CHAPTER 6: The Camera in the Gold

The attorney opened the leather folder on the side table below the staircase.
His name was Daniel Reeves, and he had represented the Whitmore family long enough to know that the most dangerous evidence was usually the quietest.
“The chandelier system is archived off-site,” Daniel said.
Grant looked up too quickly.
Celeste followed his gaze and saw the black lens hidden among the gold arms of the fixture.
Her lips parted.
For the first time that night, she looked less like a mistress and more like a defendant.
Daniel continued, “The fall, the shove, the conversation after, and Mr. Cross instructing staff to deny witnessing anything. All preserved.”
Grant’s face changed from anger to calculation.
“We can settle this privately.”
Charles stood slowly.
“You do not get privacy after turning my daughter’s pain into a performance.”
Amelia looked at Celeste.
“You smiled,” she said. “The camera caught that too.”