Chapter 2: The Footage They Couldnât Delete
Chapter 2: The Footage They Couldnât Delete
The ballroom doors burst open before anyone could respond.
Security staff rushed in first, followed by hotel management and two police officers.
âWhat happened here?â one of them demanded.
My father stepped forward instantly.
âItâs a family misunderstanding,â he said smoothly. âItâs being handled.â
But then the officer saw Sophie in my arms.
The blood.
The cracked expression on her face.
The frozen crowd still standing around us.
âSir,â the officer said sharply, âthat does not look like a misunderstanding.â
Preston forced a laugh.
âShe attacked me firstâshe stole my phone.â
He pointed at Sophie like she was evidence instead of a child.
My mother nodded quickly.
âShe has always been difficult.â
The officer raised a hand.
âEnough. Weâre reviewing security footage.â
Thatâs when everything changed.
The hotel manager paled.
âThe ballroom cameras⊠theyâve already been accessed.â
Preston stiffened.
âWhat do you mean accessed?â
The manager swallowed.
âBy the guest system. It auto-saves to the projection server in the conference hall.â
A heavy silence dropped.
May you like
My fatherâs confidence flickered for the first time.
âThen show it,â I said.
