. CHAPTER 4 — The Man Who Still Had a Conscience
The guard’s name tag read Daniel Mercer. Clara recognized him after a moment. He had worked for Ashford Properties years ago, before Adrian became CEO and replaced most of the old staff with men who laughed at his jokes.
Daniel closed the side-room door, but not fully. “I shouldn’t be saying this.”
“Then why are you?”
He looked at Lily, who was gripping Clara’s hand with both of hers. “Because I have a daughter.”
That was enough.
Daniel lowered his voice. “The hall has three active security cameras. One over the chandelier arch, one near the west service door, and one inside the display alcove. They record to the gala control room.”
Clara felt her pulse kick. “Can we see the footage?”
His expression darkened. “Not easily. Your brother ordered the system wiped once tonight’s auction ends. He said there were privacy concerns.”
Of course he had.
Adrian never waited for evidence to become dangerous. He had always sensed when truth was close, like an animal sensing smoke before fire.
Clara stood, lifting Lily carefully. “Take me there.”
Daniel shook his head. “Mrs. Ashford has two private guards outside the control room now.”
“My mother?”
“She arrived ten minutes ago.”
The words landed like confirmation of something Clara had always known but never been able to prove. Victoria was not merely protecting Adrian after his mistakes. She was helping him before the consequences arrived.
Lily whispered, “Mommy, am I in trouble?”
Clara knelt again. “No. Listen to me. You did nothing wrong.”
“But Grandma looked mad.”
“Grandma is afraid.”
“Of me?”
Clara brushed Lily’s hair back, careful not to touch the bandage. “No, baby. Of the truth.”
A faint sound came from the corridor—men’s voices. One was Adrian’s. Clara recognized the sharp edge even through the door.
Daniel moved closer to the wall. “He’s coming.”
Clara lifted Lily into a chair behind the desk, hiding her from the doorway’s direct view. Daniel straightened and folded his hands like an obedient employee.
The door opened without a knock.
Adrian entered with Victoria at his shoulder. His face wore a smile for witnesses, but his eyes were flat.
“There you are,” he said. “Still turning my evening into a tragedy?”
Clara did not step back.
Victoria looked at Daniel. “Leave us.”
Daniel didn’t move.
Adrian’s smile vanished. “You heard my mother.”
May you like
Daniel’s answer was quiet but clear.
“No, sir. I heard the child.”
