The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 199: Monitoring Deleted

At that moment, Victoria stepped forward, pointing decisively. "There's a security camera over there. Why don't we check the footage? That way, we'll know who's lying."

Willow noticed the camera in the corner and relaxed, smiling. "Sure, I got nothing to hide."

Maggie, not wanting to back down, quickly added, "Fine, let's check. I trust my boyfriend!" 

But Paul suddenly flinched, grabbing Maggie's hand and whispering in her ear, "Maggie, it's your birthday party. Let's not make a scene. Let's just drop it. She's a woman; I don't want to argue with her."

Maggie glared at him. "No way! I want Willow's reputation ruined! She dared to flirt with my boyfriend; I won't let her get away with it!" 

Paul looked troubled, trying to think of a way to stop them from checking the footage. He was hoping Maggie hadn't seen clearly and could blame Willow. 

But if they checked the footage, everyone would know it was him who made the first move, and he'd be the one embarrassed.

Maggie couldn't see through Paul's lies, but Dena, who had been observing for a while, could tell that Paul was the instigator. 

Having spent decades in the dance industry, Dena was much better at reading people than Maggie. She could see Paul's guilt. 

However, Dena was protective of her own and would only help her daughter. With so many colleagues present, if her daughter's boyfriend was caught cheating, it would be humiliating for her too. 

Dena quickly decided to take action. She stepped forward, appearing fair. "Let's check the footage. As an elder, I won't wrong anyone or cover for anyone." 

Paul looked up at Dena sharply, realizing there was nothing he could say now.

Willow proudly lifted her head and led the way. "Let's go then." 

After asking a staff member, they all headed towards the security room. 

The security room was on the second floor, and they had to take the elevator in three groups. 

No one noticed Dena at the back, her phone screen lighting up. She smiled with satisfaction after reading a message.

Victoria knocked on the security room door and politely asked to see the footage from the garden a few minutes ago. 

The security guard fiddled with the controls for a while before saying, "I'm sorry, but it seems the garden camera malfunctioned and didn't record anything. Are you looking for something specific? Did you lose something?"

Victoria pressed her lips together and shook her head. How could it be such a coincidence that the camera malfunctioned just when they needed it? 

Paul, who had been tense, suddenly relaxed, letting out a breath and laughing awkwardly. "What a coincidence. Looks like we can't prove my innocence today."

Maggie sneered, looking at Willow with disdain. "You're lucky. Now no one can see you seducing my boyfriend. But I saw it clearly, and so did my friends behind me: Willow hugging a man with a girlfriend. That proves she's a shameless woman. Everyone should spread the word."

Sophie, furious, retorted, "Maggie, you're being unreasonable! Paul is a grown man. Do you think Willow could force him? It's his fault for being unfaithful, not my sister's."

As Maggie was about to argue, Victoria raised her hand. "Wait, can I take a look at the computer? Maybe the footage can be recovered." 

She moved towards the desk, looking like she was about to check it herself. 

The security guard pulled the mouse away, nervously saying, "No, we have rules. Guests can't touch our equipment. It's expensive, and if you break it, can you afford to pay?"

He was clearly anxious. The head of security had called him earlier, specifically instructing him to delete a segment of footage. 

He hadn't thought much about it and did as told. If this guest found out the footage was deleted and not just a malfunction, she would definitely complain.

Victoria patiently explained, "Sometimes footage can be recovered from malfunctions. I know some methods. Let me try, and I'll pay for any damages." 

Sophie chimed in, "The malfunction is the hotel's fault. Victoria is trying to help, and you're refusing. Are you hiding something?"

The guard stammered, "N-no! You just can't see it."

Seeing the guard's guilty expression, Dena cursed inwardly. 

She had contacted the head of security, but this young guard was too inexperienced. Would he mess things up? 

Just then, the head of security walked in. "What's going on here?"

The guard quickly complained to his boss. The head of security exchanged a subtle glance with Dena, then turned to Victoria and the others, speaking sternly. 

"Our hotel's security footage isn't for guests to view at will. If something is lost, you should contact the area manager first. The security room is an important place, not for your arguments. Please leave now." 

He then had the guards escort Victoria and the others out of the security room.