Chapter 2 - The House Was Never His
The house was never his.
The security system was not under his control.
And Rebecca, the woman he had spent years trying to isolate, had never been as alone as he wanted her to believe.
Rebecca stared at her father over Emma’s trembling head.
“Dad,” she whispered.
Charles did not look away from Trevor.
“I’m here.”
Those two words broke something in her.
For months, Trevor had told her no one would come.
No one would believe her.
No one would choose a pregnant wife with a crying toddler over the perfect husband he performed for investors, friends, and family dinners.
But her father was standing in the living room.
And the camera was still recording.
Trevor straightened, trying to reclaim the room.
“She attacked me verbally. She was hysterical. I was trying to calm her down.”
Rebecca’s laugh came out small and painful.
“With your fist?”
Charles’s jaw tightened.
Trevor looked toward the security chief.
“Turn that off.”
The security chief did not move.
Charles said, “No.”
Trevor’s eyes sharpened.
“You can’t just walk into my home and threaten me.”
Charles looked around the living room.
The cream sofa.
The framed photos.
The soft rug.
The elegant windows.
Then back at Trevor.
“Your name is not on the deed.”
Trevor went pale.
Rebecca’s breath caught.
She knew the house had been placed in a trust years ago by her father, before her marriage. But Trevor had always called it their home, then his home, then eventually the house he “allowed” her to enjoy.
Charles stepped closer.
“The trust owns this property. Rebecca is the beneficiary. You are here because she permitted you to live here as her husband.”
Trevor’s mouth tightened.
“She is my wife.”
Charles’s voice dropped.
“She is my daughter.”
Emma cried harder against Rebecca’s chest.
That sound ended the discussion.
Charles turned slightly.
“Rebecca, can you stand?”
She nodded, though she was shaking.
He looked at the security chief.
“Call the attorney. Then call the police. Tell them there is an assault recording, a pregnant victim, and a toddler witness.”
Trevor stepped forward.
“No. Nobody is calling anyone.”
May you like
Charles turned back.
“You no longer give orders in this house.”
