Chapter 13
Zoe fell silent. She wasnt a legal expert, but she’d heard enough gossip over the years to know there was sonte truth to what bus was saying:
Just last noweth, their neighbors had gone through something similar. Their son had been caught red–handed cheating on his wife with a college girl. The wife filed for divorce and walked away with the house, and the car–she even got half of their assets.
box onetimoed. “On top of that, I paid four million dollars for Naomi’s medical bills and 400 thousand dollars for Alice’s tuition. As for all the other living expenses and the things 1 bought for your family. III let those slide–consider it charity. Altogether, you owe me 5,4 million dollars, I’ll be nier and round it down. Just pay me 3 million dollars:
1 makes it
Zoe was so famous the nearly exploded. “Are you out of your inted, Isis Do you think you can just say you paid for something and that i mur? Where’s your proof? We’re not giving you a single penny!”
his scoffed. Thave records of every single expense. If you don’t want to settle this here, we can take it to court. And when that happens, Adrian’s indelity is going to cost him everything. He’ll walk away with nothing.”
“Toough” Adrian couldn’t take it anymore. “Fine! You want a divorce? Let’s do it. Just don’t come crying to me later, Exist”
bis met his glare with indiference and sand.” “Alright. Then sign the papers, and we’ll get this over with
William and Foe med to intervene, but Adrian was determined. There was nothing they could do to stop him.
That same day. Isis and Adrian finalized their divorce. As soon as the paperwork was done, a weight lifted from her shoulders. The world seemed brighter and for the first tinse in a long while, she felt free.
On the other hand, Adrian found himself staring at her with a strange mix of emotions–frustration, confusion, maybe even anger. He had expected tean, straming, and maybe even a full–blown breakdown. Instead, Isis was calm. Too calm. And that unserted him
Does she even reature what she’s done Adrian wondered. She has no degree, no career. How does she plan to survive?
As they stepped out of the courthouse. Isis spotted Layla waiting near the entrance. She stood tall in a white dress, radiating confidence like a motonous gladiator
There wasn’t a trace of embarrassment on her face–not e even after being caught in the act. Layla’s ability to bounce back so quickly was almost
With deliberar grace. Layla strolled up to Adrian, shot a smug glance at Isis, and then slid her arm through his. “Hey, honey”
Her voice was soft, dripping with affection. Layla had waited for this moment–the moment she could finally call him bers in public. A rush of
Layla flashed his a sweet, insincere smile. “Ms. Moore, thanks for letting go. We’re going to get our marriage certificate
lis gave her an easy senile in return. “No problem. Trash belongs in the bin–you’re welcome to int
Adrian’s expression darkened. “his, watch your mouth.”
his polled her eyes. “I don’t have time for this. If I dont get my money for the home renovations in three days, I’ll send people to start tearing them
lan’s jaw tightened. Layla, however, dulni sem fazed. She just sË
stood there, basking in her victory.
Tux” Layla said, thing her heal. You’re hitter. You tried everything to win his family over, and in the end, Adrian still didn’t choose you.”
oking at the omplacent and self–satisfied expression of Layla, his slightly curled her lips. She said, “Well, I wish you two a lifetime together. No
With that, she turned and walked away.
Layla butted, then pulled out her II ‘Come on, habe, let’s go
ord this long ago—tår for divorce, then immediately get married. It was supposed to be a statement, a declaration of their undying love. Or at least, that was what Layla told herself.
Adrian followed her back inside, but as the clerk processed their application, he couldn’t shake the feeling itu people were looking at him
Maybe we should we waited a little longer” Bai Layla has been through so much for me already. She deserves this. I owe her that much, Adrian thought
11:17 AM
Chapter 13
When they walked out. Lay
were a priceless treasure.
glowing, her fingers tracing the edges of the marriage certificate as if it w
And Adrian fell warnih spread through his chest. Layla was his now. Thus say what he wanted.
Layla turned to him with a playful smile, holding out her hand. “NWright, hand it over,”
Adrian blinked. “Hand what over!”
“Your paycheck, of course” Layla giggled, covering her mouth like a shy newlywed. “We’re already married!”
The way Layla said a, with that girlish charm, was nothing like Isis‘ usual bluntness.
And for some reason, that companion made his stomach twist Forget about her, Adrian scolded himself. That chapter’s closed
Meanwhile, Isis wasted no time. As soon as she stepped outside, she pulled out her phone and called Sophie. “Sophie, it’s done. Start moving everything out”
“Got Ms. Moore?” Sophie’s excitement was almost palpable. It was like Christmas had come early.
Sophie had arranged for the moving trucks in advance, lining them up outside the house like a small army. The moment the call ended, she clapped her hands.
“Alright, boy! Get in there and take everything!” Sophic said
Walun momenis, a dozen workers charged into the Andersons‘ mansion, eir momentum unstoppable.
The neighbors in the surrounding villas couldn’t help but stare, confusion written all over their faces. “What’s going on? Are they getting robbed?”
Inude. William and Zoe had barely finished lamenting the divorce–furious that they hadn’t squeezed a dime out of lus–when they were suddenly startled by the sight of strangers pouring into their home.
