Chapter 4: The Final Betrayal
Vivian froze. Eleanor, the woman who should have been at the bottom of the pool, stood there with a look of immense satisfaction.
"You really are a predictable creature, Vivian," Eleanor said, her voice raspy but strong. "You think wealth buys loyalty. It doesn't. It only buys silence until the price gets too high."
Arthur collapsed onto the grass, the fight drained from him. He knew exactly what this meant. The PI stood between them and the path to the gate.
"I didn't drown, Vivian," Eleanor continued, gesturing to her wet clothes. "I saw you coming. I’ve known you were planning this for months. I hired security to pull me out the moment I hit the water. And while you were busy 'mourning,' Mia and I were finishing the paperwork."
Mia stepped forward, holding the key. "The key doesn't open a vault, Mommy. It triggers the silent alarm to the SEC. It uploads everything."
Vivian lunged for the girl, her fingers curled like claws, but the PI intercepted her. He pinned her arms behind her back with practiced ease.
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"You’re going to lose everything," Eleanor whispered, stepping close to Vivian’s face. "The house, the money, and most importantly, you’re never going to see Mia again. I’ve already filed for emergency custody. The video of the pool incident? It’s currently playing for the police chief in the living room."
Vivian looked at her husband, hoping for support, but Arthur was already looking at the ground, defeated. Their partnership was built on greed, and greed had no loyalty.
