The Poisoned Decanter

ArthurWhat are you talking about? What video?

ClaraLook at your phone screen, Mr. Vance. Watch carefully.

Arthur leaned forward, staring at the bright screen held in Clara's steady hand.

VictoriaDon't look at that fake video, Arthur! She probably edited it on her phone to extort money from us!

ClaraIt was recorded twenty minutes ago in the private pantry behind the kitchen.

ArthurMy God... that's the silver decanter from my private reserve.

ClaraLook at the woman holding the small glass vial, sir.

Arthur's face turned pale as he watched the woman in the video pour a clear liquid directly into the red wine.

ArthurVictoria... that's your gold dress. That's your ring.

VictoriaArthur, no! That isn't me! Someone stole my dress or used a stunt double!

ClaraNobody stole your dress, Mrs. Vance. I watched you walk into the pantry with my own eyes.

VictoriaYou quiet little liar! I will make sure you never work in this city again!

ClaraYou can fire me, but you can't erase the security footage stored on the main server upstairs.

Arthur looked up from the phone, his hands trembling as he stared at his wife of twenty years.

ArthurWhy, Victoria? Why would you put something in my glass?

VictoriaArthur, darling, please listen to me! She's working with your business rivals to destroy our family name!

ClaraI don't have any business rivals, Mr. Vance. I'm just a student working two jobs to pay my mother's hospital bills.

ArthurThen why did you step in? Why risk your job for me?

ClaraBecause my mother taught me that doing the right thing is worth more than any paycheck.

VictoriaHow sweet! A noble waitress playing hero! Arthur, she's trying to set up a massive lawsuit against our estate!

ClaraI don't want your money, Mrs. Vance. But I think the police will want to see this decanter.

Clara carefully picked up the silver decanter by its handle, keeping her fingers away from the spout.

VictoriaPut that down right now!

ArthurTouch her again, Victoria, and I will have security lock you in the coat room until the cops arrive.

VictoriaArthur! How can you take the word of a servant over your own wife?!

ArthurBecause my wife's hand is shaking, and the waitress is the only one making sense in this room.

A heavy murmur washed through the crowded ballroom as guests pulled out their own phones, filming the argument.

Guest 1: Did you hear that? She tried to poison him!

Guest 2: Look at Victoria's face... she's guilty as sin!

VictoriaStop filming me! All of you, turn those cameras off right now!

ArthurLet them film, Victoria. Let the whole city see who you really are.

Victoria's eyes darted toward the grand marble staircase leading to the main exit.

ClaraDon't bother running, Mrs. Vance. I already locked the front gates.