Chapter 49: Confession
Before the tension could escalate further, a hotel security staff member approached, whispering something to his colleague. The man frowned, then stepped forward.
"We've reviewed the hallway CCTV footage," he said, loud enough for the room to hear. "There was... nothing. No man in a black coat. No one entered this room except Miss Zhi."
Venice's jaw dropped. "That's impossible!" she shouted. "I saw him! Tall, black coat, tennis hat—he walked right into this suite! You're telling me your cameras missed that?!"
The staff maintained a professional tone, but his brows were furrowed. "We checked all available angles. The only movement we saw was Miss Zhi returning to her suite after the banquet, and the dog being walked briefly by, I believe her mother. No man in black. No unauthorized entry."
Madam Zhi nodded, confirming she was the one who let Carpet in.
"I want to see it myself!" Venice shrieked, completely losing her composure. "I'm not blind—I know what I saw!"
Yeri crossed her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not too late to have your eyes check or maybe the ghost of your guilt is making you hallucinate."
"Yeri!" Linda barked, glaring at her.
"Mom, stop," Venice hissed, seething. "There's no way—someone erased the footage. That's the only explanation!"
Linda faltered, turning to look at her daughter, who was now flushed and trembling. "Venice, maybe you were just tired... it was late..."
"No! I saw him!" Venice insisted, breath quickening. Her voice cracked. "I saw him!"