Chapter 1 – The Accusation
Chapter 1 – The Accusation
The marble foyer of the Hawthorne Mansion echoed with shouting.
Guests attending an afternoon charity luncheon turned toward the commotion.
On the polished floor knelt twenty-two-year-old nanny Emma Brooks.
Tears filled her eyes as she struggled to stand after being shoved to the ground.
Across from her stood Victoria Hawthorne.
Elegant.
Wealthy.
Perfectly composed.
"My grandfather's vintage Rolex is gone," Victoria declared loudly.
"And I found the empty watch box in the nanny's room."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Emma shook her head desperately.
"I've never even touched it."
"I swear."
Victoria folded her arms with a satisfied smile.
"Of course you'd deny it."
"I trusted you with my children."
"What a mistake."
Several guests stared at Emma with quiet disappointment.
One security guard stepped forward.
"Miss Brooks, we'll need to search your belongings."
Emma's hands trembled.
"I didn't steal anything."
Just then, the front doors opened.
Alexander Hawthorne entered the mansion after returning early from a business meeting.
The billionaire looked around the silent foyer.
"What's happening?"
Victoria immediately walked toward him.
"Darling..."
"Our nanny stole Grandpa's Rolex."
"I have witnesses."
Alexander glanced at Emma.
She wasn't defending herself anymore.
She simply looked defeated.
Then he asked one question.
"Did anyone actually see her take it?"
No one answered.
Victoria forced a laugh.
"The evidence is obvious."
Alexander slowly reached into his pocket.
He unlocked his phone.
"Good."
"Then let's look at all the evidence."
Victoria's confident smile faltered.
Because she suddenly remembered something she had completely forgotten.
Alexander had designed his own smart-home security system.
Every hallway.
Every entrance.
Every common room.
May you like
Every movement...
Was quietly recorded.
