Chapter 2 - The Forbidden Video Tape
Richard didn’t wait. Driven by a primal, terrifying instinct, he stormed into his private study, slamming the heavy mahogany doors behind him. Clara followed, locking the door to keep Elena out. Outside, they could hear Elena pounding frantically on the wood, her screams turning into incoherent sobbing.
With trembling hands, Richard pushed the flash drive into his laptop. Clara stood behind him, her hand resting on his shoulder. Despite the anger, she felt a profound sadness. She was about to destroy her father's world, but it was the only way to amputate the cancer eating their family.
The screen flickered to life. It was a high-definition security feed from the Penthouse Suite at the Regent Hotel—a property owned by Vance Enterprises.
The video showed Elena. She was wearing a silk robe, laughing as she poured champagne. A moment later, a man stepped into the frame, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Richard gasped, a sound of pure, unadulterated agony ripping from his throat.
The man on the screen wasn't a stranger. It was Victor Vance. Richard’s younger brother, his co-CEO, and the man he had trusted with his life, his money, and his empire.
On the video, Victor laughed, kissing Elena deeply. “How much longer do we have to play this game?” Victor’s voice came clearly through the laptop speakers. “Richard is getting suspicious about the missing millions from the tech merger.”
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Elena’s recorded voice replied with a chilling smirk, “Don't worry, darling. The 'pregnancy' will buy us another nine months. By the time he realizes there is no baby, the paperwork transferring the European assets to our shell company will be finalized. Richard will be bankrupt, and we will be in Switzerland.”
Richard slammed his fist onto the desk, shattering the glass top. Blood began to seep from his knuckles, but he didn't even blink. His entire life had been a lie.
