The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1281

"I was only planning to rest for a little while," Shirley explained tearfully. "I have a flight to catch for a fashion show later tonight. My friend came looking for me when I didn't come down at the agreed-upon time. She heard me scream from the hallway and broke down the door, thinking I was in trouble."

Stella nodded slowly. "Neville said he had just come in to change his shirt when the door was broken down. We can check the hallway security footage. If he was only in the room for a few minutes, that should be enough to prove his innocence. Do you agree, Miss Vance?"

Shirley wiped a tear from her eye. "I agree."

"Good," Stella said. "Then let's have someone pull the footage."

Five minutes later, the banquet manager returned, looking flustered. "Mr. Vance, my apologies, but the security cameras… they were damaged yesterday, so… there's no footage to retrieve."

"What the hell? Damaged yesterday?" Zane exclaimed. "Why weren't they replaced? Did you not know I was hosting a party here tonight?"

"We did order new ones, sir," the manager stammered, wiping sweat from his brow. "But the technician who installed them didn't set them up correctly, and the recording function wasn't enabled…"

The manager rambled on, but the bottom line was clear: there was no footage. No proof.

Shirley insisted Neville had assaulted her, while Neville maintained he was framed. With her reputation on the line, Shirley couldn't just let it go. If this wasn't resolved, she would be shamed in her social circle and her marriage prospects ruined.

The situation was at a stalemate. Zane was a key supporter of Stella's, with strong ties to many neutral parties in the company. If this wasn't handled delicately, she could lose his backing, and her position at The Williams Group would be jeopardized. The person behind this trap was vicious. They were forcing Neville's hand.

After a few moments of tense silence, Neville finally spoke. "Since Miss Vance is certain it was me, I am willing to take responsibility, for now. I will spend the next few months searching for evidence to clear my name. If I can prove my innocence, our arrangement will be void. If I cannot, I will do right by you."

"There has to be a time limit, doesn't there?" Shirley pressed. "What if you drag this out for years and then just cast me aside? That would be toying with my emotions."

Neville considered for a moment. "Three months. How does that sound, Miss Vance?"

Hearing their exchange, Foreman, who had been standing nearby, paused almost imperceptibly. A flash of sheer ecstasy shot through him. So, their relationship was a sham. He had thought they were actually together. A wave of regret washed over him. He had resorted to such a drastic measure because he believed they were a real couple.

It was a brilliant plan, designed to kill three birds with one stone. If Neville refused to take responsibility, Stella would see his true colors. If he agreed, he and Stella would be forced apart. Even if they stayed together, the unresolved accusation would fester between them. He hadn't considered, however, that if Neville had refused, Stella might have lost Zane's support. Thankfully, Neville had conceded, making the plan a near-perfect success.

Now, Neville would be busy trying to prove his innocence, entangled with Shirley, and likely too embarrassed to show his face around Stella for a while. And Shirley was no pushover; she wouldn't let this opportunity slip through her fingers. Neville was effectively out of the picture.

Which meant…

Foreman's gaze shifted to Joshua. It was his turn next.

As if sensing his stare, Joshua turned to meet his eyes, his own gaze as deep and dark as a starless sea. "Mr. Richards, is there something you wanted to say to me?"