hapter 21
When it became clear I wouldn’t back down, panic finally shattered their entitled façades.
They turned on Emmeline like a pack of wolves.
“This is all your fault! Spreading lies without even checking the facts!” []
“You’re the real home wrecker! Now we’re all going down because of you!” [
“The nerve of you, parading around as Mrs. Walker. Pathetic!”
“We’re in this mess because we tried sucking up to you! You should pay every cent!” []
“Don’t even think about asking us to help with that $940 million debt. That’s “your” problem!”
Emmeline finally snapped, her polished exterior cracking under the weight of their accusations. “You hypocritical vultures!” she screamed. [
“Don’t act innocent now. You were all desperate to please someone with power! You pushed me into making a scene!”
When you thought I was Mrs. Walker, you practically kissed my feet. And now? Running like rats from a sinking ship!” []
“You were born to be bootlickers, and you’re going down with me!” ]
The tension spiraled dangerously, and it might have turned violent if the officers hadn’t intervened just in time.
When things finally calmed, the excuses began to pour in.
Everyone claimed innocence. It was always “someone else” who broke things, “someone else” who threw punches. []
Then the officers played the school’s security footage–a damning, crystal–clear record of their mob mentality. The room fell silent. The truth was undeniable.
The consequences came swiftly and without mercy. Each person was held accountable based on their actions.
Some called their husbands in tears, scrambling to liquidate assets and drain retirement accounts just to avoid jail. They left broken but free.
Others weren’t so lucky. Their marriages couldn’t withstand the scandal, and divorce papers arrived instead of help.
Those who couldn’t pay faced immediate arrest. []
Emineline bore the heaviest burden of all. She had caused the most damage and incited the worst violence. Her share of the debt was crippling. In desperation, she turned to Matthew.
“Please, Matthew! Help me—for Tyler’s sake!” she begged, tears streaking her expensive makeup. “I could never pay this off in ten lifetimes! What happens to our son if I go to prison?
Matthew hesitated, then turned to me with a pleading expression. “Honey, maybe we could be lenient? For old times‘ sake?
I met his gaze with glacial contempt. “Seriously? You think you have any right to ask me for mercy?: [
“Every moment of our time together was a lie. The thought of it makes me sick.” [
I slid a folder across the table. “The divorce papers are ready. We’re done.” []
I turned to the officer. “Add charges for Emmeline encouraging her son to torture mine. And don’t forget the wire incident.” [
“Yes, ma’am.”
Without another glance, I walked out. [
The aftermath was swift and decisive. Emmeline and those unable to pay their debts went to prison. The teacher involved was fired and fand criminal charges. Oak Lane Academy was shut down pending a complete overhaul.
Matthew, bound by our ironclad prenup, walked away with nothing.
Two weeks into her sentence, Emmeline met a grim fate. A confrontation with the same parents who care worshipped her turned vistest. They found her lifeless in the prison bathroom. The official cause was drowning D
Those parents received life sentences. 0
Chapter 21
Jasper and I adjusted to our new life as a family of two. Different, yes, but peaceful. [
Until that day in Central Park.
1 spotted him first–Matthew. Unshaven, draped in filthy remnants of designer clothes, lurking behind a tree. His eyes burned with madness when they landed
on us.
“You bitch! I found you at last!” he roared, charging forward, a glinting switchblade in hand. [
I instinctively pulled Jasper behind me. “Matthew. What do you think you’re doing?”
“What am I doing?” he barked out a laugh, wild and unhinged. “You destroyed me! From CEO to dumpster diver! My son died on the streets while I watched, helpless!”
“I only married you for money–so what? Every man would’ve done the same! I never loved you! Even your son isn’t mine! Why shouldn’t I find real love once I had it all?”
“You had no right to take everything from me!”
I shook my head, sadness mingling with disgust. “Matthew, stop this. You’re still young. Put the knife down and rebuild your life.” [
“Rebuild? REBUILD?” His voice cracked with rage. D
He lunged, the blade glinting in the sunlight. “I’ll rebuild after you’re DEAD! Your money will be mine again!”
“DIE!” [
The knife never reached us. A group of strangers burst out of nowhere, striking him down with a heavy blow.
“Who are you?” I demanded, clutching Jasper tightly as I eyed the strangers.
One of them stepped forward, bowing slightly. “Mrs. Montgomery, it’s a relief to see you’re safe.” He turned, issuing orders to the others.
“Take him to the police. Attempted murder charges.”
As the man’s commanding figure receded into the distance, a buried memory surfaced. I recognized him. []
Kason. He had once been that man’s most trusted assistant.
Jasper stirred in my arms, his voice barely a whisper. “Mommy… Matthew isn’t really my dad, is he?”
