Chapter 7 - THE TODDLER’S FINGER
“This... this footage is fabricated!” Croft shrieked, backing away from the table, his face slick with sweat. “It’s a setup!”
Suddenly, four-year-old Lily stepped out from behind her mother’s wool coat.
She walked three steps forward on the red carpet, her small bare feet comfortable inside new socks, clutching her stuffed rabbit.
She lifted her small hand and pointed her index finger directly at Julian Croft’s terrified face.
Her sweet, clear child’s voice carried across the silent ballroom.
“That’s the bad man,” Lily said loudly.
The entire room went completely motionless.
Lily looked up at Cole, then back at Croft.
“He’s the man who gave Mommy the envelope and told her if she told anyone about his money, he’d make sure Mommy went to jail and I went away forever.”
The simplicity of a three-year-old child’s truth hit the room like a physical blow.
Several women in the audience covered their mouths in tears. Business executives shook their heads in absolute disgust.
The police captain stepped forward, placing a heavy hand on Croft’s shoulder.
“Julian Croft,” the captain announced firmly. “You are under arrest for corporate embezzlement, extortion, and filing a false police report.”
Two uniformed officers grabbed Croft’s arms, snapping handcuffs behind his back.
“Wait! Cole! Please!” Croft screamed as he was dragged down the center aisle of the grand ballroom. “We can make a deal! Think of the company’s reputation!”
“The company’s reputation died when you locked a child in the cold,” Cole said coldly, watching the police drag Croft through the double doors.
Cole turned his gaze to Richard Vance, who was cowering near the side entrance.
“Vance,” Cole called out softly.
Vance trembled, taking a step forward. “M-Mr. Merritt... I was only following Mr. Croft’s orders...”
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“Pack your desk,” Cole said flatly. “You leave the building in five minutes. And if I ever catch you speaking to a staff member with disrespect again, I’ll personally make sure you never work in hospitality in this country.”
Vance bowed his head in complete disgrace, turning and scurrying out the side door.
