I touched the documents that showed the promissory notes signed by Patrick, the evidence of his game, the lenders' threats, and the illicit money transfers.
Finally, the recording of my own bedroom appeared on the screen: Evelyn entered the room with the electric razor, pressing my head against the pillow and cutting my hair while I was completely defenseless.
Nobody in the room dared to say a word.
I looked at them all, holding my head high.
“For three years, I paid for this house, fed this entire family, and showed nothing but respect to a mother-in-law who despised me.
The very night I was appointed regional director, I was attacked to force me to resign.
Then, they tried to steal my property deeds and bring in a fake mistress with a fake pregnancy to take all my assets.
Today, all this madness ends forever.”
My lawyer, who had been sitting among the guests, stood up carrying a thick folder.
“Ma’am. Samantha has already filed for a formal divorce, and has filed a police report for domestic violence, attempted robbery and theft of property.
The entire house is registered solely in her name, and the eviction process begins immediately.”
Patrick slumped back into his chair, looking physically ill.
Evelyn began to sob uncontrollably.
"Daughter, please, you must forgive me. I only ever wanted to save my son from his mistakes."
“I’m not your daughter,” I replied coldly. “And your son doesn’t need saving; he needs to face the consequences of his own terrible actions.”
I gave them exactly thirty minutes to pack their belongings.
Chloe fled the house first, barefoot, carrying her discarded fake belly in a plastic bag.
Patrick and Evelyn came out much later, dragging old, dusty suitcases and using the expressions of people who had just lost a kingdom that was never really theirs.
I closed the front door behind them.
Weeks later, I learned that Patrick had lost his job when debt collectors showed up at his office demanding payment.
He ended up with a permanent limp, living with his mother in a damp, cramped room on the outskirts of town.
