Chapter 7
I stayed at a hotel, waiting for Mark to pay me what he owed.
Flynn found out and asked, “Why aren’t you making a move yet?”
“I want to hit him where it hurts first,” I replied. “Once I’ve made him lose enough, I’ll file for divorce. That way, I can put an end to it.”
Flynn smacked his lips. “I never expected you could be so cruel.”
I remembered how happy I used to be, thinking I’d stay with Mark forever. I sighed. “Chasing love too hard just ends up hurting us.”
Not long after, Mark transferred the company shares to me. He said, “Three million is a lot. Can I have more time to get it together?”
“No. You still have five days left,” I said.
With no other choice, he took 1.5 million from the company account and somehow scraped up the full amount in cash.
Looking at the stacks of money, I felt a strange sense of peace. I didn’t need love when money could bring me real security.
I made sure the money was safely in my hands before going to court to file for divorce.
When Mark got the summons, he completely lost it. He called and asked, “Noelle, are you divorcing me?”
I replied without hesitation, “Yes. I’m not waiting another minute.”
He panicked. “But I already gave you all the cash and shares!”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You did, but I never promised to stay married after that. Just sign the papers. It’s easier that way. And don’t forget–you’re the one who cheated. You’ll leave with nothing.”
Mark clenched his jaw. “I won’t let you have your way! You’re so heartless!”
“Then don’t be surprised if I take it even further.”
I gave him some time, but he still refused the divorce.
So, I moved ahead with my plan. I asked the board to hold a meeting to vote on removing Mark from his position at Johnston Group.
During the meeting, when I revealed my strong voting rights, Mark lost control. He slammed the table, sending papers and tea flying everywhere. The hot tea spilled on him, but he didn’t seem to care.
He stood there shaking, pointing at me. “After five years of marriage, you set me up like this?”
I tapped the table calmly. “Don’t forget that you betrayed me first. You left me no choice.”
Mark snapped, “Can’t you be more understanding? It was just one mistake. So what if I slept with my sister–in–law? If it wasn’t Sophie, would you still be this crazy?”
As soon as he blurted out, he knew he had messed up.
The shareholders in the room exchanged glances, their faces lit up like they’d uncovered a major secret.
Flynn couldn’t hold back anymore. He stormed over, grabbed Mark,
and started throwing punches. Before long, Mark’s face was a bloody
mess.
Mark curled up on the ground. Flynn, still angry, kicked him a few more times before straightening up and speaking.
“Guys, this is a serious issue in our family. If word gets out, the company’s image will take a hit. Mark’s wife already filed for divorce, and the truth will come out soon. To protect the Johnston Group, I suggest we strip Mark of all his roles. Let’s take a vote,”
I immediately raised my hand.
An older, respected shareholder, who had been close to Richard, hesitated for a moment and raised his hand as well.
He held some sway on the board. Once he made his decision, the others started to follow.
Flynn glanced around the room, clearly satisfied with how things
turned out.
“Since the majority agreed, the motion is officially approved.”
Mark looked completely drained of life as the ambulance carried him away to the hospital.
