The two detectives crossed the ballroom while every guest watched in stunned silence.
Victoria stepped away from her husband.
“Tell me they’re wrong.”
Daniel looked at the woman who had just stepped out of the elevator.
Her name was Elena.
The woman everyone had believed was dead for eighteen years.
One detective opened the folder.
“Mr. Cross, we found records showing you paid the hotel owner to seal Room 417 after Elena disappeared.”
Victoria covered her mouth.
Daniel finally snapped.
“She was supposed to stay quiet!”
The entire room froze.
Elena’s eyes filled with tears.
“You locked me inside that room because I knew where the money came from.”
Daniel’s face changed.
“What money?”
Elena laughed bitterly.
“The charity money.”
Guests immediately began shouting.
Victoria stared at Daniel.
“You stole from your own foundation?”
But Elena shook her head.
“That’s not the worst part.”
She turned toward the little boy.
“Show them.”
The boy reached inside his hoodie and pulled out a second photograph.
Victoria grabbed it.
Then her knees almost gave way.
The photo showed Daniel holding a newborn baby.
Written on the back were four words:
“Daniel Cross — His Son.”
Victoria looked at the boy.
Then at Daniel.
“No…”
Elena stepped beside the child.
“This is Noah.”
Daniel whispered:
“That’s impossible.”
Elena’s voice became cold.
“He’s your son.”
Victoria slapped Daniel so hard the entire ballroom went silent again.
But then Noah looked at Elena.
“Mom… should I tell them about the basement?”
Daniel’s face went completely white.
One detective slowly turned toward him.
“What basement?”
Daniel suddenly ran.
And that was when Elena screamed:
“STOP HIM! THERE’S SOMEONE STILL DOWN THERE.”
