Chapter 9
288 (Vouchers
Outside the courthouse, Matthew arrived half an hour early.
He wore a suit, but dark circles hung under his eyes, like he hadn’t slept in days.
ww
The fire at Central Park Tower had shaken the whole city. The Hartoff Group’s stock had plummeted. Public opinion was tearing him apart.
I knew Jordan was fanning the flames behind the scenes. But I didn’t plan to stop him.
As soon as we got out of the car, an angry crowd swarmed us.
“Matthew! Your helicopter saved the rich–what about régular people?”
“We spent our life savings on Central Park Tower because we believed in your love story with your wife! And now?”
“My daughter was only eight! She died in the fire on the 32nd floor! Give me back my daughter!”
Matthew instinctively shielded me, his arm tense.
He thought I was the one who shut off the sprinklers. So he clenched his jaw and said nothing.
Then the police arrived with the fire investigation report. An officer stepped forward and declared, “The system was shut down by Tiffany.”
The air froze.
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Chapter 9
Matthew’s pupils shrank. All color drained from his face.
He looked up and forced the words out, “My wife didn’t hurt anyone! I’ll make sure the arsonist is punished! I’ll give you all justice!”
But then he suddenly choked up.
A single hot tear fell onto my hair.
I looked up, following his gaze.
A mother in the crowd held up a photo–a scorched scene.
In the corner, I was holding Laura’s charred body, crying my heart out.
Matthew looked shattered.
His hands trembled as he lifted my sleeve, frantically checking the burns
and scars.
His voice broke.
“I’m sorry. I failed you and Laura… I let Tiffany get pregnant because I wanted a son like you, to secure your place as Mrs. Hartoff…
“I’ve already gotten rid of that baby! I won’t cheat again… Please, let me make it up to you and Laura…”
I gently pushed him away.
“Matthew, do you know why Tiffany looks so much like me?”
He froze.
I picked up the flash drive in his hand.
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Chapter 9
“Because she’s my dad’s illegitimate daughter.
“Here is the proof that she killed my mom.
“You cheated with the one person I hate most.”
I stared at the man in front of me.
Every flicker of emotion on his face used to shake me to my core..
Now, I felt nothing.
“There’s my mom’s death between us. Also, Laura’s pain. You think we can go back?
“How cheap do you think I am?”
Matthew suddenly dropped to his knees, clutching my sleeve.
“Shannon…”
But he couldn’t say another word.
I turned away, not looking back.
“Matthew, go in and sign the divorce papers.