Chapter 2: The Truth Money Couldn't Buy
Chapter 2: The Truth Money Couldn't Buy
Within minutes, police officers and paramedics arrived.
Damien's attorneys arrived just as quickly.
Unlike the frightened school administrators, they carried court orders.
One attorney calmly addressed the room.
"Every phone recording made tonight has been legally preserved."
"Security footage from surrounding buildings has also been obtained."
Headmaster Ellison blinked.
"Our hallway cameras were down."
The attorney smiled slightly.
"The neighboring science building wasn't."
A large monitor was connected to the ballroom projector.
The video began playing.
Everyone watched as Chloe deliberately poured her drink across the marble.
They watched Maren quietly clean it.
Then they watched Chloe grab the trash bag with unnecessary force.
They watched Maren lose her balance.
They watched her fall.
No theft.
No missing watch.
Only cruelty.
Another attorney stepped forward carrying a velvet jewelry pouch.
"The Cartier watch."
He placed it on the table.
"It was recovered from Miss Ashford's own handbag."
The ballroom erupted.
Chloe's face drained of color.
"I..."
"I didn't..."
Her father stood abruptly.
"Chloe!"
She burst into tears.
"I only wanted to teach her a lesson!"
Damien looked at her without emotion.
"My child almost died because of your lesson."
Headmaster Ellison quietly removed his glasses.
"I failed her."
"Yes," Damien replied.
"You did."
The school's board members, who had rushed to the academy after hearing the commotion, immediately voted to suspend the headmaster pending investigation.
The Ashford family's donations suddenly seemed very small compared to the mountain of evidence now displayed before everyone.
Money had purchased silence for years.
May you like
Tonight...
It couldn't purchase the truth.
