Free Web NovelChapter 121: The birthday party III
Isabel’s eyes landed on the small, black lenses tucked into the corners of the ceiling.
"There are cameras all around this ballroom," she pointed out. "Instead of standing here and accusing Lyvana, we should just check the security feed. That will show us exactly who pushed who."
Clarisse’s eyes widened, and she gripped Susan’s arm a little tighter.
"No, it’s... it’s okay," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I don’t want to cause any more trouble on Mark’s big night. Let’s just forget it."
"No," Damon said firmly. He looked at Lyvana, then back at the crowd. "I insist. I believe in my daughter, and if she says she didn’t touch her, then I want her name cleared right now."
Mark’s stepped forward. "Everyone, please, let’s just calm down," he said. "It was just a clumsy accident. There’s no need to stop the celebration for a security tape. Let’s just let the party continue!"
Inwardly, Lyvana felt a sharp sense of satisfaction. Moments before the cake disaster, Lyvana had told Emily to keep her camera ready and aimed at her.
Emily had lifted an eyebrow, her thumb already hovering over the record button. "Something like what?"
Lyvana had only offered a mischievous smile. By now, she was sure the video was already trending on Instagram.
Susan hissed a final threat at Lyvana before leading a sobbing Clarisse away to clean up the wreckage of her dignity.
When Clarisse returned to the party, she had changed her clothes into a pristine, white silk gown.
Before long, the lights in the ballroom dimmed. The large projector screen behind the stage, which had been cycling through a rotating gallery of Mark’s photos, suddenly went pitch black.
Clarisse stood with a microphone.
"Can I have everyone’s attention, please?" she began. "I wanted to take a moment to say a very special happy birthday to the best boss, and the most incredible man in the world. Happy birthday, Mark Vaughn." freēwēbnovel.com
The guests erupted into polite, warm applause. Clarisse beamed, looking every bit the loyal assistant.
"I’ve put together a little surprise for you Mark," she continued, gesturing toward the screen. "A video journey from your childhood through to your greatest achievements. It’s a tribute to the man we all admire."
Martin, Mark’s best friend, stood beside him and elbowed him slightly, a wide, mischievous grin on his face.
"I am going to love this. I’ve been waiting years to see those embarrassing baby pictures on a screen this big."
Mark laughed.
"Don’t be too hard on me, Martin," Mark joked, settling in to watch.
The room went quiet as the first picture appeared on the big screen. It was a cute photo of a chubby-cheeked baby Mark holding a teddy bear. A collective "Aww" rippled through the crowd.
The next picture showed Mark as a teenager in his graduation gown. Clarisse smiled from the stage, looking very proud of her video.
Suddenly, the screen changed.
The sweet music stopped and a very clear security video started to play.
The entire room gasped.
The video showed Mark inserting a dildo into Clarisse right on Lyvana’s desk.
For a few seconds, everyone was frozen, eyes glued to the screen as the graphic video continued to play. The loud, echoing sounds from the speakers made the situation even more humiliating.
Mark’s face turned as white as a ghost.
Susan looked completely horrified.
Clarisse was still on the stage holding the microphone. She looked up at the screen and gasped. She was so shocked that the microphone slipped out of her hand and hit the floor with a loud thud that echoed through the room.
Lyvana had tears streaming down her face. Emily seemed impressed. How had she managed those fake tears.
Lady Glowen looked deeply disgusted. She hugged her tight.
"I am sorry Lyvana," she said.
"Shut it off! I said shut it off now!" Mark screamed, his voice cracking with panic. He lunged toward the AV booth, tripping over a chair in his haste.
But it was too late. The damage was already done.
"Let’s get out of this disgusting place," Damon said firmly. He led them towards the exit.
Mark ran after them into the hallway. "Wait! It’s a fake! That video is a setup!"
Damon stopped. "A fake? The camera was in my daughter’s office, Mark. On her desk. Do you take us for fools?"
"Lyvana, honey, listen to me!" Mark turned to her, his hands shaking as he pleaded. "It’s a setup. You know I love you. Someone is trying to break us up!"
Lyvana ignored him and kept walking. She rested her head on Lady Glowen’s shoulder, making sure her fake sobs sounded perfectly heartbreaking to anyone listening.
"Lyvana, please!" Mark cried out, reaching a hand toward her. "It’s not what it looks like!"
"Don’t you dare touch her," Lady Glowen warned. "This engagement is over Mark Vaughn. It is obvious to me that pregnancy is yours, that’s why your mother insulted my granddaughter today in front of everyone."
"I am so sorry about that, Lady Glowen. But please, give me the chance to explain."
Lyvana finally pulled away from her grandmother. She stepped forward and slapped Mark hard across the face.
"Stay away from me," she said coldly. "You are both shameless. In my office? Of all places, you had to fuck her right on top of my desk. Wait. How did Clarisse get that video in the first place? It was obvious she wanted to humiliate me, tonight. Well, tell her she won. She can have you. After all, she’s the one carrying your child."
"I messed up Liv, but please don’t leave me! I love you."
Lyvana didn’t look back. She turned and walked out the door, leaving Mark alone in the hallway.
Even in the car, Lyvana didn’t stop. She kept her face buried in her grandmother’s shoulder, shaking with what appeared to be uncontrollable sobs.
She knew she had to keep the act up; if she recovered too quickly, they might wonder. Emily, sitting in the front seat was impressed with her performance.
"Oh, my poor girl," Lady Glowen whispered, pulling Lyvana closer. "I am so sorry, Lyvana. I am so, so sorry. I was the one who insisted you marry that disgusting man. I truly thought he was a decent person."
"It’s not your fault grandma," Lyvana choked out.
