All Chapters of Beneath The Facade : Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

AIDEN "I didn't harm the doctor," Annabelle insists for the umpteenth time as Jordan’s interrogation continues.I am in the observation room with Noah, watching Jordan conduct the questioning. Noah had efficiently apprehended both suspects and delivered them into police custody. His suspicions were correct: the waitress was a willing accomplice in the attempted homicide of Hermione. She was a fugitive when Noah tracked her down, in possession of a sum of currency far exceeding her reported income.Despite the evidence, the two assailants continue to feign a lack of collusion. I suspect they conspired to tamper with CCTV footage to conceal their illicit activities while Annabelle accosted Hermione and the waitress adulterated her drink. Upon inspection, there are no defensive wounds or marks of a struggle on the waitress's body; her claims of physical battery are a fabrication.Annabelle, however, remains the quintessential histrionic—typical of her. Initially, she invokes her right t

AIDEN"What's going on?" I ask Neil for the umpteenth time when I reach him. He is waiting to intercept me the moment I step off the elevator.He turns swiftly. "Hurry. Time is running out."I match Neil’s pace, my heart pounding. I wonder what could possibly demand such urgency. My brows furrow as I realize he is leading me toward the executive conference room."Did something affect the quarterly projections? Am I being sanctioned?" Did Lachlan set me up for a fall? He had promised he would.Neil reaches the door first, turning to face me with a look akin to an eye roll. "Get in there first and ask questions later." He opens the door, tugging at me as he shoves me inside.The moment I step into the room, a chorus of applause rings through the air. I stand there, confused, scanning the Board of Directors and the C-suite executives seated around the table. What have I done? I look around for answers, but everyone simply continues to smile and clap.As the applause dies down, the Lead I

HERMIONE "Successor, hm?" I ask Aiden once I have settled in after returning from work.The news of the Chairman declaring Aiden his successor has been going viral all day. Aiden does not appear pleased; I suspect the information was leaked, or perhaps he is preoccupied with thoughts of Lachlan.Aiden did not spend his days sequestered, grieving his mother’s loss after the funeral. He allowed himself only two days before resuming his duties. It was a prudent decision; remaining at home would only invite further depression. At work, his mind is occupied by essential matters rather than a loss that cannot be reclaimed."When was this discussed?" I inquire."I was apprised of Dad's decision the day my mother died.""Oh." I can see why he isn't particularly flattered by the appointment. The news reached him at the worst possible moment; any element of surprise or elation was eclipsed by his state of mourning."Congratulations!" I beam at him.He responds with a noncommittal grunt."Are y

LACHLAN The reaction most women would have had to those rumors was to lash out. But because it had all been a lie, she took it in stride, spinning a new narrative to clarify the previous one. Hermione has always been a genius; as a surgeon, it’s no surprise she remained unruffled by the backlash Aiden was receiving. She handled the situation with immense tact, single-handedly pivoting her husband's reputation from scorn to acceptance.I couldn't help but wonder: why hadn't Dad paired her with me if I was truly the golden son?"So, you two aren't working together?" Mom asks, sounding almost relieved.I can tell why. Given the failure of her plan, I would have been the prime suspect. She had tried to defame him at the exact moment I stood to benefit from his disqualification. While I have my own plan to reclaim the birthright Aiden stole, it is nothing as trivial as labeling him a cheater. My strategy will be far more effective than a mere rumor; it will be absolute. I’m simply waiting

LACHLAN "Father?" I say when he answers. My jaw tightens at the request I’m about to make, already anticipating his response.Between my mother’s situation and my breach of fiduciary duty at work, I doubt he will readily come to my aid. This is a man who can no longer bear to share a meal with me; I should have known better than to call him for help. Dad won’t help.I end the call at once. There is no point in explaining my situation when his decision is already made. I am no longer the golden child; he has chosen Aiden over me. To add to my embezzlement of company funds, if he hears that I’m a murder suspect, I doubt he will vouch for my integrity. If my mother is capable of murder, then it is not a stretch to believe I am capable of arranging one.A wave of dejection and embarrassment rolls through me, twisting my stomach. I already have a history of theft; soon, I’ll have a criminal record for murder if I don’t find a way out of this mess quickly.I try to dial another number, but