Chapter 5 - The Gala of Traps
The Sinclair Mansion was packed with New York’s top elite, politicians, and news crews. Nathan had invited the press under the guise of making a major announcement regarding the future of the Sinclair Foundation.
Eleanor, Vanessa, and Julian arrived, wearing smug, arrogant smiles, confident that their plan was flawless.
During the middle of the cocktail hour, Julian’s hired accomplice—a corrupt butler—slipped into Leah’s guest room and hid the $15 million diamond necklace inside her wardrobe.
Ten minutes later, Julian staged a dramatic scene in the main ballroom.
"Stop the music!" Julian shouted, grabbing a microphone. "I regret to inform everyone, but the 'Star of Hope' diamond has just been reported missing from the display vault upstairs!"
Gasps echoed across the room.
Eleanor stepped forward immediately. "We all know who the outsider in this house is! The former maid, Leah Hayes!"
Vanessa pointed a finger at Leah, who was standing beside Margaret in a stunning navy dress provided by the Sinclair family. "She's a common thief! Search her room! I saw her sneaking upstairs earlier!"
Nathan stepped up to the podium, his voice smooth and unnervingly relaxed. "Search her room? Are you certain about this accusation, Julian?"
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"I am positive!" Julian declared boldly. "And if the diamond is found in her room, you, Nathan, must resign as CEO for gross negligence and placing a criminal in our midst!"
"Very well," Nathan smiled. "Let's go upstairs together... with the news cameras."
