Chapter 7 - THE VIDEO SHE NEVER WANTED FOUND
The ballroom watched in silence.
The video quality was old.
The colors were faded.
But the people were clear.
Eleanor.
Clara.
And Sofia’s mother.
Fifteen years younger.
Standing inside an office.
A heated argument was happening.
Nobody could hear the audio at first.
Then the speakers activated.
Eleanor’s own voice filled the room.
“You have no idea who you are challenging.”
The guests froze.
Sofia looked at the screen.
Her eyes widened.
Her mother looked terrified.
But she stood her ground.
“You can’t hide this forever.”
The younger Eleanor stepped closer.
“You think people will believe you?”
The video stopped.
A loading symbol appeared.
Everyone waited.
The bride looked at Eleanor.
“What were you hiding?”
Eleanor remained silent.
That silence was becoming an answer.
Sofia looked at Clara.
“What happened next?”
Clara sighed.
“Your mother found something.”
“What?”
Clara looked toward the screen.
“Proof that Eleanor had been controlling everything.”
The guests whispered.
“What proof?”
Clara opened the envelope.
Inside were copies of financial records.
Court documents.
Medical files.
And one picture.
A picture of a baby.
The bride stared.
“Why is there a baby?”
Clara looked at Sofia.
“Because your mother discovered that child belonged to a family Eleanor wanted destroyed.”
Sofia’s face changed.
“My mother knew?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t she tell me?”
Clara looked down.
“Because she was trying to protect you.”
Suddenly, the ballroom lights went out.
Everyone gasped.
Darkness covered the room.
Someone screamed.
Then emergency lights turned on.
But the screen was gone.
The video had disappeared.
Eleanor stood near the control panel.
May you like
And she was smiling again.
“I think the show is over.”
