Chapter 2: The Second Recorder
Victor didn't speak.
He just looked at Serena.
Long and slow.
The way a man looks when something inside him has already decided.
Serena tried to smile.
"Victor, you know how dramatic the staff can be—"
"How many times?"
His voice was quiet.
That was what made it frightening.
The housemaid, Rosa, stepped forward.
Her hands were shaking.
"At least four times, sir.
Maybe more.
We were afraid to say anything.
She told us if we spoke up…
we'd be the ones removed."
Serena's smile disappeared.
"That's a lie.
She's lying.
Victor, look at me—"
"Where is Ethan?"
Lily, still holding her side, nodded toward the hallway.
"I put him in his room.
He was crying for a long time before he stopped."
Victor walked past Serena without another word.
When he came back, his face had changed completely.
He was holding something small.
A second recorder.
One nobody had placed there on purpose.
"This was in Ethan's room," he said quietly.
Rosa covered her mouth.
Because if that recorder had been running all along…
Then everything Serena had ever done inside that mansion was already captured.
Serena took one step toward the door.
May you like
"Don't," Victor said.
And the single word stopped her cold.
