All Chapters of What the Key Revealed: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

Claudia was a new intern at his company—I had even met her briefly at the last company gathering. The girl looked shy and timid, calling his name with an almost sugary sweetness that made my skin crawl.I put my phone back as if nothing had happened.After Richard finished his shower, I casually asked him about Claudia.He didn't hesitate or show the slightest guilt. Instead, he praised her, saying she had made remarkable progress last month and that he had rewarded her with a necklace.Half of my doubts eased. Richard did often buy small gifts to reward his employees.The next morning, as soon as I got to the office, I opened my phone and connected to the backup surveillance at home.I had installed it six months ago to watch the cat. The camera was hidden behind a row of books on the living room shelf, perfectly facing the sofa and the entryway.After the cat was sent to my mother's house, the camera had lain unused. Richard had long forgotten it existed.The night before, wh

Richard was in the kitchen, cooking noodles, when the doorbell rang. He jumped in surprise."Who is it?" he called out.Claudia stirred, annoyed, rolling over in bed."Is it the delivery? That was quick.""I'll go check."Richard turned off the stove and, wearing only a pair of boxers, went to the door.He peeked through the peephole—and instantly went pale, as if his soul had fled.Outside, a crowd of a dozen or more people had gathered, chatting and laughing."What… what's going on?! Why are they here?!" His legs went weak, his face drained of color."What's wrong, Richard? Who's here?" Claudia asked, rubbing her eyes and stepping out in her robe."Quick! Hide!" Richard hissed, shoving her toward the bedroom. "My parents and my friends are here… and a bunch of others!""What?!" Claudia sat up, fully awake. "Where… where do I hide?""The master bedroom! Lock the door! Don't make a sound!"He shoved her into the bedroom, too flustered even to clean up the compromising trac

"A misunderstanding?" I sneered. "Fine. Since it's a 'surprise,' let's all enjoy it."I pulled out my phone and connected it via Bluetooth to the 75-inch TV in the living room."Perfect. I happen to have a little video of how you 'set up this surprise.' Everyone, enjoy."The next second, the giant screen lit up with an obscene scene.Two pale bodies twisted together, every intimate motion captured in excruciating detail.Moans and gasps exploded through the surround sound, filling the living room.The footage was crystal clear—even the mole on Richard's butt was visible.Claudia, who had just been sweet and clever, went pale and clutched her face, trying to flee. But the guards blocked her path with perfect timing.Richard's face turned red, fists clenched so tight his knuckles whitened. Then he lunged at me, gripping my hand with the kind of strength that felt like he could crush my bones."Honey! Honey, I was wrong! I was blinded for a moment! She seduced me! My heart only b

Even my mother-in-law was dumbfounded. "Richard… you took out a high-interest loan?""This is fraud. Forging a company seal is a criminal offense," I said, staring at Richard's face, drained of all color."Richard, cheating might have been a civil matter, but this… this is a criminal case. Once I hand this USB to the police, guess how many years you'll be spending behind bars?"With a thud, Richard collapsed to his knees."Honey… no, Ashley!" His voice trembled, tears and snot streaking his face. "I… I was wrong! I never dared to borrow! I was just… asking! I didn't stamp anything! Please… don't call the police! If you do, I'm finished! My mom… she's old… she can't handle this!""Now you're feeling regret?" I spat, kicking him aside. "Earlier, when you demanded half my house, did you even think about how my parents would react?"Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Claudia's eyes darted around. She immediately tried to distance herself."Richard! You actually gambled?! An