Chapter 4 - The Clumsy Lie
Luca took a slow, deliberate step closer. The silence was deafening.
Victoria’s realistic facial micro-expressions betrayed her absolute panic. Her eyes darted rapidly between Luca and the stack of food. She swallowed hard, stepping in front of the foil containers as if she could hide them with her gown.
"I canceled the delivery," Victoria said defensively, her voice pitching up slightly.
Luca’s expression didn't change. He simply tilted his head, waiting.
"The... the caterers made a mistake," Victoria stammered, her lies tangling together. "The food was left out too long during the speeches. It’s spoiled, Luca. It’s completely unsafe for the children to eat. I was just instructing Maya to dispose of it so no one gets sick."
Maya gasped softly, utterly appalled by the sheer audacity of the lie. The food was piping hot and perfectly safe.
But Maya didn't dare speak. She watched as Luca stared dead into his sister’s eyes.
He didn't yell. He didn't accuse her of lying.
Instead, Luca slowly reached into the inside pocket of his navy blue suit jacket. He pulled out a sleek, black smartphone. He didn't break eye contact with Victoria as he pressed a single button on his speed dial and brought the phone to his ear.
Victoria’s chest began to heave. Natural, terrified breathing took over as she watched her brother wait for the line to connect.
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"Yes, Sister Margaret," Luca said smoothly into the phone, his eyes boring a hole straight through his blonde sister.
👉 What devastating truth will the orphanage director reveal on the phone?
