Caleb Was Accused of Stealing From a Business Executive — Then Security Footage Showed Someone Secretly Planting It in His Backpack
Chapter 8 — Why Lydia Framed Caleb
Richard still did not understand one thing.
“You discovered your father kept this quiet.”
“Yes.”
“That explains why you wanted the video removed.”
He pointed toward Caleb.
“It does not explain why you chose him.”
Lydia’s face tightened.
“I didn’t know who he was.”
Maria shook her head.
“The security video shows you looking at his name tag first.”
Caleb had been wearing a visitor badge.
CALEB GRANT.
Lydia closed her eyes.
Richard waited.
Finally she admitted it.
She recognized the surname.
When the archive tape was digitized, Lydia began researching Elias’s surviving family.
She discovered Maria worked for the catering company serving the anniversary event.
Then she saw Caleb beside the displays.
“You thought if the drive was found in a Grant’s backpack…” Richard said.
Lydia nodded.
“People might believe his family had taken it because they were angry about Elias.”
Maria stared at her.
“You didn’t just need somewhere to hide it.”
“No.”
“You chose my son because his grandfather’s name was on the evidence.”
Lydia began crying.
“I panicked.”
Maria’s voice remained calm.
“Stop saying that like panic chose the backpack.”
Lydia fell silent.
That distinction mattered.
Fear might have made Lydia desperate.
But she had made several deliberate decisions.
Remove the card.
Look for Caleb.
Open his backpack.
Plant the case.
Then stand silent while Mr. Dawson accused him.
Richard looked toward Caleb.
The boy had barely spoken.
“You okay?”
Caleb shrugged.
Then asked:
“Did Grandpa know they forgot him?”
Maria looked toward the old letters.
“I think he knew.”
Caleb stared at Henry Dawson’s giant lobby portrait.
“Then maybe they should remember him now.”
