Chapter 3: The Desperate Offer
Chapter 3: The Desperate Offer
Three days later...
Lucas requested a private meeting.
Against everyone's expectations...
Isabella agreed.
She arrived precisely at noon.
No security.
No lawyers.
Just confidence.
Lucas stood the moment she entered.
"I made a terrible mistake."
She remained standing.
"So I've heard."
"I'll end everything with Sophie."
No response.
"I'll give you half of everything."
She almost smiled.
"You no longer have half of anything."
Lucas swallowed hard.
"I loved you."
That was the first lie she couldn't ignore.
"Loved me?"
She stepped closer.
"When your mother called me worthless..."
"You stayed silent."
"When your father insulted my family..."
"You laughed."
"When your mistress moved into our home..."
"You gave her my bedroom."
Each sentence struck harder than the last.
Lucas lowered his eyes.
"I'm sorry."
Isabella nodded slowly.
"I believe you."
Hope appeared in his face.
Then she finished.
"But forgiveness doesn't restore consequences."
She placed one envelope on the table.
Inside was a criminal investigation notice.
Financial fraud.
Tax evasion.
Breach of fiduciary duty.
Lucas looked up in horror.
"You planned this?"
"No."
She calmly walked toward the door.
"You planned it yourself."
"You just assumed I'd never stop you."
She left without looking back.
Lucas collapsed into the chair.
May you like
Outside...
Federal investigators were already waiting.
