Chapter 6
The next morning, Xavier returned to Ford International and made a show of drawing blood at the executive meeting.
Three employees were fired on the spot–those who had openly mocked Sophie the worst.
Two of them were my people.
I wasn’t surprised he went so far to shield her. After all, they’re sharing a bed now.
But what did catch me off guard was that he brought Sophie with him to that night’s family dinner.
Apparently, during the business trip, she’d picked up a whole collection of wellness gifts for his mother–every item tailored to her tastes, all about longevity and self–care.
Classic move. Pander to the matriarch and secure your seat.
She had his mother grinning from ear to ear.
When I arrived at Ravenhurst, Xavier’s mom greeted me warmly and sent someone to fetch Mr. Ford and Xavier from the study.
She took my hand and started chatting with the same kindness she always had.
She
Xavier walked into the dining room, barely glanced at me before looking away.
Sophie trailed behind and slipped right into the seat beside him–the one that used to be mine.
d for half
He paused for half a second, but said nothing
We were still legally married, still husband and wife on paper. And yet, he brought his assistant into the family home and let her sit in my place.
There was no way to interpret that except as a direct slap in the face.
The smug little smile on Sophie’s face said it all.
I actually laughed. The absurdity of it was almost impressive.
Mrs. Ford tugged gently on my hand and patted the empty
at beside her.
“Come, sweetie. Sit here!
“I made you some chicken broth tonight. It turned out great–promise me you’ll try it.”
She’d been my mom’s best friend, always treated me like a daughter. And knowing what I was about to say next made a pang of guilt rise in my chest.
But I had no choice.
Swallowing my pride was never my strong suit.
I squeezed her hand and gave a soft pat to the back of it.
“Ma’am, I’m not staying for dinner.”
“I came because…. I have something important to say.”
Her smile faltered. “Can’t it wait until after we eat, Avery?”
Lshook my head and turned to Xavier, My voice was steady when I finally spoke.
“Mom, Dad. I want a divorce.”
The room fell into absolute silence.
Even the scent of the broth seemed to curdle in the air, growing heavy and oppressive.
7.50%
Mr. Ford stared at me, stunned. “Avery, divorce isn’t a joke. Especially not between you and Xavier–there’s too much at stake.”
Mrs. Ford looked just as shaken. “But you two always seemed so good together. What happened?”
Xavier slammed his hand down on the table, his expression finally cracking.
“Avery, will you stop already?”
“All this over a damn dress I gave Sophie? You’ve been dragging this out for days now.
Mr. Ford snapped. “That’s enough!”
He turned to me with sharp authority. “Go ahead, Avery”
I stared Xavier down. “I was going to give you a shred of dignity, Xavier. But if you don’t want it, then don’t blame me for what comes
I pulled out the envelope and tossed it onto the table.
Photos spilled out, along with a flash drive.
“Take a look for yourself,” I said to his parents.
Xavier snatched the stack like it might explode, but his face drained of color the moment he saw what was inside.
His hands trembled, scattering the photos across the hardwood floor.
Images of him and Sophie–wrapped around each other in bed–were now on full display for the entire Ford family.
Mrs. Ford reached for one with shaking fingers, her eyes quickly brimming with tears.
“Xavier what is this?” she whispered.
Mr. Ford’s jaw clenched, his gaze locking on his son like a hawk zeroing in on its prey.
Xavier’s temple twitched. His fury finally burst through.
“Avery!”
“I’ve respected you, loved you–and this is what I get? Fake photos to smear my name?
“After everything we’ve been through, you’re just throwing it all away? For what? Just so you can leave me?”
I gave a bitter laugh. “You think I faked them?”
“You want to talk aboutjies? That flash drive has the video too–want me to play itor the room?”
“I’ve never had to stoop that low, Xavier. If I want to leave you, I’ll walk out through the front door. I don’t need tricks to justify it.”
Mr. Ford’s face was dark as thunder. He pounded the table so hard it rattled the dishes.
“You better explain yourself, Xavier!”
“Dad, you know me! You know I wouldn’t do this.”
“Yeah, Avery and I hit a rough patch, but I would never betray her like that.”
Then Xavier’s expression changed—he looked like he’d suddenly realized something.
He spun toward Sophie, who had curled into herself like a terrified child.
He Jabbed a finger toward the scattered photos on the floor, his voice low and cold.
“These pictures. Tell me right now–what the hell is going on?”
