Chapter 10 - Twenty Witnesses and One Camera
Elena spent the next three days preparing.
Rowan arranged for officers to remain near the estate during dinner. They could not enter without evidence of a crime, but Elena planned to call them the moment Adrian threatened her.
A technician connected the dining-room security camera to a remote backup server. Celeste believed the camera belonged to the estate system, but Elena had quietly purchased the recording service after discovering Adrian had accessed the condo camera.
Every image would be copied outside the Mercer network.
Maya made three copies of the silver flash drive.
One went to Rowan.
One was placed in a safe-deposit box under Elena’s name.
The original remained with Maya.
“What happens if Celeste does not accuse you?” Elena asked.
“She will.”
“How can you be certain?”
“Because I told Adrian I would bring Claire’s evidence to dinner.”
“You contacted him?”
“I needed him angry.”
“That is dangerous.”
“I need him careless.”
Elena did not like Maya’s methods, but she understood the purpose.
Adrian had spent years presenting himself as calm, reasonable and generous. If he lost control before the entire family, he would destroy the image that protected him.
On Sunday evening, Elena wore the red dress Lydia had bought for her last birthday.
It was not a tactical choice. It simply made her feel like herself.
When she entered the dining room, conversation stopped.
Twenty relatives were already seated around the long table. Adrian stood near the fireplace. Celeste wore cream silk and a diamond necklace that had belonged to Adrian’s grandmother.
Maya’s chair was empty.
Celeste greeted Elena with a kiss near her cheek.
“I am pleased you came.”
“You said we would speak honestly.”
“We will.”
Adrian approached.
“You look beautiful.”
Elena did not answer.
He lowered his voice.
“Sign the transfer tonight, and the rest of this ends.”
“The police investigation?”
“The embarrassment.”
“You believe those are the same thing?”
“To my family, they often are.”
Dinner began with practiced politeness.
Celeste spoke about loyalty. Adrian’s uncle discussed the damage caused by public accusations. A cousin suggested Elena had misunderstood complex financial documents.
Each argument moved carefully toward the condo.
Elena allowed them to speak.
At eight thirty, Maya entered.
Her hair was damp from the rain. She wore a dark jacket and carried no visible bag.
Celeste smiled.
“Our missing guest.”
Maya took her seat beside Elena.
“Did I miss the confession?”
“We were discussing the false documents you gave Elena.”
“I did not give her the documents.”
Adrian placed the blue folder on the table.
“You agreed to witness this transfer.”
“No.”
“Your name is printed here.”
“So is Elena’s. Neither of us signed it.”
Celeste raised her glass.
“Perhaps we should stop pretending this is about a signature. Maya has always resented her brother’s success.”
“Adrian’s success comes from taking things that belong to other people.”
Several relatives shifted uncomfortably.
Celeste continued smiling.
“You broke into his office.”
“I recovered evidence.”
“You stole private company data.”
“I copied records showing fraudulent loans.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“Where is the drive?”
Maya took a sip of water.
“What drive?”
The first crack appeared in his control.
“The silver one.”
Aunt Rebecca frowned.
“What silver drive?”
Celeste shot Adrian a warning glance.
He ignored it.
“The one Claire stole from Lydia’s box.”
Silence spread around the table.
Elena looked at him.
“You said Claire was dead.”
Adrian realized his mistake.
He pushed back his chair.
“I meant the drive connected to Claire.”
“No,” Maya said. “You said Claire stole it.”
Celeste placed both hands on the table.
“This conversation is over.”
May you like
Elena lifted her phone.
“No. It is finally beginning.”
