I lowered my voice to a lethal whisper. “You ruined yourself the moment you mistook my kindness for permission to destroy me.”

Marissa opened another tabbed file.

“Effective immediately,” she announced, her voice echoing in the silent foyer, “all financial support connected to Mrs. Carter’s private trust and domestic holdings has been permanently severed.

Crestview Renovations will receive formal notice of contract termination by close of business today, pushing the company into immediate insolvency. We are also pursuing repayment of all misused marital funds, alongside civil damages related to the assault.”

Evelyn let out a choked sob and grabbed Daniel’s arm, her manicured nails digging into his flesh. “Daniel, do something! Call our lawyers! Stop her!”

But Daniel didn’t look at his mother. He looked at me. For the first time in our three-year marriage, he wasn’t looking at a subordinate wife, or a prop, or a punching bag.