CHAPTER 2: THE ENVELOPE

Richard's eyes narrowed.

"What's that?"

Clara didn't answer immediately.

Instead, she slid the envelope across the glass table.

The movement was calm.

Deliberate.

Final.

Richard frowned and picked it up.

The moment he saw the first page, the color drained from his face.

Divorce Petition.

For the first time that night, he stopped smiling.

"What is this?"

"You know exactly what it is."

Richard laughed nervously.

"Come on, Clara."

"No."

Her voice was quiet.

Yet somehow stronger than any scream.

"No more excuses."

Richard tossed the papers onto the table.

"You're overreacting."

Clara stared at him.

It amazed her how easily he lied.

Even now.

Even after everything.

"I know about Sabrina."

The room froze.

Richard's jaw tightened.

"What are you talking about?"

"The apartment in Tribeca."

Silence.

"The jewelry."

More silence.

"The Range Rover."

Richard's face hardened.

Then Clara delivered the final blow.

"And the foundation money."

For a brief second, panic flashed across his eyes.

Real panic.

Not because she knew about the affair.

Because she knew about the money.

"You went through my accounts?"

"I protected my father's legacy."

Richard suddenly became angry.

"This is my company."

"No."

Clara slowly stood.

One hand resting protectively on her stomach.

"It never was."

Richard stared.

Confused.

Then Clara revealed the truth he had spent years ignoring.

"The Donovan Foundation owns thirty-two percent of your holding company."

His expression changed.

Because he understood exactly what that meant.

If the board learned the truth...

He could lose everything.

Clara picked up her phone.

"My attorneys already have the records."

Richard's confidence shattered.

For the first time in years, he looked afraid.

And Clara felt absolutely nothing.