
Knocked a jewelry box onto the floor.
Then picked up her phone.
Twenty minutes later...
Nathan arrived home.
The performance began.
Claire stared silently.
"She staged everything."
Daniel nodded.
"But that's not the worst part."
He loaded another recording.
The night before.
Vanessa stood alone in the bedroom.
She removed the fake pregnancy belly.
Claire covered her mouth.
May you like
Daniel whispered,
"Now we know."
