Chapter 8 - What the Cameras Saw
After Nathan ordered the guests to leave, Vanessa tried to laugh.
She claimed he was exhausted. She told everyone a family misunderstanding had occurred.
Then Nathan removed the storage device from his pocket.
“The cameras recorded where my daughters’ money really went.”
Vanessa’s champagne glass trembled.
Nathan connected the device to the ballroom screen.
The first recording showed Vanessa and Marcus inside Nathan’s study.
On the screen, Marcus held a bank statement.
“This account belongs to Sophie.”
Vanessa poured herself a drink.
“They all belong to Nathan, and Nathan belongs to me.”
A murmur moved through the remaining guests.
The next recording showed Vanessa ordering the kitchen staff to reduce the girls’ meals.
Another showed her removing the diamond necklace from the family vault.
The final clip captured her discussing the fake foundation.
“People donate more when they think children are involved,” she said. “Once the money enters the foundation, no one will know where it goes.”
Vanessa lunged toward the control panel, but Daniel stepped between her and the screen without touching her.
“That recording is illegal,” she shouted.
“It was captured by the mansion’s registered security system,” Daniel said. “The financial documents have already been delivered to the authorities.”
Marcus attempted to leave through the side doors. Two investigators waiting in the hallway asked him to remain for questioning.
Vanessa turned to Nathan.
“You’re destroying our marriage over a misunderstanding.”
Nathan looked at his daughters.
“No. You destroyed it when you made them afraid to speak.”
She reached for his arm.
“You still love me.”
Nathan stepped away.
“I loved the person you pretended to be.”
The investigators approached. Vanessa’s confidence finally disappeared.
As she was escorted from the ballroom, the diamond necklace still glittered around her neck.
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Nathan did not watch her leave.
He returned to the table and ordered the kitchen to prepare four warm dinners.
