Chapter 2 - The Morning After the Storm
Sunrise over Rachel’s apartment brought no peace, only a calculated calm.
By 7:00 AM, my phone was ringing nonstop. Luca had finally realized I wasn't coming back to play the dutiful, silent wife. But it wasn't Luca who arrived at Rachel’s doorstep an hour later—it was his older brother, Marcus, the golden-boy corporate lawyer of the family.
Marcus pounded on the door so hard I thought the wood would splinter. When I opened it, he pushed past me without an invitation, smelling heavily of designer cologne and panic.
"Jessi, have you lost your absolute mind?" Marcus sneered, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "Mom is beside herself. She’s threatening to cut Luca out of the will entirely if you don't bring the kid back and issue a public apology for assaulting her."
I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms. I didn't invite him to sit.
"An apology?" I asked, my voice dangerously steady. "Your mother physically assaulted my two-year-old daughter, Marcus. And your brother sat there and watched."
"It was a disciplinary tap!" Marcus scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Kids these days are too soft, and you coddle her. Mom was just—"
*Slap.*
The sound echoed sharply in the small hallway. Marcus stumbled back, clutching his cheek, his eyes wide with absolute shock. He stared at me as if I had grown a second head.
"Did you just hit me?" he choked out.
"That," I said coldly, stepping into his personal space, "was a disciplinary tap. Feel free to apologize to my hand if you think kids are too soft."
Marcus’s face contorted with rage. He raised a finger, pointing it directly in my face. "You psychotic bitch! You’ll be hearing from my lawyers! We will sue you for full custody, we will strip you of every penny, and you will be living on the streets by the end of the week! You don't mess with the Vances!"
At that exact moment, the front door swung open wider. Rachel walked in carrying bags of groceries, stepping right past Marcus. But she wasn't alone.
Behind her walked three men in sharp charcoal suits, carrying heavy leather briefcases. At the front was Sarah Sterling, her silver-streaked hair pulled into a sleek bun, wearing a predatory smile.
"Good morning, Jessica," Sarah said smoothly, ignoring Marcus entirely. She stepped into the living room and tossed a thick stack of manila folders onto the coffee table.
Marcus blinked, suddenly recognizing the lawyer. "Sarah Sterling? What is she doing here? Jessi, you can't afford her!"
Sarah turned her icy gaze toward Marcus. "Actually, Mr. Vance, I represent Mrs. Jessica Vance exclusively. And I believe you’re currently trespassing in our temporary residence." She turned to the men behind her. "Please escort Mr. Vance out. And make sure he serves this."
One of the men handed Marcus a thick envelope.
Marcus tore it open, his eyes scanning the first page. As he read, the color drained completely from his face. His knees buckled slightly, and he had to steady himself against the wall.
"T-This..." Marcus stammered, looking up at me in sheer terror. "This is a freeze order on Vance Logistics assets... and an emergency custody filing... and... and federal indictments?"
May you like
"Oh, that's just chapter one, Marcus," I smiled sweetly, stepping closer to the door. "Tell your mother her birthday present is in the mail. And tell Luca to pack his bags. He's homeless."
***
