Chapter 5 - The Mask Slips
“Good morning, esteemed colleagues,” Elias’s voice echoed crisply through the state-of-the-art boardroom audio system. “I apologize for missing the start of the meeting. I was... delayed by unexpected currents.”
Marco jumped to his feet, stammering, his face contorting from shock into pure panic. “Elias? That’s impossible! We saw you—the anchor—you went under!”
“And yet, here I am, Marco,” Elias replied smoothly, walking closer to the head of the table where a paralyzed Selene sat frozen in terror. “It turns out my marriage vows weren't the only thing built on sinking sand, but my foundation is a lot stronger than you thought.”
Selene clawed back a shred of her composure, her fingernails digging into the wood. She stood up, attempting a desperate gaslight. “Elias! Thank God! You’re alive! We were beside ourselves with grief—Marco and I have been working night and day to secure the company—”
“Save the performance, Selene,” Elias interrupted, his tone chillingly flat. He clicked a remote in his hand.
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Behind them, the massive LED presentation screen flickered to life. High-definition footage began playing with pristine audio: Selene laughing as the anchor dropped, Marco mocking Elias's helplessness, and every single damning word of their conspiracy captured crystal clear by the hidden camera.
The room erupted into gasps of outrage. Shareholders glared at Selene with sheer disgust. The mask of the grieving widow shattered completely, revealing a cornered, vicious predator. Selene shrieked, lunging toward the screen, but two corporate security guards stepped smoothly into her path.
