Chapter 3 – The Recording Nobody Could Erase
Blue police lights flashed outside the hotel's grand entrance less than ten minutes later.
The gala music had stopped.
No one touched the expensive desserts.
No one spoke above a whisper.
Two officers entered with Detective Elena Brooks.
She approached Charlotte first.
"Ma'am, are you injured?"
Charlotte looked at Victor.
He stared back without speaking.
Then, slowly...
She nodded.
"Yes."
The detective noticed the red handprint across Charlotte's cheek.
She also noticed Alyssa.
"Were you the person who intervened?"
"Yes."
"Can you tell me what happened?"
"I'll tell you exactly what I saw."
Before Alyssa could continue, Victor's attorney hurried across the ballroom.
"My client wishes to make no statement."
Detective Brooks smiled politely.
"That's his right."
She held up the hard drive Marcus had already provided.
"But fortunately..."
"...video evidence never needs a lawyer."
The detective watched several minutes of footage.
Every guest standing nearby could hear it.
Victor shouting.
Charlotte apologizing.
The slap.
Charlotte falling.
Alyssa stepping forward.
Victor threatening her.
Everything.
No edits.
No missing moments.
Victor's face drained of color.
"This recording is incomplete."
Marcus answered calmly.
"There are twelve camera angles."
"We've copied all of them."
The ballroom remained silent as officers placed Victor in handcuffs.
Several investors quietly walked away from him.
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Others removed the foundation pins from their jackets.
No one wanted to stand beside him anymore.
