CHAPTER 2 — The Footage
Khloe was rushed into an examination room.
The baby’s heartbeat filled the room after several unbearable minutes.
Fast.
Alive.
Marcus closed his eyes like a man who had been holding his breath for years.
Khloe cried silently.
But relief did not erase what had happened.
Outside, Dr. Vale ordered every hallway sealed and every camera reviewed.
Isabella sat in a private waiting area, arms crossed, still pretending confidence.
Marcus stood across from her.
“You should be with your wife,” Isabella said softly. “Unless part of you knows I’m telling the truth.”
Marcus looked at her with disgust.
“You always thought beauty made you believable.”
Her smile faded.
Twenty minutes later, Elaine returned with hospital security.
Behind them, Dr. Vale carried a tablet.
“We found the footage,” he said.
Isabella’s face tightened.
The video played.
Khloe backing away.
Isabella shoving her.
The glass falling.
The heel striking Khloe’s side.
No argument.
No confusion.
No self-defense.
Just violence.
Marcus’s jaw hardened.
But then Dr. Vale swiped to another clip.
“This was recorded earlier tonight near the east service hall.”
The footage changed.
Isabella stood with a man in a black suit.
Marcus recognized him instantly.
Damon Pierce.
His closest business advisor.
His friend.
The man had one hand on Isabella’s waist. She leaned into him, laughing. Then Damon kissed her.
Marcus went completely still.
The next clip showed Damon handing Isabella a small envelope.
The audio was faint, but clear enough.
“After tonight, Marcus will think she lost the baby because of stress,” Damon said. “Then you push for the divorce.”
Isabella whispered something back.
“And the trust?”
Damon smiled.
“Once Khloe is gone, Marcus will be easy to break.”
The room seemed to lose air.
Marcus looked at Isabella.
For the first time, she had no performance ready.
No tears.
May you like
No excuse.
Only fear.
