“Wait. I want to say something.” I stepped forward slowly.
Mark stared at me like he had seen a ghost.
“You know,” I said quietly, “I actually came here to help you.”
Confusion crossed his face.
“I knew Arthur wasn’t really making you the CEO.”
Several board members exchanged surprised looks.
“I want to say something.”
“I planned on speaking on your behalf. I was going to ask Arthur to give you an entry-level job. I thought if you had a modest salary and some responsibility, you might stay involved in Lucas and Noah’s lives. They deserve a father.”
Mark said nothing.
Then I looked him straight in the eyes. “But after hearing what you just said about putting our sons in a facility, I won’t do that anymore.”
Mark’s expression shifted.
“They deserve a father.”
“I’m divorcing you, Mark.” The words felt strangely calm as they left my mouth.
Arthur nodded once.
Mark turned toward him angrily. “You’re siding with her?”
Arthur’s eyes were filled with disappointment. “I’m siding with my grandsons.” He pulled a folder from the table and opened it slowly. “I’ve already spoken with my attorney. I’m prepared to adopt Lucas and Noah legally. You will relinquish all parental rights.”
Mark stared at him in disbelief. “You can’t do that.”
“You’re siding with her?”
Arthur met his gaze. “I have the financial resources and the legal grounds.” He gestured toward me. “And Emily gets to decide.”
Mark looked back at me.
My voice softened. “I’m willing to let Arthur protect them.”
Mark’s face went pale. He swayed slightly. Then, without warning, he collapsed. His body hit the floor with a second heavy thud. Someone shouted for help.
Arthur immediately pulled out his phone.
“Emily gets to decide.”
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