Chapter 9 - The Public Execution
Maya stepped up to the podium, gently touching Arthur's shoulder to reassure him.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press," Maya began, projecting her voice with total confidence.
"Tonight is about the future of the Beaumont Empire."
"But to secure our future, we must clean up the rot of the past."
Maya signaled to Marcus, who was standing in the control booth at the back of the room.
The giant screens behind the podium suddenly flickered to life.
Instead of the Beaumont logo, the screens played a crisp, high-definition security video.
The entire room watched in shock as Cassandra pulled out the vial and poisoned the tea.
Gasps of horror erupted from the crowd.
Camera flashes went off like a lightning storm, capturing Cassandra's terrified, guilty face.
"That's a deep fake!" Cassandra screamed, panic consuming her entirely.
"She edited that video to frame me!"
Maya calmly pulled a plastic evidence bag from behind the podium.
Inside the bag was the empty teacup and the small vial, which Marcus had retrieved from Cassandra's room.
"The police are currently running a toxicology report on this cup," Maya stated coolly.
"And they found your fingerprints all over this vial, Cassandra."
Two police officers in full uniform stepped out from the shadows of the ballroom.
They walked straight toward Cassandra, pulling out heavy steel handcuffs.
"Cassandra Beaumont, you are under arrest for attempted poisoning and reckless endangerment," the officer declared.
Cassandra fought violently, kicking and screaming as they dragged her away.
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"You are nothing but a street rat!" Cassandra shrieked as the doors closed behind her.
The room fell dead silent, processing the incredible drama they had just witnessed.
