PART 2 — The Poisoned Gift
Victoria reacted instantly.
Before Daniel could answer, she laughed softly and placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"Oh, don't mind her," she said with a warm smile. "The poor girl has been under tremendous stress lately."
Several guests nodded.
The explanation sounded believable.
Emily shook her head desperately.
"No! Please listen to me!"
Two security guards grabbed her by the arms.
She struggled.
"If you wear those cufflinks, you'll die!"
The ballroom erupted into whispers.
Daniel frowned.
Victoria's smile never changed.
"You see?" she sighed. "She's clearly unstable."
One guard began dragging Emily toward the exit.
She searched the room in panic.
No one believed her.
No one...
Except one man.
An elderly guest standing near the stage narrowed his eyes.
Judge Robert Hayes.
A retired federal judge known for exposing corruption.
He had watched the entire exchange without speaking.
Something bothered him.
It wasn't Emily's fear.
It was Victoria's confidence.
People who were falsely accused usually became angry.
Victoria seemed...
Prepared.
As Emily was pulled away, she shouted with everything she had left.
"The cufflinks!"
"They're poisoned!"
Daniel instinctively looked toward the small velvet box resting beside the podium.
For the first time that evening...
He hesitated.
Victoria noticed.
Only for a second.
But she saw it.
She quickly picked up the box.
"My anniversary surprise," she announced with a smile.
Everyone applauded.
Daniel accepted the gift.
Victoria opened the box.
The gold cufflinks sparkled beneath the crystal lights.
"Put them on," someone called.
The crowd cheered.
Victoria held one cufflink toward Daniel.
Emily screamed.
"No!"
Before the cufflink touched his wrist—
Judge Hayes spoke.
"Perhaps we should inspect such an expensive gift first."
Silence.
Victoria froze.
Daniel looked at the judge.
"Why?"
The judge answered calmly.
"Because your maid is risking everything to stop you."
"People rarely destroy their own lives for a lie."
Daniel slowly lowered his hand.
Victoria's heartbeat quickened.
May you like
For the first time...
Her perfect smile cracked.
