Chapter 18 - The Unmasking
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Audrey choked, her hands desperately clawing at Victor’s iron grip on her throat. Her feet dangled a fraction of an inch off the poisoned floor.
“Do not speak to her,” Victor snarled, leaning in so close Audrey could feel the heat of his absolute rage. “Marta is the only reason you aren't already dead. If my mother had died, I wouldn't have looked for evidence. I would have just buried you.”
He released his grip slightly, letting Audrey slump against the wall, gasping violently for air.
“You have nothing!” Audrey sobbed, dropping the arrogant facade, realizing the sheer danger she was in. “Pills in a paper bag mean nothing! You can't prove I gave them to her! My father will say the maid set me up! He’s a federal judge, Victor! You're a criminal! A jury will never believe you!”
Victor let out a dark, mocking laugh. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his smartphone. He tapped a few buttons and held the screen up to Audrey’s face.
It was a crystal-clear, 4K video recording. It showed Audrey, from a high angle in the bedroom, pouring the water on the floor. It showed her pinching Sylvia’s nose. It showed the pure malice on her face.
“I didn't go to Chicago, Audrey,” Victor whispered, watching her eyes widen in absolute, mind-shattering horror as she watched herself on the screen. “I installed hidden cameras in every room of this house three weeks ago. I watched every single time you walked in here.”
Audrey stopped fighting. The realization that she was completely and utterly trapped broke her spirit instantly. She slid down the wall, collapsing into a pathetic heap on the floor, weeping hysterically.
“Please,” she begged, looking up at Victor through a mask of smeared makeup and tears. “Please, Victor. The Macau syndicate… they were going to kill me. My father is broke. I had no choice. I just needed the trust fund to clear the debt. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“You aren't sorry you hurt her,” Victor said coldly, looking down at her with absolute disgust. “You're just sorry you got caught.”
“I’ll leave!” Audrey cried, crawling forward to grasp at the hem of his trousers. “I’ll pack my bags. I’ll disappear. You’ll never see me again, I swear to God!”
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Victor slowly pulled his leg away from her grasping hands.
“You're right about one thing, Audrey,” Victor said softly, turning to look at his mother, who was watching the scene with wide, tear-filled eyes, safely guarded by Marta. “I am a criminal. Which means I don't use juries.”
