Chapter 8 - The Test of Fire
By the third week, the tension among the candidates had reached a boiling point. Realizing that Ethan’s emotional resistance was preventing any of them from securing Daniel’s favor, Vanessa and Katherine decided to take drastic action to remove Emily from the estate permanently.
It was a cold Thursday morning. The house was busy with preparations for a formal dinner party that Daniel was hosting for several international investors—an event where all five women were expected to act as co-hostesses.
In the master suite, Katherine walked up to Daniel while he was adjusting his necktie.
“Daniel,” Katherine said, her voice laced with grave concern. “I hate to bring this to your attention on such an important day, but something alarming has happened.”
Daniel turned, his eyes narrowing. “What is it?”
“My grandmother’s vintage diamond tennis bracelet—the one worth nearly two hundred thousand dollars—is missing from my jewelry case in the guest suite.”
Daniel’s expression hardened instantly. “Are you sure you misplaced it?”
“I am positive,” Katherine said firmly. “I left it on my vanity this morning. I’ve already asked the other ladies, and none of them have seen it. However...” She paused dramatically. “I did see Emily leaving my room earlier with a stack of fresh towels.”
At that exact moment, Vanessa stepped into the room, holding a small velvet pouch. “Daniel! You won't believe this. I was walking past the staff locker room, and I saw Emily’s locker sitting slightly ajar. I... I felt suspicious after Katherine mentioned her missing bracelet, so I looked inside.”
Vanessa held up the pouch and tipped it over, dropping the brilliant diamond bracelet onto Daniel’s desk.
“She stole it,” Vanessa declared triumphantly. “She’s drowning in personal debt, Daniel. She took advantage of your hospitality and stole from your guests.”
Daniel stared at the sparkling diamonds lying on the dark wood. He didn't show panic, anger, or surprise. His face was a completely blank mask.
“Call Emily up here,” Daniel said quietly.
Five minutes later, Emily stood in the center of the master suite. Mrs. Gable stood by the door, looking worried, while Katherine, Vanessa, Olivia, and Melissa gathered around like a jury waiting to deliver a verdict. Lauren stood near the back, observing silently.
“Emily,” Daniel said, holding up the diamond bracelet. “This was found in your locker.”
Emily’s blood ran cold. She looked at the bracelet, then at Vanessa’s smug smile. “I didn't take that, Mr. Whitmore. I haven't even been in Ms. Shaw’s room today. I was assigned to the ground floor all morning.”
“The locker doesn't lie, darling,” Katherine scoffed. “It was right inside your bag.”
“I didn't put it there!” Emily’s voice trembled, but her eyes remained clear and steadfast. “I have never stolen a thing in my life!”
“Of course she denies it,” Olivia chimed in. “Desperate people do desperate things. Daniel, you must call the police immediately. Having a thief in the house endangers all of us.”
Before Daniel could respond, the door burst open, and Ethan ran into the room. He had been listening outside.
“She didn't steal it!” Ethan screamed, running over to stand in front of Emily, throwing his arms out to protect her. “They’re lying! They hate Em because she’s nice to me!”
“Ethan, step away,” Katherine said sharply. “You’re just a child, you don't understand how corrupt people can be—”
“No!” Ethan shouted, tears streaming down his face. “I saw her! I saw Ms. Vanessa go into the locker room with her purse two hours ago when Em was downstairs cleaning the kitchen!”
Vanessa’s smile froze. “Ethan... sweetie, you must be mistaken. You’re confused—”
“I’m not confused!” Ethan yelled, pointing a finger directly at Vanessa. “I was playing with my remote control car in the hallway! I saw you open Em’s locker!”
The room went dead silent.
Vanessa turned pale, looking frantically at Daniel. “Daniel, he’s making things up! The boy is obsessed with this maid! He’ll say anything to defend her!”
Daniel looked down at his son, then at Vanessa. His voice was dangerously calm when he finally spoke.
“The staff lockers require a security key card to open,” Daniel said slowly. “Emily’s card was on the kitchen counter all morning while she was cleaning. And the security cameras in the staff corridor...” Daniel paused, his gaze locking onto Vanessa with suffocating intensity. “...were updated last week. They capture every door in that hallway.”
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Vanessa gasped, stepping back as if she had been struck.
“You set her up,” Daniel said, the words heavy and final.
