Chapter 5 - THE RECORDING
Julian’s eyes darted frantically around the room. He could see his social standing crumbling to dust in real-time. The wealthy investors he had been pitching all afternoon were suddenly backing away, avoiding his gaze, heading straight for the exit.
"You can't kick us out!" Julian snarled, trying to regain control. "The judge wouldn't give you exclusive possession overnight without evidence! You have nothing! I’ll tell the police you’re lying! I'll tell them you attacked me!"
"I don't need to lie, Julian," I said calmly.
I reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and tapped the screen once.
A portable Bluetooth speaker sitting on the side table—the one playing classical music moments earlier—suddenly crackled to life. A heavy, distorted sound filled the living room, followed by the terrifyingly crisp audio recorded the night before.
“Then start now!” Julian’s recorded voice roared through the room, brutal and heavy.
The sound of a scuffle echoed over the high-end speakers, followed by the loud, metallic THUD of a heavy wooden door slamming shut, and the distinctive CLICK of a deadbolt turning from the outside.
Then came Fiona’s recorded voice, sharp and mocking: “Make sure she makes the beef Wellington I like, Julian!”
The room went so quiet you could hear the air conditioning hum.
Fiona looked like she had been slapped across the face. She staggered backward, clutching her pearl necklace, her eyes wide with sheer terror as her friends stared at her in utter disgust. Three of her closest socialite companions turned on their heels, walked straight out the front door, and slammed it behind them without saying a word.
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Julian stood paralyzed in the center of the room. The audio didn't just prove physical restraint; it destroyed the entire illusion of his gentlemanly character in front of every contact he possessed in Chicago.
"The judge listened to that recording at 8:15 this morning, Julian," I whispered, stepping closer to him, my voice dropping so only he and his mother could hear. "He signed the protection order at 8:30. You have fifty-five minutes left before the Sheriff’s deputies come up that elevator to escort you out in handcuffs."
