CHAPTER 4 — EVERYTHING HE STOLE
Matthew requested one meeting.
Just one.
Against every recommendation, I agreed.
Not because I still loved him.
Because I needed to hear what kind of man remained after the applause disappeared.
He entered the conference room looking ten years older.
His expensive suit no longer fit the confidence he had once worn so naturally.
"I made mistakes."
"You made choices."
"I was under pressure."
"So was I."
He looked away.
"I loved you."
I almost smiled.
"No."
Silence stretched between us.
"You loved what I gave up for you."
That landed harder than anything else I could have said.
He stared at the table.
"I never thought you'd call your father."
"I never thought I'd have to."
He swallowed.
"Can you stop this?"
I looked through the glass wall overlooking Manhattan.
"You think my father destroyed your company."
I met his eyes.
"He didn't."
"You did."
Then I stood.
The conversation was over.
So was our marriage.
Three weeks later the divorce was finalized.
The court recognized my financial contributions to NexusCore.
My ownership rights were restored.
Matthew walked away with almost nothing except the consequences of his own decisions.
Lauren disappeared before the first trial began.
No farewell.
May you like
No loyalty.
Just another person leaving once there was nothing left to take.