Zoe x face Twisted in shock and fury. She shouted, “Who the hell are you people? Broad daylight robbery!!”
Right then. Sophie strolled in, her tone dripping with disdain. “Every single piece of furniture and appliance in this house was paid for by Ms. Moore. Now that she’s divorced, of course, she’s taking her things back.”
“You wouldn’t dare“” Zoe shrieked. Sure, the divorce papers had clearly stated this, but she had never actually intended to hand anything over
Sophie let out a sharp laugh. “Wouldn’t dare! Watch me? Then she tumed to the workers, lifted her chin, and barked, “Get to it!”
–
Instantly, they got to work. Sophie had made it clear that they were getting paid per item moved the more they look, the more they earned Who wouldn’t put in the effon!
Wilham and Zoe could only watch, helpless, as their sofas, tables, TVs, refrigerator–every last item in sight–were carried out the door
Not just the living room. Every bedroom in the house. If Isis had paid for it, it was gone. Not a single thing was left behind.
Zor lost it, wailing and cursing. One second, she was throwing herself in front of the workers, trying to block their way. The next, she was hurling
Hearing this, Sophie felt her blood pressure spike. She sucked in a brezili before unleashing her voice ar full volume. “Go ahead and keep yelling if you’re not afraid of making a scene.
“My mare in louder than yours, and I have no problem listing out every single dollar Ms. Moore spent on this family. Let’s see how much your precious oriybbon enjoy dut show?”
I her mouth. She wasn’t afraid of humiliating Isis, but she still had to live in this neighborhood.
Sering her finally quiet down, Sophie rolled her eyes. “Move Easter! Don’t leave them a damn thing”
souting match? Not in my lidetane. Soplar thought.
was seething as he watched has prized bookshelf and antique furniture being carried away.
sami stormed up to block the workers and said, “What the hell do you think you’re doing? That’s met in can i take a
Jesus! This art of tables and chairs is really expensive Willum murmured
Sophar strode up with a smirk. “Oh, really! Open your damn eyes, William. This entire it was bought by Ms. Moore, How the hell does that make it yours? If your eyesight & failing take some medi
Chapter 13
led her eyes no hand it was practically a full–body
roll today is going to give me whiplash. Inredextra nutrition in my set to make up for it, Sophur thought.
(was trembling with rage, pointing a shaking hoger at her. “V Yun–1 That was a gift finin lid These are gifts! She sent me?”
“Oh, in jou de trvoquize hom gearius Ms. Moore is” Sophie dodat ball back.
“““she sprot a fortune on you ungrateful leeches, and schat did she get in returns! Hackstabbing and greed. Thisgusting. Mark any words—you’re going
Jag Who the hell are yesi calling ungrateful?“ Zoe slanicked and hinged at Sophie, hand raised to strike.
Bai Sophie had been doing manual labor her whole hic Compared to her, Zur was a featherweight. She easily showed her back, sending her stumbling onto the foot
Then Sophar grabbust a burly makes by the arm. “Target the fumiture–you’re on bodygsand day now. Double pay. This psycho’s trying to kill
The worker spared his shoulders, ready to take on any threat,
William and Zoe were about to explode. They couldn’t win a shunting match. They couldn’t win a fight.
All they valid do was stand there, furious, as every last valuable item in their house was taken away
Finally, Sophie led the convy of hve moving trucks out of the Anderson estate.
by the tumise Adrian and Layla renamed from getting their mange license, the house was unrecognizable. Empty, Rare. Nothing but four walls and
For a arcond. Adrian actually thought he had walked into the wrong house, “Badt Mom! What the “He was speechless.
The moment Zor saw him, the rushed over like he was her last hope. “Adriant Isis is ruthless She sent a bunch of people here and took everything!
Adrian feli bike he had been struck by lightning list She has taken everything! We have only just finalized the divorce. And she already emptied
Layla was just as furious. In her mand.
a calculated move, Isis must have done this on purpose–out of spite, to ruin their wedding day.
“This is outrageous” This is theft We should call the cope” Layla pulled out her phone, ready to dial.
fat Adrian stopped her “Dunt She bought all of it. She’s just taking back what’s hers?
Layla frur. Her gaze swept action the empty house. “Wait, you’re telling me… everything in here belonged to her?”
Adrian polded “When we got married, my family
by provided the house, and hers provided the furniture
servationis. Adrian dalat say that part out loud.
Layla’s exper on shifted. That made ser This arrangement was common enough.
a rosaldat shake the disappointment When she first stepped into this Lavish mansion, she had been blown away, But now, knowing it truly Adriani an deli different
Adrian noticed the change in her mood and reassured for immediately. “Thon’t worry, Layla Tomorrow, I’ll go buy all the new furniture. We’ll make this place currently the way you want
Layla hesitated, un
decorateur home however I pas
acitement bubbled up innode Layla
ight, the Anderson badi
thought Yeah This is a bad thing. I wouldn’t have wanted bus’s leftovers anyway Now. I have the chance
But in the meantime, t
use way undivalile.
boni e but to check into the hotel, cursing Isis under their breath the entire way there.
