Chapter 1: The Envelope No One Was Supposed to Find

Chapter 1: The Envelope No One Was Supposed to Find

The ballroom remained frozen.

No one spoke.

The only sound was the faint hum of the security monitor replaying Rebecca's betrayal over and over.

Rebecca's breathing became shallow.

"It's... it's not what you think," she stammered.

The elderly family friend slowly walked upstairs with two security guards following behind him.

Everyone watched as he entered Rebecca's bedroom.

A full minute later, he returned holding the cream-colored envelope.

Still sealed.

He placed it gently on a silver serving tray in the center of the ballroom.

"Rebecca," he said quietly, "would you like to explain this before I open it?"

She shook her head violently.

"No!"

But it was too late.

The seal was broken.

Inside were several documents, bank transfer receipts, and a signed contract.

The first page made the room gasp.

Property Transfer Agreement.

Rebecca had secretly arranged to sell a large section of the Duarte family's charitable foundation to a private investment company.

The sale would have earned her millions.

But there was one obstacle.

Elena.

As the foundation's financial director, Elena's signature was legally required before any transfer could happen.

She had refused.

Again and again.

Rebecca knew she could never force Elena to sign.

So she created another plan.

Destroy Elena's reputation.

Accuse her of theft.

Have her dismissed from the foundation in disgrace.

Once Elena was gone, Rebecca intended to appoint someone loyal enough to approve the illegal transfer without asking questions.

The guests stared at Rebecca in disbelief.

She hadn't accused Elena because of stolen jewelry.

She had accused her because honesty had become inconvenient.

Elena lowered her eyes.

"I wondered why you suddenly invited me to your room tonight."

Rebecca's silence became her confession.