My father smiled. Stephanie lifted her chin, sure they’d won. They had no idea they were never taking anything from me that night — they were walking into a trap of their own making.

Chapter 4 — The Utility Room

In the small utility room I found our baby crib taken apart, a bucket catching drips from a leaking pipe, and a single duffel bag of Ashley’s clothes.

On the stained mattress lay an envelope stamped with my company logo. Inside were fake bank transfers, forged invoices, and a legal complaint accusing Ashley of embezzling nearly four million dollars from my firm.

“They said if I told you anything, they’d hand these to the police,” Ashley whispered. “Stephanie said everyone would believe I stole it, since you gave me access to the family account.”

They had taken her phone and hidden her car keys. Samuel gripped my leg. “Grandpa pushed Mom when she tried to take me to the neighbor’s.”

I unclenched my fists, packed their things, and drove them to a quiet hotel near downtown. I ordered them a hot meal and arranged for a private doctor.