Chapter 4

Daniel moved toward the window.

A black sedan sat in the driveway.

Two men stood at the front door.

Not police.

Not delivery.

Private security.

Evelyn wiped her cheek and straightened her blouse.

“You should have just stayed quiet,” she said.

Daniel turned slowly.

“What did you do?”

“What I always do,” she said.

“I protect my son from bad women.”

I laughed.

I could not help it.

She looked at me with disgust.

“You think this is funny?”

“No,” I said.

“I think you forgot I’m not alone either.”

Evelyn’s smile faltered.

I picked up my phone and pressed one contact.

My lawyer answered instantly.

“Are they there?”

“Yes.”

“Put me on speaker.”

I did.

A woman’s voice filled the dining room.

“Mrs. Hart, this is Attorney Mara Jensen. The police have already been notified. If the men at the door attempt to enter, they will be charged with trespassing and intimidation.”

Evelyn’s face went pale.

Mara continued.

“Also, the financial documents have been copied, notarized, and delivered to the district attorney’s office.”

Daniel looked at me.

I met his eyes.

“I told you I wanted a quiet divorce,” I said.

“I never said I came unprepared.”

The doorbell rang again.

Harder.

Evelyn snapped, “They’re here to escort her out.”

Mara’s voice sharpened.

“Mrs. Hart, the property is in Daniel’s name. Your legal residence is your condo in Pasadena. You have no authority to remove my client.”

Evelyn grabbed the wet divorce papers and threw them on the floor.

“You little snake.”

Daniel stepped between us.

“Don’t talk to her like that.”

Evelyn stared at his back.

Shock.

Rage.

Something almost like grief.

“You would choose her over me?”

Daniel looked exhausted.

“No, Mom.”

He turned.

“I’m choosing myself.”

The words broke something in her.

She screamed and rushed toward the table, sweeping cups, plates, and folders to the floor.

Tea splattered across the marble.

Glass shattered.

Then the front door opened.

Not by the men outside.

By police.

Two officers stepped in.

Behind them stood Mara Jensen, holding a leather briefcase.

Evelyn froze.

Mara looked at me first.

Then at Daniel.

Then at the broken glass.

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