Chapter 1: The Camera Never Lied
Julian's confident smile disappeared the moment he looked up.
The tiny red light above the ballroom entrance blinked steadily.
Recording.
Every second.
Every word.
Every movement.
His eyes darted toward the wedding coordinator.
"Turn it off," he whispered.
She looked confused.
"I... I don't control the hotel's security system."
Evelyn slowly stood, brushing dust from the front of her wedding gown while keeping one arm protectively around Lily.
Blood stained the little girl's white dress where her knee had scraped across the marble.
Several guests finally began helping.
Someone handed Lily a napkin.
Another guest quietly brought a chair.
The people who had remained silent moments earlier suddenly couldn't look Evelyn in the eye.
Julian forced a nervous laugh.
"It was an accident."
No one answered.
Evelyn calmly looked at the hotel manager.
"I'd like a copy of every security recording from today."
The manager nodded immediately.
"Of course, ma'am."
Julian stepped forward.
"That's unnecessary."
The manager didn't move.
"I'm sorry, sir. The footage belongs to the hotel until it's requested by the parties involved."
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For the first time that day...
Julian looked afraid.
