Ten Seconds Until the Mansion Remembered Him

Chapter 12 - The Party Video

Lily’s party video became central evidence in a different case.

The footage showed Damon directing unlicensed security guards to remove Ethan before asking his name. It also captured a conversation between two Northstar executives near the pool.

One said, “Malcolm promised the trust expires tonight.”

The other replied, “Then the kid must not activate anything before midnight.”

They knew Ethan was coming.

The party had not been random.

Malcolm learned Claire died and expected Ethan might receive the watch. He encouraged Damon to hold the celebration at the mansion on Ethan’s birthday because the event provided noise, private guards, and a reason to deny entry.

Damon had been used.

He did not know the full plan, but Malcolm counted on his arrogance to perform the first barrier.

When investigators questioned him, Damon faced a choice.

Protect his father or tell the truth.

For hours, he repeated that he knew nothing.

Then they showed a message Malcolm sent that afternoon:

If a kid in a gray hoodie appears, keep him outside. No police. No public scene.

Damon had created the exact public scene his father feared.

His cruelty accidentally preserved the truth.

Damon agreed to testify.

He admitted Malcolm instructed him to block Ethan. He admitted ordering security to intimidate him. He admitted the party was funded through Northstar marketing accounts disguised as investor outreach.

The confession damaged his brand and exposed financial misuse.

Damon released a public apology.

It was polished, professionally lit, and filled with phrases about growth.

Ethan watched fifteen seconds and closed it.

Later, Damon sent a second message privately.

I knew nothing about the trust. I knew enough to treat you like you didn’t matter. That part was mine.

Ethan did not forgive him.