Chapter 13 - Unraveling the Lie
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Elena’s face turned paper-white as she stared at the glittering necklace in the officer's hands. "I swear on my life, I didn't put that there! I've never seen that box before!"
"Handcuff her," Officer Hayes commanded, stepping toward Elena.
"Touch her and I will have your badge by nightfall," Marcus warned, his voice dropping into a deadly whisper as he stepped directly in front of the officer.
"Mr. Vance, don't interfere with a police investigation!" Abernathy snapped.
"I am not interfering," Marcus said calmly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his smartphone. "I am providing evidence."
Marcus tapped the screen, displaying a live video recording on his phone.
"Ten days ago," Marcus explained, his voice echoing loudly in the foyer, "after Victoria attempted to steal corporate documents, I had invisible ultraviolet marking spray applied to every piece of jewelry inside my private safe. I also installed motion-activated micro-cameras inside my wardrobe."
Marcus turned his phone toward Officer Hayes. The screen showed clear footage from midnight: Arthur the butler using a master key to open the bedroom wardrobe, slipping the blue velvet box under a pile of Elena's clothes, and sneaking out.
"Officer Hayes," Marcus said, pulling a small UV flashlight from his pocket and shining it onto Arthur’s hands.
Under the purple light, Arthur's palms and fingers glowed with a bright, fluorescent neon green stain.
Arthur fell to his knees, breaking into hysterical sobs. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Mr. Vance! Julian Carter promised to pay off my son's gambling debts! He threatened to kill my family if I didn't frame the girl!"
Officer Hayes turned his gaze toward Arthur, his expression turning stern. "Arthur Pendelton, you are under arrest for filing a false police report, evidence tampering, and corporate espionage."
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Abernathy’s triumphant smile vanished instantly. He grabbed his briefcase and tried to slip toward the exit, but Marcus blocked his path.
"Tell Julian," Marcus whispered into the lawyer's ear, "that his little games are over. Tomorrow, I hit back."
