Kira said again. "Paulina must have deleted it. She's trying to cover her tracks."

  Meesha felt helpless, but Kira offered a glimmer of hope. "I'll call Mark, a hacker who can help us revive the footage."

  Meesha eyes shone with happiness. "Really?"

  Kira nodded and called Mark, sending him the CCTV camera number. Mark agreed to help, and Meesha and Kira felt a sense of relief.

  As they left the room, Vanessa watched them from afar, feeling uneasy. She knew Meesha was getting close to the truth, and when she did, Vanessa would be in trouble too.

  Vanessa quickly found Paulina and urged her to follow. "Paulina, come with me."

  Paulina asked, her voice curious. "Where are we going?"

  Vanessa replied, her tone urgent. "Just come with me."

  Paulina nodded and they set off together.

  Meanwhile, Meesha and Kira left the industry and walked to the nearby coffee shop. Kira picked up her four-year-old son, Gabriel, and thanked the kind cashier who had watched him. Meesha was surprised to see her return with Gabriel. "You brought him with you?"

  Kira smiled, "Yes. It's Sunday, and there's no school today. Gabriel doesn't like being left alone with the housekeepers, so I had to bring him along."

  Gabriel greeted Meesha with a bright smile. "Good morning, Auntie."

  Meesha rubbed his hair, feeling a warmth in her heart. "How are you doing?" she asked.

  "I'm fine, thank you," Gabriel replied politely.

  Kira suggested they head to Meesha's house to await the footage, and to also see Xanqer again. Meesha chatted with Gabriel as they drove home.

  Upon arriving, Meesha opened the door, and they all entered. Kira sat on the couch, asking in a hushed tone, "Where's your prince charming?"

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Meesha's cheeks flushed as she replied, "He must be upstairs."

  Just then, Kira's phone rang. Mark was on the line, announcing that he had revived the footage and sent it to her phone. Their faces lit up with happiness upon his announcement.

  Then, Xanqer descended the stairs, holding a file. Kira's eyes widened slightly as she saw him. He looked even more handsome than she remembered. She smiled at him, but Xanqer ignored her and turned away to the dining room.

  Kira was flustered, taken aback by his haughty behavior. "He's too snobbish."

  Meesha chuckled, her eyes darting to Xanqer. "I guess so."

  Kira's attention shifted back to the task at hand. "Let's check the footage," she said, her eyes locking onto her phone.

  As she scrolled through her phone, Gabriel's small hands grasped her arm, his fingers wrapping tightly around her wrist. His bright, curious eyes sparkled as he gazed at Xanqer, his face alight with wonder.

  "Mommy, who's that?" Gabriel asked, his voice filled with awe, his tiny finger pointing at Xanqer.

  Meesha gently placed Gabriel's hand back at his side, before Xanqer could notice. Kira smiled. "Shh, that's Aunt Meesha's friend, Xanqer."

  Gabriel's gaze lingered on Xanqer, his expression filled with admiration. "Mommy, I want to look like him when I grow up," he exclaimed, his voice filled with determination. "Make sure you design my face to look like his."

  Meesha and Kira exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared amusement. Then, they burst out laughing, their outburst synchronized.

  Meesha ruffled Gabriel's hair. "Your mom can't design your face, sweetie," she said, her voice still laced with laughter. "You'll grow up to look handsome just like your dad."

  Gabriel's face scrunched up in thought, his brow furrowed. "No, I don't want Daddy's face," he said stubbornly. "I want his face." He pointed at Xanqer, his eyes shining with admiration.

  Kira was taken aback. "Gabriel, if your dad will be disappointed if he hears that."

  Gabriel's face set in a resolute expression, his chin jutting out. "I don't care," he said, his voice rising. "I just want his face. Waaaaaah!!" He burst into tears, his small body shaking with sobs.

  Meesha quickly intervened, her voice soothing as she coaxed him. "Okay, okay, Gabriel. You'll look like him, okay?" She glanced at Kira, who raised an eyebrow.

  Gabriel's tears subsided, replaced by a look of hopeful excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice trembling.

  Meesha smiled reassuringly. "Yes, really."

  Gabriel's face lit up with a triumphant grin. "Yay!" he exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.

  Kira shook her head, laughing. "Unbelievable."

  Meesha handed Gabriel her phone. "Here, Gabriel. You can play games on this while your mom and I talk."

  Gabriel's eyes widened with excitement as he took the phone. "Thank you, Auntie!" He settled down on the rug, tapping away at the screen with eager fingers.

  Kira watched her son, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on her face. "He's something else."

  Meesha agreed, nodding her head. "He's surely going to be a handful when he grows up."

  ********

  [ SUPREME HIGH COURT ]

  Paulina stood at the defendant's table, her eyes scanning the crowded courtroom. Reporters lined the sides, their cameras and microphones at the ready. Vanessa stood at the plaintiff's table, her expression calm and collected. She felt confused, unable to understand why she was at the defendant's table, but Vanessa gave her a reassuring gaze.

  The judge entered, and the courtroom fell silent. "This court is now in session. Miss Hauls, you have brought forth allegations against Miss Spears. Please state your case."

  Vanessa stood, her voice clear and confident. "Your Honor, esteemed members of the court, I am here today to reveal the truth about the death of Sarah, a talented model and friend. After conducting my own investigation, I have found irrefutable evidence that proves Paulina's guilt."

  Paulina's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she exclaimed.

  Vanessa's gaze locked onto Paulina's. "I'm sorry, Paulina. But I can no longer hide your secrets despite the fact that you threatened to kill me. You were jealous of Sarah's success, and you deliberately added a solution to her food, knowing it would exacerbate her diabetes. You then switched the medications in Meesha's dressing room, framing her for your crime."