THE SCREEN EXPOSED THEM

The Vale Industries gala celebrated the company’s fortieth anniversary.

Adrian planned to use the event to announce that Richard was retiring and that he would become the new chief executive officer.

Evelyn would receive a lifetime achievement trophy.

Claire volunteered to organize the presentation materials.

Adrian looked suspicious.

“You hate these events.”

“I’m still your wife,” she replied. “I should support you.”

His ego accepted the explanation.

Claire worked with the ballroom technicians to prepare videos, photographs, and company history. She secretly added a remote connection that would allow Maya to replace the official presentation with the garage footage.

The investigators planned to wait outside until the recording appeared. Once Adrian reacted, they would enter with search and arrest warrants based on the evidence already collected.

But Claire still did not know whether Richard was alive.

Two days before the gala, a package arrived at her apartment.

Inside was Richard’s silver locket and a handwritten note.

Trust the screen.

There was no signature.

Claire recognized his handwriting.

He was alive.

The note also contained the password to a secure online archive. When Claire opened it, she found every missing pension record, along with audio files and photographs.

Richard had built a complete case.

There was also a video message.

“Claire,” Richard said from the screen, “Adrian arranged to have me held at a private medical facility after the garage confrontation. I escaped with help from an old friend. I cannot return yet. Evelyn has contacts who will warn Adrian if I go directly to the police.”

He paused.

“I’m sorry I brought you into this family without understanding what they could do.”

Claire touched the screen.

Richard continued.

“The gala is your safest opportunity. There will be witnesses, cameras, and investigators nearby. Once the truth is public, Adrian cannot bury it.”

Claire copied the new evidence and sent it to Maya.

Then she deleted the message.

When Adrian came home, he found Claire choosing her silver gown.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“Tomorrow night,” he said, “everything becomes ours.”