Chapter 5 - Victoria’s Missing Bracelet
The following morning, Victoria reported that a diamond bracelet had been stolen from Nathan’s office.
Security searched employee lockers.
The bracelet appeared inside Elena’s coat pocket.
She had never touched it.
The restaurant manager suspended her immediately.
Elena demanded that he review the cameras.
The hallway footage had disappeared.
Victoria stood beside him wearing the bracelet’s matching earrings.
“You were seen leaving the executive floor.”
“I was delivering wine.”
“You had no tray.”
Elena remained silent.
Victoria leaned closer.
“You should return whatever else you took.”
The stolen files.
That was what she wanted.
Elena had already uploaded them to Miriam.
“I don’t have your bracelet.”
“The police may believe differently.”
“Call them.”
Victoria’s confidence shifted.
She did not want police examining the office.
She wanted Elena frightened enough to surrender her phone and leave quietly.
Nathan entered the room.
He looked exhausted rather than angry.
“Give my mother the files.”
“What files?”
“Do not be clever.”
Elena studied him.
“You know the employee fund is empty.”
His face changed.
Victoria closed the office door.
Nathan lowered his voice.
“Those transfers are temporary.”
“People lost medical coverage.”
“The company will replace everything after the Moretti deal.”
“You’re asking Dante Moretti to invest using false records.”
Nathan stepped toward her.
“You are a waitress who accessed confidential information.”
“I’m also a witness.”
Victoria smiled.
“Not after we prove you’re a thief.”
She offered Elena an agreement.
If Elena returned every copy and signed a confession admitting she stole the bracelet, Vale Crest would not prosecute.
Elena refused.
Nathan looked at his mother.
“This is becoming dangerous.”
Victoria answered, “Only if she reaches Dante.”
That confirmed Elena’s suspicion.
The investment dinner at Aurelian would place Dante inside the restaurant that evening.
Elena had planned to approach him privately after verifying whether Nicholas Rizzo attended.
Victoria could not allow that.
She ordered Elena removed from the schedule.
The restaurant manager quietly warned Elena.
“I can keep you out tonight, but Mrs. Vale will still press charges.”
Elena asked one question.
“Is Nicholas Rizzo attending with Mr. Moretti?”
The manager checked the guest list.
“No. Moretti’s legal counsel is listed. No Rizzo.”
Elena made her decision.
She would work the dinner.
Not as a thief begging to be believed.
May you like
As the only person in the building carrying evidence that could save thousands of employees and answer what happened to her family.
👉 Elena returned to Aurelian wearing her red uniform, while Victoria prepared to destroy her reputation in front of every person whose testimony might matter.
