“The future,” Mark said. “Divorce papers. Custody arrangement. And a Non-Disclosure Agreement.”
The room spun. “Divorce? Mark, we have newborns. We have a life.”
“I have a life,” Mark sneered. He wrapped an arm around Chloe’s waist, pulling her close. She rested her head on his shoulder, giggling softly. “I am the CEO of a billion-dollar conglomerate. I am the face of the future. I need a partner who fits the brand. Someone young. Someone hungry. Someone who looks good at a gala.”
He gestured at me with disgust.
“You are a housewife. A relic. You sit at home and knit while I conquer the world. You embarrass me, Anna. You don’t fit the aesthetic anymore.”
I stared at him. I saw the arrogance I had nurtured. I saw the ego I had fed. I had created a monster, and now it was trying to eat me.
“You’re leaving me for your assistant?” I asked, my voice gaining strength.
“I’m upgrading,” Mark said. “Now, sign the papers. I was generous. You get alimony for two years. I keep the company, the real estate, and full decision-making power for the children. If you don’t sign, I will instruct my legal team to destroy you. I will paint you as an unfit, mentally unstable mother. I will take the twins, and you will never see them again.”
CHAPTER 3: THE SIGNATURE OF WAR
The threat to my children cleared the fog in my brain instantly.
He wasn’t just a bad husband. He was an enemy. And Anna Vance knew how to deal with enemies.
I looked at the folder. I opened it. My eyes scanned the legalese with the speed of a woman who had read merger contracts since she was twelve.
Mark had highlighted a specific clause in yellow.
CLAUSE 4: ASSET DIVISION.
The parties agree to a total and permanent separation of assets based on legal title ownership. Each party retains sole ownership of any and all assets, real estate, and corporate holdings registered in their individual legal name. No community property claims shall be made.
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