Chapter 12
Thomas’s voice carried across the parking lot, that familiar entitled tone that used to make me shrink. “Don’t forget who signs your paychecks, Cheryl! I expect you in my office first thing!”
I felt Vincent tense beside me, but his face remained a mask of calm. His thumb hadn’t stopped its gentle circles on my wrist.
Jessica’s shrill laugh pierced the air. “See? She’s still dependent on us. This little show won’t change anything.”
I turned to Vincent, and something passed between us – an understanding, a shared secret. His lips curved into a smile that held promises of chaos, and I found myself mirroring it.
“You’re right, Thomas.” I kept my voice sweet, the way I used to speak when
playing the dutiful wife. “I’ll see you at the
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Chapter 12
office.”
Thomas’s triumphant expression made my stomach turn. He wrapped his arm around Jessica’s waist, already celebrating his victory.
“And those bodyguards better apologize too,” he called out, puffing up his chest. “Can’t have the help disrespecting management.”
Vincent’s quiet chuckle beside me sent shivers down Thomas’s spine – I could see it in the way he stiffened, in how his grip on Jessica tightened.
“Of course,” I said, letting Vincent guide me to his car where Marco waited. “I’ll make
sure everyone knows exactly where they
stand.”
I settled into the leather seat of Vincent’s car, my heart still racing from the confrontation. Marco pulled away from the curb, leaving the Rivers and their small-
minded world behind.
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“I apologize for not being there earlier.” Vincent’s voice filled the quiet space. “But I received some news that couldn’t wait.”
I turned to face him. “What news?”
“Your grandfather’s will.” He pulled out an envelope from his jacket. “The original one, not the fabricated version the Rivers presented.”
My fingers trembled as I took it. “How did you-”
“Dominic was thorough. He kept multiple copies, buried in places only those closest to him knew about.” Vincent’s eyes held mine. “You’re the sole heir, Cheryl. Every property, every asset he owned – it’s yours.”
“But the Rivers-”
“Stole what was rightfully yours. Used their lawyers to manipulate documents while. you were grieving.” His jaw tightened. “But we’ll get it all back.”
“All of it?”
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“Every last piece.” He leaned back, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “The warehouses by the pier, the summer house in Hampton, the art collection – everything they thought they could keep.”
“Thomas knew.” The realization hit me like a punch. “That’s why he-”
“Married you? Yes.” Vincent’s hand found mine. “But he underestimated Dominic. And you.”
I stared at the will in my lap, remembering my grandfather’s weathered face, his quiet strength. “He tried to protect me.”
“He did more than that. He made sure you’d have the power to fight back.” Vincent squeezed my hand. “And now you do.”
Marco caught my eye in the rearview
mirror, a slight nod of approval in his expression.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Home,” Vincent said. “We have plans to
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