The high-definition video frame shifted slightly toward the edge of the pantry counter. Another figure was clearly visible standing near the dim hallway door, handing over the small paper packet to Victoria with a cold, calm expression. Carter stared at the screen, his breath catching in his throat as he recognized the expensive watch and tailored dark suit sleeves shown in the recording.
Carter: That's... that's my brother.
Maya: Julian handed her the packet. Check the corner of the frame.
Carter: Julian? Julian, get over here right now!
The crowd of wealthy guests quickly parted as Julian stepped backward toward the grand entrance. His face was slick with sweat, his eyes darting frantically across the room as he looked for a clear path out of the mansion. The smooth confidence he usually carried was completely gone, replaced by pure panic.
Julian: Carter, bro, calm down. It’s not what it looks like. You can't trust some low-wage waitress over your own blood!
Carter: YOU TRIED TO KILL HER... MY GOD!
Victoria: Carter, listen to me! Julian forced me into this! He told me if I didn't help him, he would ruin my family's business!
Julian: Shut your mouth, Victoria! You came to me first! You needed the estate money to pay off your father's gambling debts!
Maya: They both planned it, Carter. I overheard them talking behind the curtain near the library. When I told Victoria I was going to call the police, she struck me with her brass clutch and knocked me into the pillar.
Carter: You hit her?
Victoria: She was lying! She was trying to blackmail us!
Maya: I didn't ask you for a single dollar. I told you I was going to protect an innocent man from being murdered in his own home.
Carter turned his eyes back to his wrist. On the clip, Victoria handed the clear champagne glass to an unsuspecting server, pointing straight toward the main head table where Carter was supposed to sit for the evening announcement. The waiter took the silver tray and turned toward the dining room doors.
Carter: Where is that glass now?
Maya: I intercepted the tray before it reached your table. I dumped the champagne into the pantry sink. That's why she attacked me.
Carter: You took a blow to the head... to save my life?
Maya: My father died from a rigged life insurance scam years ago because nobody spoke up for him. I wasn't going to stand by and watch another innocent person get destroyed by greedy snakes.
Victoria: Carter, please! Look at me! We've been together for two years! We're getting married next month! You can't believe this girl over me!
Carter: Get your hands off my arm.
Victoria: Carter!
Carter: Guards! Close the front gates! Nobody leaves this house until the police arrive!