Chapter 3 - The Gathering of Power
Back at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, my room no longer looked like a standard medical ward. Chloe had set up three monitors on the rolling table, her fingers flying across the keys as she finalized the legal separation of assets. My attorney, Mr. Harrison, stood by the window, reviewing the criminal complaints.
Despite the dull ache in my fractured leg, my mind had never been clearer. For three years, I had shrunk myself to make Ethan feel big. I had hidden my wealth because I wanted him to love me for me, not my portfolio. What a foolish girl I had been.
"Madison," Chloe said, turning a monitor toward me. "The audit is complete. Ethan’s asset seizure is legal, and the police have him in custody at the 1st District precinct. His mother is currently staying at a cheap motel on the outskirts of the city, using her own pension money for the first time in years."
"Good," I said, sipping my tea. "What about the bakery?"
"The distracted driver's insurance company settled instantly when they saw your legal team," Mr. Harrison chimed in. "A check for $250,000 has been deposited into your personal account for damages and business interruption. Your bakery staff has already taken over operations. You don't have to worry about a thing."
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted us. Detective Miller stepped inside, holding a clipboard.
May you like
"Ms. Lane," the detective said, addressing me by my maiden name. "Ethan Carter is begging for a phone call with you from the holding cell. He claims he has 'vital information' about your marriage that will change your mind."
I looked at the cast on my leg, then at Chloe and Mr. Harrison. "Put him on speaker, Detective. Let's see what a desperate man sounds like."
