Chapter 10 - The Fabricated Scandal
Z
Within twenty minutes of Richard Vance’s chilling phone call, television screens across Texas aired a breaking news report that sent shockwaves through San Antonio.
“BREAKING NEWS: SAN ANTONIO HOTEL SCANDAL DEEPENS. FORMER COOK JOANNE PARKER ACCUSED OF HISTORIC POISONING INCIDENT AT GRAND CREST HOTEL.”
Mason, Joanne, Lily, and Samuel stood frozen in the hotel lobby, staring up at the wall monitors. A polished news anchor presented a sensationalized report, featuring an anonymous whistleblower wearing a blurred mask.
“According to newly leaked documents from an undisclosed corporate source,” the news anchor announced, “Joanne Parker—who was recently promoted to Executive Head Chef at the prestigious Grand Crest Hotel—was previously investigated four years ago for allegedly contaminating food supplies with industrial cleaning agents at a luxury resort in Austin, resulting in the hospitalization of three high-profile guests.”
Joanne gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, her face draining of all color. “That’s a lie! I’ve never even worked in Austin in my life!”
“Mom!” Lily cried, grabbing her mother’s hand as guests in the hotel lobby began turning around, staring at Joanne with suspicion and horror.
The television screen flashed a scanned copy of an official state health department document bearing Joanne Parker’s full name, social security number, and a forged signature admitting to criminal negligence.
“This is Richard’s work,” Samuel said bitterly, typing furiously on his tablet. “He used his media connections to plant a completely fabricated background file on major news networks. The health department document was forged using altered state templates.”
“It doesn't matter if it’s fake, Samuel!” Joanne wept, her voice trembling with despair. “The moment people see that on television, no supplier will sell to us, no guest will eat in my kitchen, and the health inspector will shut this place down by nightfall!”
Right on cue, two state health inspectors wearing blue jackets walked through the front doors of the hotel, accompanied by a local TV news crew holding a giant camera lens.
“We are looking for Joanne Parker and Mason Vance,” the lead inspector demanded loudly, loud enough for the entire lobby to hear. “We have received an emergency public safety complaint regarding critical sanitation violations and fraudulent food safety certifications.”
The news camera zoomed in directly on Joanne’s tear-streaked face.
Mason stepped directly between the camera lens and Joanne, his tall frame blocking the shot completely. His eyes burned with an icy, dangerous fury that made the news cameraman flinch.
“Lower that camera right now, or my legal team will file an immediate emergency injunction that will strip your network of its broadcast license by midnight,” Mason said, his voice flat, razor-sharp, and terrifyingly calm.
The cameraman slowly lowered the lens, looking nervously at the lead health inspector.
“Mr. Vance,” the inspector said, pulling out a clipboard. “We have an official order to suspend the operation of the Grand Crest Hotel restaurant pending a full four-week microbiological audit.”
“You are acting on forged documents planted by an indicted corporate fugitive,” Mason stated firmly. “I demand to know who authorized this emergency inspection order.”
The inspector checked his paper. “The order was signed directly by Regional Health Commissioner Victor Sterling.”
Samuel leaned into Mason’s ear. “Victor Sterling sits on the board of directors for Aegis Freight System. He’s on Richard Vance’s payroll.”
Mason nodded once. The trap was masterfully designed. Richard wasn't trying to win a legal battle; he was executing a rapid, high-intensity smear campaign designed to destroy Joanne’s reputation, ruin the Grand Crest’s standing, and force Mason into defensive damage control before he could attack the Dallas headquarters.
Lily stepped forward, standing beside her mother, staring straight at the health inspector. “My mom didn't poison anyone! She saved people from eating the terrible, cheap food that your friends were buying!”
“Lily, sweetheart, it’s okay,” Joanne whispered, wiping her eyes.
“No, it’s not okay!” Lily said fiercely, turning to Mason. “Mr. Mason, my mom kept all her old tax returns and employment records in a fireproof box at my grandmother’s house. She has proof she was working at a school cafeteria in Southtown four years ago—not in Austin!”
Mason looked at the courageous girl, a cold, decisive plan forming in his mind.
“Samuel,” Mason commanded. “Take Joanne and Lily back to their apartment. Retrieve those employment records and have our forensic team verify them immediately.”
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“Where are you going, Mason?” Samuel asked anxiously.
Mason buttoned his suit jacket, his expression hardened like tempered steel. “I’m taking my private jet to Dallas. It’s time I paid my Uncle Richard a personal visit before he releases his next lie.”
