Chapter 9 - A Story Written for the Press
By breakfast, the story had spread across local news sites. The headline called the collapse a possible staff safety failure and noted that the housekeeper who pulled Noah from the glass had been placed on leave. Elena's name appeared beneath a photograph taken as she left the estate with her arm bandaged.
The article did not accuse her directly, but the implication was clear. Anonymous sources claimed she had been the last staff member near the tower and that she had argued with the event coordinator over her duties.
She had asked for a barrier near the terrace walkway, but the request was dismissed because the tower was supposedly secure.
Julian wanted to issue a statement immediately. Caroline Wells, the foundation's attorney, told him not to publish claims that had not yet been verified.
"We can clear Elena's name without naming Adrian before the evidence is ready," Caroline said. "If you accuse your brother publicly and the case is delayed, you could compromise the investigation."
Elena joined the meeting by video call. "I don't need a public apology today. I need the investigation to be fair. But I won't accept being treated as a suspect because I was the one who noticed the danger."
Julian nodded. "You shouldn't have been put on leave without an explanation. I'll correct that."
"Correct the process, not just my paycheck. If the staff is expected to notice hazards, they need authority to stop an event when something is unsafe."
Her answer surprised him. She was not asking for a bonus or a favor. She wanted the next worker to be listened to before someone got hurt.
Adrian told the board the collapse was a mechanical failure and denied touching the tower. He praised Elena's quick response while insisting her actions needed review, keeping suspicion alive.
Maya read the statement and shook her head. "He wants to be the man who forgives her for a mistake she didn't make."
Julian looked at the press clippings. "He thinks if he controls the story, he controls the truth."
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That afternoon, Grace found a photo slipped beneath her door: Adrian's shoe on the silver pedal, with Noah visible behind him, playing on the floor.
On the back, someone had written: "He knew the boy was there.
