Chapter 5 - The Burner Phone
The next morning, the estate felt like a stage, and everyone was playing a part.
Ethan acted cold and distant toward Sarah at breakfast.
Victoria, thrilled by the apparent success of her framing attempt, was in a remarkably good mood.
"Darling, don't forget we have the estate lawyer coming today," Victoria reminded Ethan, sipping her mimosa.
"I haven't forgotten," Ethan replied smoothly. "Just going over the prenup revisions."
Victoria's eyes flashed with a greedy hunger that Sarah noticed from across the kitchen.
After breakfast, Ethan left for the city.
Sarah went upstairs to clean the guest bedroom, secretly checking the small camera hidden in the smoke detector.
While dusting the hallway, she noticed Victoria's designer handbag sitting on a side table.
The bag was slightly open.
Inside, a cheap, outdated flip phone was lighting up with an incoming text message.
Sarah knew Victoria only used the newest, most expensive smartphones.
Glancing around to ensure the coast was clear, Sarah quickly pulled the burner phone out.
She opened the screen.
The text was from an unsaved number: The paperwork is ready. We need the first payment today, or the real name comes out.
Sarah's breath caught in her throat.
Real name?
Before she could read further, footsteps echoed on the stairs.
Sarah frantically shoved the phone back into the bag and grabbed her duster just as Victoria reached the landing.
"What are you doing near my things?" Victoria snapped.
"Just dusting the table, Miss Victoria," Sarah lied smoothly.
Victoria snatched her bag, clutching it to her chest.
"Stay away from my belongings, you thief," Victoria spat.
Sarah bowed her head submissively and walked away, her mind racing.
Victoria wasn't just a cruel gold digger.
She was hiding her entire identity.
May you like
Sarah needed to tell Ethan, but she couldn't risk calling him at work and leaving a trail.
She would have to wait until he returned home.
