Chapter 2: The Timestamp
Sophia recovered fast.
Before Ethan could say a word, she grabbed his arm and pressed her face into his shoulder.
"Don't listen to him, Ethan.
He's trying to confuse you.
You saw what he did to me."
Ethan hesitated.
His hand was still trembling from the sl@p.
Richard hadn't moved.
He was still standing in the same spot, one hand pressed to his cheek, his eyes fixed on his son.
"Ethan." His voice was quiet.
"Just watch the footage.
That's all I'm asking."
"Don't you dare," Sophia snapped.
Her tone shifted — sharp, cold, nothing like the crying woman from a moment ago.
"He's a manipulative old man and you know it."
The room went still.
Everyone noticed it.
The switch had been too fast.
Too clean.
Ethan's sister, Claire, took one step forward.
"Sophia…
why did you stop crying the second you saw the camera?"
Sophia turned slowly.
"Excuse me?"
"You were sobbing.
And then you just…
stopped."
The air in the room changed.
Then Ethan's phone buzzed in his pocket.
It was a message from the building security system.
*Motion-triggered recording saved.
Timestamp: 4:47 PM.
Room: Main hallway.*
His hands went cold.
That was twelve minutes before Sophia screamed.
---
What was recorded at 4:47 PM — before anyone entered that room?
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The full truth is darker than anyone expected.
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