6
Seven PM. The Maybach glided through the
gates of the Sterling family estate.
Lights blazed in the courtyard, laughter
echoing through the night air.
Michael’s parents and a few relatives stood
waiting, their faces etched with polite smiles.
Until they saw me climb out of the car, alone.
Then, shock rippled across their faces.
Г
“Susan, darling, where’s Michael?”
No surprises there. After five years of
marriage, this was the first time we’d ever
arrived separately.
“He’ll be along shortly.”
I was ushered inside, the butler offering me a
cup of something fancy.
I settled on the couch, took a sip.
Thirty minutes later, the doors swung open
again. Michael, finally.
And who did he have in tow? Becky White.
His father’s face darkened, eyes flashing.
“Michael, what’s the meaning of this? This is
a family dinner.”
“Dad, Becky’s my chief secretary. We were
finishing up some work, so I brought her
along.”
“This is a family dinner, not a corporate
retreat!” His voice rose. “Send her home.”
Becky’s face crumpled.
And that worked for Michael, he immediately
stepped in.
“Dad, Becky’s been working hard. She hasn’t
even had dinner. Let her stay.”
His father was losing it.
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“Susan never brought her assistant to these
dinners! This isn’t one of your corporate
events!”
“Butler, show her out!”
The butler hesitated, glancing between the
warring parties.
Becky shot me a look.
Enough was enough.
“That won’t be necessary.”
I cut through the noise, pulling a document
from my purse and slapping it down on the
table.
“That’s what Leame here for !!
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“That’s what I came here for.”
The words “Divorce Agreement” practically
screamed from the cover. Silence descended.
Michael went white, his briefcase tumbling to
the floor with a thud.
“Susan, you’re divorcing me? Are you
insane?” He choked.
I met his gaze, then flicked my eyes to Becky,
and back to him.
“I’ve never been more clear in my life.”
His parents rushed forward, trying to mediate.
“Susan, honey, whatever this is, we can talk
about it. Don’t do anything rash.”
“My mind is made up.”
“I won’t sign!” Michael roared. His eyes were
bloodshot. “You’re divorcing me because I
hired Becky as my secretary?”
“You know damn well why I’m divorcing you.”
I stared him down. “I warned you. I gave you a
chance.”
“I don’t give second chances. I already bent my rules for you, and you spat in my face.”
“You wanted to let your mistress walk all over me, so don’t be surprised when I retaliate.”
Chaos erupted. Michael refused to sign.
His mother grabbed my arm, beggina.
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“Susan, please. Don’t do this. We can work it
out.”
I pulled away, politely but firmly.
“It’s over. There’s nothing to discuss.”
“Fine. If you don’t sign, I’ll see you in court.”
I turned and walked out, leaving them in the
wreckage.
