Chapter 4 - The Threat
"Get out, Marcus," Julian said, his voice cold and calculated as he stepped into the room. "This is between my wife and me."
"This is my office, Julian," Marcus replied without rising. "And you are currently a guest who is rapidly overstaying his welcome."
Julian ignored Marcus entirely, turning his full attention to Claire. He pulled a chair out and sat directly opposite her, leaning in until she could smell his familiar, expensive cologne—the same scent he wore when they lived in their modest two-bedroom house five years ago.
"Claire, listen to me very carefully," Julian whispered, his tone dripping with fake tenderness. "You think you have me trapped, but you don't. That drive contains signatures. Your father's signatures. If that data goes public, the state will seize what little property your mother has left to pay back the creditors. You will destroy her."
Claire felt a cold shiver run down her spine. "My mother has nothing left because of you."
"She has her house," Julian countered, his eyes narrowing into slits. "The small cottage in Maine. I know where she lives, Claire. I know she needs oxygen tanks that cost three thousand dollars a month. Do you really think you can afford to play the hero?"
Marcus stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "That's enough, Vance."
"Stay out of this, Sterling!" Julian snapped, dropping the friendly facade entirely. "She’s my wife! She signed a non-disclosure agreement when we formed our holding company years ago. Everything she holds is legally property of my estate—an estate that I control."
Claire looked down at her hands. Her knuckles were rough, red, and calloused from bleach and scrubbing brushes. Julian was right about one thing: he held all the legal resources, while she barely had enough money to cover rent this month.
"What do you want, Julian?" Claire asked softly.
May you like
"Give me the drive," Julian said, extending his hand. "And sign a formal release acknowledging that our marriage was dissolved three years ago. Do that, and I will ensure your mother’s medical bills are paid anonymously for the rest of her life."
Claire stared at his open palm. It was the same hand that had held hers at the altar.
