The bright crystal chandeliers of the Dallas mansion threw sharp white light across the pristine floor. Victoria stepped forward in her expensive red silk gown, her high heels clicking loudly against the polished marble. She pointed a manicured finger at the young catering worker who was currently kneeling on the cold tiles. Maya held her apron tightly while a thin stream of red trickled down her forehead. The blood slipped past her cheek and dropped onto her simple white collar, but her eyes remained steady.
Carter: What are you talking about? My watch?
Maya: Look at it. Right now, Carter. Check your notifications.
Victoria: Carter, don't listen to this trash! She’s just trying to delay the police! Guards, drag her outside!
Carter: Wait. Everyone hold on a second.
Carter slowly lowered his champagne glass onto a nearby silver tray held by a stunned server. He raised his left wrist while the guests whispered behind their hands in cold disgust. The sleek black smartwatch on his arm gave a short, soft vibration, followed by a crisp digital chime. A bright red alert icon flashed on the small screen, showing an incoming direct media feed from a local sender.
Carter: WHAT... WHAT IS THIS VIDEO?
Maya: It’s the truth, Carter. It’s what your precious bride didn't want you to see.
Victoria: Carter, sweetie, turn that off! She hacked your device or sent a fake video! You know how dangerous these technical scams are!
Carter: Shut up for a minute, Victoria. Just wait.
Carter tapped the screen with a trembling thumb while the crowd grew dead silent. The high-definition video clip started playing right away. The small lens showed the prep pantry near the main ballroom from earlier that night. Victoria was standing by the beverage counter, looking over her shoulder toward the quiet hallway.
Carter: Is that... the catering prep area?
Maya: Keep watching. Don't look away from it.
Victoria: This is absurd! I went into the pantry to check on the dessert menu!
Carter: You told me you were in the powder room fixing your dress, Victoria.
Victoria: I... I meant after! I went to the kitchen first!
On the tiny display, Victoria opened her small designer clutch bag with quick, nervous hands. She pulled out a small white paper packet, tore the corner off using her teeth, and dumped a fine white powder straight into a crystal glass. She grabbed a golden rod, stirred the liquid until it cleared completely, and smiled to herself.
Carter: My God...
Maya: She didn't know the caterers installed security cameras in the prep stations to protect against stolen inventory. I uploaded the live feed straight to your paired watch network.
Victoria: It's a deepfake! Carter, look at me! You know I love you! I would never do something like that! Somebody edited my face onto that video!
Carter: The timestamp on this file says it was recorded twelve minutes ago, Victoria. Right before the toast.
Maya: WATCH 5 MORE SECONDS AND SEE WHO HANDED HER THAT POISONED GLASS!
Victoria: Stop watching it! Carter, I command you to turn that off right now!
Carter: Touch me again, Victoria, and I swear to God I'll have security put hands on you.
Maya: Look at the screen, Carter. Look who was standing right next to her.
Carter zoomed in on the display using two fingers. His face turned pale as snow while the high-resolution recording continued to play before his eyes.