Chapter 3 — The Cameras Never Lied
Regina forced herself to smile.
"There must be some misunderstanding."
"I only disciplined an employee."
Victor turned toward her.
"You ripped apart her work."
Regina immediately pointed toward Maya.
"She was neglecting her duties."
The actress frowned.
"Neglecting them?"
"I watched her save my gown."
Regina tried again.
"She was pretending to be a designer."
This time...
The hotel's security director stepped forward.
"Actually..."
"We have video."
The giant LED screens hanging above the ballroom suddenly came alive.
The security footage filled every screen.
Guests watched in complete silence.
Regina grabbing the sketchbook.
Mocking Maya.
Tearing every page apart.
Throwing the pieces onto the floor.
Not once...
Not twice...
But over and over.
No one could deny it.
Then another camera angle appeared.
Earlier that afternoon.
Maya quietly cleaning the ballroom.
Helping elderly guests.
Fixing decorations.
Smiling at everyone.
Without once complaining.
The contrast couldn't have been clearer.
When the footage ended...
The applause returned.
Only this time...
It wasn't for fashion.
It was for character.
The chairman of the gala stepped onto the stage.
"Regina."
"I'm afraid your services are no longer required."
She stared at him.
"You can't fire me."
He calmly handed her a folder.
"The board already has."
Her badge.
Her access card.
Her executive contract.
Terminated.
Effective immediately.
Regina looked around desperately.
Not one person came to her defense.
Not one.
May you like
The same executives who laughed with her earlier...
Quietly stepped away.
