Chapter 3 - Shadows of BetrayalThe high-definition footage began to play on the massive screen. The timestamp showed a date six months prior, late at night. The camera angle overlooked the private study downstairs.
On screen, Eleanor walked briskly across the Persian rug, holding a silver tray with a cup of chamomile tea. Her expression in the footage was devoid of the sweet warmth she showed Richard; instead, her eyes were cold, calculating, and predatory. With a swift movement, she retrieved a small paper packet from her blazer, emptied a fine white powder into the liquid, and stirred it thoroughly.
In the nursery, the air went completely dead.
Richard staggered backward, his hand gripping the back of a velvet armchair for support. He looked at the screen, then turned his head slowly to look at Eleanor. His eyes, usually filled with pride and affection, were now filled with a terrifying, bottomless rage.
"Eleanor..." Richard whispered, the name sounding like a curse. "You... you murdered her."
"It’s a deepfake! AI manipulation! Richard, don't be a fool, enemies want to destroy our family empire!" Eleanor screamed, her voice reaching a hysterical pitch as she clawed at her own hair. She rushed toward the screen, trying to pull the power cord out of the wall, but Richard’s security detail intercepted her instantly, pinning her arms behind her back.
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Maria stepped forward, gently pulling little Chloe away from the danger zone, shielding the little girl's eyes. But Chloe didn't look away. She stared at the woman who had terrorized their home, her heart hardened by survival.
"The police are already on their way, Mrs. Vance," Richard said coldly, pulling his phone from his pocket. "And this time, no amount of money will buy you out of this."
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