I gave them Christopher. I let him stand at podiums. I let him sign ceremonial documents. I let him believe the applause belonged to him.
Every serious contract still required authorization through the Sloan Trust. He never questioned why. He never asked. He simply enjoyed the illusion.
Now he demanded legal separation based on ownership. He believed everything belonged to him. He believed I was a quiet wife who depended on his empire.
He was wrong. I picked up the pen. Christopher watched me with smug satisfaction. Bianca folded her arms like a victorious general. I signed every page. My hand shook from medication but my mind was clear.
Christopher took the folder, kissed the air near my cheek, and said, “Rest well. A driver will collect your belongings tomorrow.”
He left without looking at our children. The door closed. Silence returned. Something inside me settled into place like steel cooling after fire.
He thought this was the end. It was only the opening move.
The next morning, Christopher arrived at Vale Dynamics headquarters with Bianca on his arm. The glass tower gleamed in the sunrise. Employees greeted him with smiles. He walked toward the private executive elevator and swiped his platinum access card.
A red light blinked. A short beep. Denied. He tried again. Same result.
