Chapter 3 - Camera Seven
The Bennett ballroom glittered beneath thousands of crystals.
A string orchestra played near the staircase while servers carried champagne between clusters of powerful guests.
Sophia stood beside Adrian as photographers called their names.
“Closer together,” one requested.
Adrian wrapped an arm around her waist.
His touch looked protective.
Sophia knew it was possession.
She smiled for the camera.
Vanessa arrived in a silver gown with her father, Marcus Cross.
She looked directly at Adrian before greeting anyone else.
The exchange lasted only a moment, but Sophia saw everything in it.
Familiarity.
Anticipation.
Victory.
Vanessa approached Sophia.
“You look beautiful.”
“So do you.”
Vanessa touched the diamond bracelet on her wrist.
It matched the necklace Adrian had given Sophia.
“Adrian has excellent taste,” Vanessa said.
Sophia smiled.
“He often repeats himself.”
Vanessa’s expression tightened.
Marcus Cross stepped forward.
He was a broad-shouldered man in his late fifties with the calm arrogance of someone who had never been denied anything.
“Mrs. Bennett,” he said. “You must be excited. A son changes everything in a family like this.”
“A son changes everything in any family.”
Marcus glanced toward her stomach.
“Not quite like this.”
Adrian quickly redirected the conversation.
Sophia looked across the room.
Julian stood near the bar, watching her.
She moved away from Adrian under the excuse of greeting guests.
Julian followed her into the library.
“You went through the drawer,” he said.
“You knew what was inside.”
“I knew about the custody plan.”
“Not the agreement?”
Julian’s eyes shifted.
“You found it.”
“And the name Gabriel.”
Julian closed the library door.
“Forget that name.”
“Why?”
“Because Father has spent twenty-nine years making sure no one speaks it.”
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know.”
“You’re lying.”
Julian looked toward the ballroom.
“When I was twelve, I heard my parents arguing. Mother accused Father of paying someone to disappear. She said Gabriel should never have been born.”
Sophia’s skin went cold.
“Was he Charles’s son?”
“Possibly.”
“Then why isn’t he part of the family?”
“I asked Father once. He struck me.”
Sophia touched the secure drive hidden inside her purse.
“Someone has been sending me information.”
Julian’s face changed.
“What kind of information?”
“Hotel records. Photographs. Instructions.”
“From Gabriel?”
“I don’t know.”
Julian moved closer.
“Stop answering those messages.”
“The sender is helping me.”
“Or guiding you into a trap.”
“You gave me the key.”
“That doesn’t mean I trust a stranger.”
Before Sophia could respond, Adrian entered.
“What are you two discussing?”
Julian smiled.
“Your speech. I told Sophia you’ll probably mention yourself at least twelve times.”
Adrian did not laugh.
He looked at Sophia.
“Vanessa said you were rude to her.”
“I told her you repeat yourself.”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed.
“Can we speak privately?”
Julian stepped between them.
“The speeches begin in ten minutes.”
Adrian ignored him.
“Sophia.”
She followed Adrian into the corridor.
The moment they were alone, he gripped her elbow.
“You will not embarrass me tonight.”
His fingers pressed hard enough to hurt.
Sophia looked down at his hand.
“Let go.”
“I need you to understand what is at stake.”
“I understand more than you think.”
Adrian released her.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Sophia met his gaze.
“Nothing.”
He studied her carefully.
Then his expression softened.
“I’m under pressure. I’m sorry.”
She almost laughed.
“You always become gentle after you hurt me.”
“I didn’t hurt you.”
“You’re still holding the red mark in your hand.”
Adrian glanced at her arm.
For the first time, fear entered his face.
He lowered his voice.
“Have you been recording me?”
Sophia felt her heartbeat quicken.
“Why would you ask that?”
Adrian stepped back.
“No reason.”
The orchestra changed songs.
Charles Bennett took the stage and welcomed the guests.
Sophia moved toward the side of the ballroom.
Her phone vibrated.
Camera Seven is active.
She opened the security application included in the message.
A live video appeared.
The terrace.
Vanessa was standing outside, waiting.
A few minutes later, Adrian joined her.
Sophia remained behind the marble pillar, watching both through the narrow opening and through the camera feed.
Vanessa placed her hands against Adrian’s chest.
“You said she would sign tonight.”
“She will,” Adrian replied.
“What if she refuses?”
“She won’t understand the documents. Eleanor will tell her they’re related to the baby trust.”
Sophia’s blood turned cold.
Vanessa kissed his neck.
“And after the baby is born?”
“I’m leaving her.”
The words entered Sophia like a blade.
The gift box fell from her hands.
She had forgotten she was still carrying it.
Adrian glanced toward the sound, but Vanessa pulled him back.
“The child stays with us?” she whispered.
“With me,” Adrian said. “Sophia won’t have the money or influence to fight after tonight.”
Vanessa smiled.
“Then kiss me like you mean it.”
Sophia watched them.
Every memory of her marriage changed shape.
The late meetings.
The sudden business trips.
The distance in their bed.
The necklace copied from Vanessa’s bracelet.
Sophia bent carefully and picked up the gift box.
She removed the silver watch.
For every second we have left together.
She placed it on a side table.
Then she called Maya.
“They confessed on camera.”
“Do you have the footage?”
“Yes.”
“Download it immediately.”
Sophia saved the recording.
“What now?” Maya asked.
Sophia looked toward the ballroom.
Dozens of board members were present.
The legal documents were in her purse.
The evidence was secure.
For months, Adrian had relied on her silence.
Tonight, silence would no longer protect him.
“I’m ending it.”
“Sophia, wait.”
But Sophia had already disconnected.
She walked into the center of the ballroom.
Her wedding ring felt suddenly heavy.
She pulled it from her finger.
May you like
Then she dropped it onto the champagne table.
The metallic sound silenced the room.
