Chapter 3 - The Confrontation at the Gates
At 11:45 AM, I arrived at my apartment building. I wasn't alone. I had Arthur, two private security guards I hired from a premium agency, and a professional locksmith.
As the elevator doors opened onto my floor, the hallway was a scene of absolute chaos. Luggage was strewn everywhere. Eleanor was sitting on a suitcase, fanning herself and loudly cursing my name to the building’s concierge. Mark was pacing back and forth, furiously dialing his phone, while Chloe stood in the corner, her hair half-processed and covered in a plastic wrap, looking utterly ridiculous.
"There she is!" Eleanor shrieked, pointing a manicured finger at me. "There is the heartless monster! You lock your own husband out of his home? You humiliate us?"
Mark marched up to me, his face red with fury. "Elena, have you lost your mind? Look at my mother! Look at my sister! You’ve embarrassed us in front of the entire building! Undo this bank freeze right now, or I swear to God, I will divorce you and take half of everything you own!"
I stood my ground, my security guards stepping forward to form a physical wall between us.
"You're going to divorce me, Mark?" I asked, a dark smile playing on my lips. "That’s funny, because Arthur here has already filed the paperwork on my behalf. And as for taking half of everything I own? You might want to re-read the prenuptial agreement you signed."
"That prenup only covers your inheritance!" Mark sneered. "The money you made during our marriage is community property! I’m entitled to the apartment, the savings, and your business!"
Arthur stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. "Actually, Mr. Santos, the prenuptial agreement states quite clearly in Clause 7 that in the event of proven financial infidelity or marital fraud, all community property rights are forfeited. And unfortunately for you, we have the paper trail."
Mark froze, his color fading rapidly. "What paper trail?"
"Twelve million pesos, Mark," I said, stepping closer so he could see the utter lack of mercy in my eyes. "Fannelled from my consultancy firm into a shell company for Samantha Cruz. You bought her a Mercedes. You bought her a condo in BGC. All paid for by the wife you called 'overreactive' last night."
Chloe gasped, looking at her brother. "Mark? You told me you got that car through a business bonus!"
Eleanor stood up, her voice trembling but still defensive. "So what if he helped a friend? You make millions, Elena! You're greedy! You grudge your husband a little bit of comfort while you're away traveling?"
"He didn't just help a friend, Eleanor," I said, turning my gaze to her. "He used my money to cheat on me. And while he was doing that, you were locking my four-year-old daughter out on a freezing balcony so you could eat lobster. You are paid thirty-eight thousand pesos a month to protect her. Instead, you abused her."
May you like
"It was discipline!" Eleanor yelled. "She was crying for you! She was ruining our dinner!"
"Well, you can use your discipline in court," I said coldly. "Because I’ve already handed the dashcam footage and the medical report from Lily’s pediatrician this morning to the police. Child endangerment charges are being filed against you today, Eleanor."
