Chapter 3: The Departure
Mark arrived at 9:00 AM, wearing a suit that cost more than my first car and carrying a smug expression that made my skin crawl. He wasn't alone; he had his father’s lead counsel, a man named Sterling, trailing behind him like a loyal hound.
"Clara," Mark said, his voice dripping with forced patience. "I hope you’ve had time to consider your position. My father is not a man who waits for results, and quite frankly, this situation is becoming an embarrassment."
I didn't blink. I held my daughter close, feeling her rhythmic breathing against my chest. "I’ve considered my position, Mark. And I’ve decided that you’re right. Our marriage is no longer viable."
Sterling stepped forward, opening a leather portfolio. "We’ve drafted a separation agreement. Full custody of the child to the father, a modest settlement for your 'troubles,' and you vacate the premises by noon today."
I laughed. It was a cold, sharp sound that made both men pause.
May you like
"Sterling," I said, my voice echoing with the authority of a courtroom veteran. "Before you waste any more ink, you should check your email. I sent a little something to your firm’s senior partners this morning. It details your involvement in the offshore liquidation of the family's assets. And Mark? If you move one inch closer to me, you’ll be doing it in handcuffs."
The air left the room. Mark’s face turned an ashen grey. He looked at Sterling, who was frantically tapping at his phone. When Sterling looked up, his face was pale with genuine terror.
