Chapter 8
Suddenly, a sharp beep echoed from the officers‘ phones and body cams.
“Captain Allemand from the fire department just sent us an encrypted file -it’s got audio and surveillance screenshots!” One of the officers called out. “Let’s open it.”
The file contained a series of security footage clips and a crystal–clear audio recording. In the video, Elise could be seen handing Gustavo a USB drive and a bank card.
“Install this program into the cold storage’s temperature control system,” Elise said coldly. “It’ll switch to deep freeze mode after a delay. When that happens, you lock the door from the outside and seal the vents. Adrienne will slowly pass out inside. Even if she’s rescued, her hands will be useless–she’ll never bake again. And no one will suspect a thing.
“Oh, and just to be safe, destroy all her recipes and notes. Leave her with nothing. Once it’s done, everything in this card is yours. I’ll also cover the rest of your mother’s treatment.
“Why does she get all of Gerard’s attention? I should be the only one in his heart and the only one by his side. Ever since I came back, he should’ve only thought of me. No one else.”
“Ms. Moreau, please, don’t go that far. Adrienne is kind. She helped me out when I couldn’t afford my mom’s meds…”
“Hmph. Sure, she helped you once but I can help you forever. I’m the only one who can get your mom’s imported meds. If you don’t follow through, you might as well prepare your mother’s funeral.”
Gustavo wavered; he was torn with decisions, but in the end, he nodded.
“If Adrienne hadn’t gotten in my way, I wouldn’t have burned my wrist from the oven steam. I wouldn’t have lost my ability to decorate desserts.
“She took everything that should’ve been mine, so I’ll make her pay for it-
ten times over!”
Elise had never imagined Remy would have gathered something so damning.
Even Gerard received the full recording. His face darkened with every
word.
Elise clung to his arm in desperation. “Gerard, don’t believe it! This is Adrienne’s trap! Gustavo is her partner! She’s been cheating on you, Gerard! She’s been lying to you all along. Only I truly love you. Only me!”
Before she could finish, Gerard raised his hand and slapped her.
Elise stared up at him, stunned.
His face was twisted in fury. “How could you do this to Adrienne? She was always kind to you! She taught you to bake and guided you through every step so you wouldn’t mess up. How could you hurt the person I love like this?”
Elise suddenly broke into a wild laugh.
“The person you love? Why? What’s so special about Adrienne? I was your first love! We grew up together! How could you fall for someone else just because I went abroad for a few years?
“She took my place, so she should’ve paid for it! I tried so many times to break her down, but she’s still standing!
“She stole the spotlight that should’ve been mine! She deserved to be destroyed. She still does!”
