Chapter 5 - The Mask SlipsVictoria stared down at the open folder, her immaculate composure fracturing into jagged pieces. A bead of cold sweat formed near her temple, staining her foundation.
“That—that is a forgery!” Victoria shrieked, pointing a manicured finger at me. “She forged it! She broke into my room, stole my stationery, and fabricated this to destroy our engagement!”
“Really?” I asked, leaning back in my chair with a cold, serene smile. “Because forensic analysis doesn't rely on stationery, Victoria. It relies on latent fingerprint recovery, digital ink spectrometry, and the exact security camera logs from the study safe.”
Victoria turned her furious, venomous gaze toward me, looking at me as if I had committed the ultimate act of treason.
“You little bitch,” Victoria hissed, dropping all pretense of elegance. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you? You think a few fake documents are going to stop me from taking this entire estate?”
Alejandro slowly stood up, staring at the woman he had trusted, loved, and planned to marry. His eyes were wide with shock, betrayal, and mounting horror.
“Victoria…” Alejandro breathed, his voice trembling. “Did you… did you forge my father’s signature? Did you alter his will?”
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Victoria realized the game was entirely up. The mask had slipped, revealing the ruthless, calculating opportunist underneath. She scoffed, crossing her arms and tossing her head back with defiant arrogance.
“And what if I did?!” Victoria shouted, her voice echoing off the high ceiling of the dining hall. “Your father was senile when he died! He was going to leave everything to charity and to ungrateful children who didn't know how to run a business! I saved Reyes Development! I ran this estate while you wept in your bedroom like a pathetic child!”
