Megan followed him out.

“Do you think this has something to do with Kate?”

He was silent a long time before answering.

“Probably.”

“What a snake,” Megan muttered.

David still said nothing.

Instead, another memory surfaced. Six months earlier, Catherine had offered to help with the bookkeeping. He had laughed at her then.

You’re a housewife. What do you know about business?

He had no idea that during those months she had seen everything—every expense, every transfer, every secret.

And somewhere far away, the plane carrying me and my children had already crossed the ocean.

Aiden rubbed his eyes and asked sleepily, “Mom, are we almost there?”

I smiled and kissed his head.

“Almost, sweetheart.”

Chloe was still staring out the window in wonder.

“There are so many clouds.”

I looked at my children and warmth spread quietly through me.

Life has a strange way of balancing itself. Sometimes the people who think they are the cleverest are the ones least prepared for the moment the other person finally becomes strong.

When a woman is silent for too long, people mistake it for weakness. They never realize silence can also be the moment she is teaching herself how to stand alone.

And once that moment comes, everything can change faster than they know how to understand.

Part 3

By evening, David’s office looked like a disturbed beehive. IRS agents still occupied the conference room. Stacks of files had been opened and checked. Accounting computers had been taken. Employees moved more carefully now, as if even their footsteps might be listened to.

David stood by the window, staring at the city below while life outside continued as though nothing had happened.

Andrew approached him quietly.

“David, I need to tell you something.”

He turned.

“What else?”

Andrew lowered his voice.

“I checked the corporate email. The three major partners who canceled their contracts didn’t do it for financial reasons.”

“Then why?”

Andrew swallowed.

“They said they received an anonymous package of documents.”

“What documents?”

“Proof that company funds were misappropriated. And copies of all the transfers to Miss Allison.”

Something seemed to explode behind David’s eyes.

“Where was it sent from?”

Andrew shook his head.

“Unknown. But whoever did it knows the company’s internal operations very well.”

David clenched his fists.

Only one person fit that description perfectly.

Kate.

Megan, who had overheard the conversation, stepped forward and said with bitter irritation, “I told you. She planned everything.”

David said nothing, but memories rose one after another. A few months ago Catherine had often sat across from him at the dinner table and asked harmless questions.

How are things at the company?

How’s the new project?

Do you need help with the paperwork?

Each time he had smirked and brushed her aside.

Take care of the house. I’ll handle the company.

He never imagined that while he was busy with Allison, Catherine had been paying close attention to every number in his books.

One of the agents stepped out of the conference room.

“Mr. David?”

David turned.

“Yes?”

“We need your signature on some documents.”

Inside, the agent placed a stack of papers on the table.

“This is the receipt for the seizure of accounting records.”

David scanned a few lines. Every word felt like another weight placed on his chest.

“How long is this going to take?”

“We can’t say yet.”

He signed, though his hand shook faintly.

When the agents finally left, Andrew exhaled in relief, but the relief was thin and nervous.

“David, if they find violations—”

“I know.”

Megan stepped forward at once.

“You have to do something.”

“Like what?”

“Meet with Kate.”

David turned sharply toward her.

“Meet with her?”

“Yes. She sued you. All the more reason. If you make concessions, maybe she’ll drop the lawsuit.”

He didn’t answer, though the possibility had already entered his mind. The only thing stopping him was pride.

For eight years of marriage, he had been the one in control. He made the money. He made the decisions. He had treated Catherine like an afterthought, a woman who depended on him.

Now he would have to lower his head to the very person he had underestimated.

David let out a cold, humorless laugh.

“We’ll see.”

Megan stared at him.

“You’re still clinging to your pride.”

He said nothing.

Then his phone lit up with Allison’s name.

He stared at the screen before answering.

Allison’s voice shook.

“David… I’m still at the hospital.”

“So?”

“My mom just called. She knows everything.”

David’s mouth tightened.

“Did you think it would stay hidden?”

Allison broke into tears.

“Can you come? I’m scared.”

“What are you scared of?”

A pause.

“I’m scared the baby isn’t yours.”

David’s expression hardened.

“So what?”

Her voice cracked. “Will you leave me?”

He answered slowly, each word colder than the last.