Lily’s mother tapped her phone screen and held it out. Julian stepped forward, his expression turning cold and stony. Evelyn walked over to stand right beside her son, leaning in to watch the small screen.
Julian: Let me see this.
Evelyn: My goodness... that’s the second-floor hallway outside the guest suite.
On the crisp high-definition phone screen, a woman in a gold satin dress was clearly visible walking nervously down the empty corridor. She looked around to ensure no one was watching, opened a linen closet, and pulled out a small oval foam cushion. She unzipped the side of her dress, slid the cushion beneath her lining, adjusted her waistline, and smoothed out the fabric.
Julian: No... no, this has to be a deepfake. This isn't real.
Evelyn: Julian, look at the timestamp. That was taken at six-thirty this evening. Just before the guests arrived.
Julian: Victoria? Look at me. What is this?
Victoria backed away further, her gold dress swishing against the marble floor. Her face had gone completely ghost white, sweat bead on her forehead despite the cool air conditioning of the mansion.
Victoria: Julian, sweetie, I can explain! It’s not what it looks like!
Chloe: Don't answer him, Victoria! This whole setup is illegal! They taped you without permission!
Evelyn: Shut up, Chloe! This is a family matter regarding the Vance estate and my future grandchild!
Julian: You’ve been wearing a pillow? For six months?
Victoria: No! Not six months! Just... just recently!
Julian: What does that even mean?! Are you pregnant or not?!
Victoria burst into tears, covering her face with her manicured hands. The crowd began whispering loudly, phone cameras quietly flashing as guests began recording the dramatic collapse of the city’s favorite couple.
Victoria: I lost the baby... three months ago...
Julian: What... what did you say?
Victoria: I had a miscarriage in May! I was so scared! I knew how much the trust fund meant to you, how much your mother wanted an heir!
Evelyn: You lied to us about a grand child for money?!
Victoria: I was going to adopt! I was trying to arrange an underground adoption before my due date so you would never know!