Chapter 3 - The Gathering Storm
The next day passed in a blur of agonizing waiting. I watched the live feeds from my laptop in the safehouse.
Patricia had spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, completely ignoring Martina and Daniela. The girls had stayed in their bedrooms, only slipping down to the kitchen when Patricia was asleep or distracted. Rosa was there for them, preparing sandwiches and whispering words of comfort, holding them close when they whimpered.
Seeing my daughters treat their own home like a minefield broke my heart. But the anger fueled my focus.
As night fell, a sleek black sports car pulled up to my estate. A young man, well-dressed and arrogant, stepped out. Through the security cameras, I watched Patricia open the door, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Marcus, who is that?" I spoke into my earpiece.
"We ran his plate, sir," Marcus replied. "His name is Julian Carter. He’s a fitness instructor and a known associate of Patricia’s from Miami. Officially, he’s her 'personal trainer.' Unofficially, he’s been on her payroll—and her bed—for the last year."
I watched them on the screen. They poured expensive champagne from my private cellar. They laughed, toasted, and sat on my living room sofa.
"How much longer do we have to play this game?" Julian asked, tossing his arm over the back of the couch. "I'm sick of waiting in cheap motels while you play house with this billionaire."
Patricia giggled, tracing a finger down his chest. "Patience, baby. The prenup says I get twenty percent of his assets if we divorce after two years, or if he is proven to be 'unfit' due to domestic instability. I'm building a case. Once I kick that old maid Rosa out, I'll make sure those two bratty kids start acting out. I'll document it all, show the courts he's an absentee father who lets his kids run wild, and boom—major payout. We’ll be set for life."
Julian laughed, pulling her into a kiss. "You’re a genius, Pat."
I turned off the screen. I couldn't watch any more. The greed, the cruelty, the utter lack of humanity was staggering.
"Harrison," I called out. "Are the lawyers ready?"
"They’ve drafted the annulment papers, the restraining orders, and the criminal complaints," Harrison confirmed. "The police department is also on standby. We’ve shared the surveillance footage of her mistreating the minors and the pawn shop records. They have more than enough to arrest her for fraud, child endangerment, and filing false police reports."
"Good," I said, staring out at the city skyline. "But I want to do this publicly. I want her to know exactly who defeated her."
Just then, my phone rang again. It was Rosa.
My heart skipped a beat. Rosa had never called my personal number unless it was an absolute emergency. I answered immediately.
"Rosa? Is everything okay?"
"Mr. David..." Rosa's voice was a frantic whisper, muffled as if she were hiding in a closet. "I am so sorry to disturb your trip, but you must come home. Miss Patricia... she has called the police."
My eyes widened. "What? Why?"
"She... she put your late wife’s emerald necklace in my room, Mr. David," Rosa sobbed quietly. "I saw her do it through the reflection of the hallway mirror. She didn't see me. She just went downstairs and called the emergency line, claiming she found me stealing it. The police are on their way right now. She’s going to have me arrested, sir! I swear to God, I didn't touch it!"
"Rosa, listen to me," I said, my voice commanding and urgent. "Do not panic. Do not argue with her. Let the police arrive. I am coming home right now. I have everything on camera. You are safe, I promise you."
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"Thank you, sir... please hurry," she whispered, hanging up.
I slammed my laptop shut and looked at Harrison and Marcus. "The snake just bit. It’s time to cut off its head."
