Living in Clara’s house has always made you look like a visitor in your own marriage.”
The house had belonged to my late grandmother.
It was fully paid off, and the deed had been solely in my name for eight years before I even met Eric.
Then Sarah spoke.
“Richard only needs the cash for three months. Once the new private equity investors commit, everything can be repaid.”
The man with the briefcase answered next.
“I have the draft collateral guarantee, the tax documents, and the authorization form you supplied.
The copied signature is not perfect, but for the first underwriting review, it should clear compliance.
We are looking at a $1.25 million credit line.”
For a moment, the air seemed to vanish.
Richard released a long breath.
“That saves Nebula Systems.”
Then Eric spoke again.
“And as soon as Clara lands at Charles de Gaulle, I’ll lock the joint accounts and tell her it was a security freeze.
I’m filing for divorce Monday.
If she challenges us, we tell the court she was secretly moving money and left for Europe without telling anybody.”
Eleanor laughed softly.
“After everything this family has done for her, learning to share will not destroy her.”
My hands were trembling, but my mind became strangely calm.
I pulled out my phone, opened the voice recorder, and pressed record.
I did not cry.
