Chapter 42: The Truth
"Yes, sir," Finley replied, nodding before leaving. He soon returned with a copy of the airport surveillance footage from the period Annabel was present.
"Mr. Benton, I have it," Finley said, handing Rupert the USB drive.
Rupert took the drive, leaned back, and narrowed his eyes. After turning it over in his hand, he dropped it on the table and said indifferently, "Play it."
"Yes, sir," Finley responded, quickly turning on the computer and projector. He inserted the USB drive and played the footage.
Nina wiped the sweat from her brow, desperately trying to reassure herself. Even with the surveillance footage, what did it matter? She hadn't replaced the drawings herself. Her plan was flawless; Annabel wouldn't be able to connect anything to her.
The footage began with Annabel organizing her files. She removed the drawings from a folder, carefully examining them. It was clearly visible that she was holding the drawings, not blank sheets of paper. After her inspection, she returned the drawings to the folder, placed it in the drawer, and left for the airport.
No one approached Annabel's desk until lunchtime. The entire office staff went to the cafeteria, leaving the offices empty. Then, a middle-aged woman in a cleaning uniform entered Annabel's office, carrying her cleaning supplies. She tiptoed to the desk, checking for anyone nearby. Seeing the coast was clear, she opened the drawer, removed the drawings, and replaced them with blank sheets.
"It seems the cleaner was the one who did it," Nina said, relieved. With the surveillance footage proving who was responsible, she believed the suspicion would be removed from her. The cleaner had taken her money and was probably hiding in the countryside. Nina anticipated Annabel making a fool of herself.
"Annabel, you slandered me, claiming I stole the drawings. Now, the surveillance footage proves it wasn't me," Nina declared, her arrogance returning. "You accused me publicly. Shouldn't you apologize?"
"Hold on," Annabel said, gesturing for Finley to pause the footage.
"Yes, we've all seen it. It was the cleaner, Talia, who replaced the drawings. But why? What was her motive?"
"You can find her and ask her," Nina quipped, confident Annabel couldn't locate Talia.
Rupert immediately gestured for Finley to find Talia. Finley made a phone call and then reported, "Talia resigned at one o'clock this afternoon."
One o'clock? That was after she replaced the drawings. Her resignation immediately following the act suggested premeditation.
"Investigate and find her!" Rupert ordered icily.
But Annabel smiled and shook her head. "Don't bother. I'll have Talia come here; the truth will be revealed."
"What?" Rupert asked, surprised.
Annabel called a number. "Talia, you can come here now. Yes, the eighteenth-floor conference room."
Nina panicked. How did Annabel have Talia's number? Why call her now? Could it be? No, impossible! Perhaps it was a bluff. Nina knew she couldn't panic. She had to remain calm.
Ten minutes later, the middle-aged cleaning woman, Talia, appeared at the conference room door.
"Talia, please come in," Annabel said, gesturing her inside. Talia looked nervous but entered.
The moment Nina saw Talia, her face paled. Talia had resigned and returned to the countryside. So why was she here?
"Talia, did you steal the drawings from my folder and replace them with blank sheets?" Annabel asked calmly.
Talia nodded. "Yes."
"Why?" Annabel pressed.
Talia lowered her eyes and murmured, "Someone paid me five hundred thousand to replace them."
"Who? Is that person in this room?" Annabel asked.
Talia pointed at Nina. "Her. She paid me."
"Don't make false accusations! Did Annabel bribe you to frame me? I'm sure Annabel paid you!" Nina screamed, desperately trying to shift the blame.
Annabel smiled, seeing Nina's anxiety. Everything was unfolding as planned. Days earlier, overhearing Nina and Heather's conversation in the bathroom, she'd learned of their conspiracy. She'd had Anthony secretly monitor Nina's phone, discovering Nina's plan to steal the drawings and get Annabel fired for dereliction of duty. Knowing Talia's son was seriously ill and needed money, Nina had hired her. Annabel had then located Talia and contacted her childhood doctor to help treat her son. The child improved, and Talia, deeply grateful, promised to do anything for Annabel. Annabel devised a plan: Talia would accept Nina's money, promise to steal the drawings, and secretly gather evidence. This was her counter-attack. Nina wanted to force her out; Annabel would do the same to her.
"Talia, did I tell you to frame her?" Annabel asked casually.
Talia shook her head vehemently. "No. She instructed me to steal your drawings."
"Nonsense!" Nina shouted. "What did Annabel bribe you with? Why are you falsely accusing me?"
"I'm not lying. This is a recording of our conversation when you paid me to replace the drawings," Talia said, producing a recording pen.
Rupert's eyes widened in surprise. He recognized the pen from Annabel's room. Had Annabel given it to Talia? It was clear: Annabel had seen through Nina's scheme from the beginning. Talia's actions were all part of Annabel's plan.