Chapter 4 - The Driveway Ambush
Before Richard could fully process the sheer, evil magnitude of the betrayal, the heavy oak front door swung wide open.
Claire marched out into the cool blue twilight, holding a thick manila folder in her hands. Her emerald-green velvet dress swished aggressively as she walked down the driveway. Right behind her was Diane, wrapping a shawl over her cream satin blouse, looking deeply agitated.
Claire stopped a few feet from Richard, immediately putting on a flawless, manipulative mask of innocent victimization.
"Richard, stop acting like a child and come back inside," Claire demanded softly, clutching the folder to her chest. "I am trying to fix this family. We can handle our divorce amicably, like adults. Your parents just want us to have a peaceful holiday."
Richard stared at the beautiful woman he had once loved. The cinematic realism of his total restraint was terrifying. He didn't yell. He just looked at the folder in her hands.
"You brought the asset-transfer papers to Thanksgiving dinner?" Richard asked, his voice dripping with ice-cold precision.
Claire’s fake smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "It's just paperwork, Richard. If you sign it tonight, we can both move on. I get the tech startup, you keep your retirement accounts. It’s fair. And your family completely agrees with me."
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Diane stepped forward, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the woman who had shattered her son's life.
👉 What disgusting, unforgivable demand is the mother about to make?
