Chapter 9 - The Server’s Recording
The former server’s name was Nikos.
He had recorded the breakfast incident on his phone because Ethan threatened to have him arrested.
The video began moments after the coffee spill.
Ethan stood over him, furious.
“You touched my tablet.”
Nikos apologized repeatedly.
Ava appeared in the background, trying to calm Ethan.
Then Ethan picked up the tablet.
The screen clearly showed the excursion waiver.
He closed it, opened another file, and looked around to make sure Ava was speaking with the manager.
The camera captured his fingers copying her digital signature into a different document.
Nikos had not understood what he witnessed.
But when Ethan later accused him of stealing a watch, he kept the recording to protect himself.
The hotel found the watch inside Ethan’s own suitcase.
Still, Ethan demanded Nikos be fired.
Ava’s attorney sent the video to police and the company board.
The emergency transfer was suspended.
Victoria immediately claimed the recording was manipulated.
But the resort’s security timestamps supported it.
For the first time, Ava’s investors began questioning the Cole family.
Victoria called Ava directly.
Her voice was calm.
“You are making this uglier than necessary.”
“You tried to steal my company.”
“My son entered a marriage. Marriages combine assets.”
“Not through fraud.”
Victoria sighed.
“You are emotional.”
Ava almost smiled.
It was the same word Ethan used whenever she noticed a lie.
“Your son raised a belt at me.”
“And you attacked him.”
“I defended myself.”
“That distinction depends on who controls the story.”
Ava recorded the call.
Victoria continued.
“Withdraw your complaint. Sign a private settlement. Ethan will agree to an annulment, and you may keep your clinics.”
“They are already mine.”
“Not for long.”
Ava looked at Lena and Marisol sitting across the table.
Both heard the call through the speaker.
Victoria lowered her voice.
“You are not the first woman to misunderstand this family. The others learned when to stop.”
Ava answered:
“They stopped because you threatened them.”
“No. They stopped because they understood no one would believe them.”
Lena’s eyes filled.
Marisol reached for her hand.
Ava said:
“Keep talking.”
Victoria became quiet.
Then she realized the call was being recorded.
“You think this helps you?”
“It helps all of us.”
Victoria ended the call.
Minutes later, Ava’s office alarm activated.
May you like
Someone had entered her private records room.
👉 Victoria’s threat had been captured—but while everyone listened, someone was already inside Ava’s clinic destroying evidence.
