Chapter 14 - The Smile That Collapsed
Madeline looked Alice up and down.
“Aiden needed someone who matched his ambition.”
Alice’s pain lasted one heartbeat.
Then it passed.
“Enjoy the feeling while it lasts.”
Aiden moved down one step.
“Sign the papers, Alice. Then this is over.”
Alice closed the car door and removed the envelope.
Daniel opened his folder.
Aiden stopped walking.
He knew Daniel Mercer’s reputation.
Daniel had represented two executives whose spouses concealed corporate assets.
Both cases had ended in devastating forensic audits.
Madeline whispered, “Why is he here?”
Aiden ignored her.
“Alice, we already have attorneys.”
“You have attorneys.”
She placed the envelope inside Daniel’s folder.
Madeline stepped forward and reached toward it.
Alice snapped the folder shut.
“What did you give him?” Madeline demanded.
Aiden’s eyes remained fixed on the official seal visible at the edge.
Alice removed her wedding ring and placed it in his palm.
“The part you never thought I knew.”
Daniel opened the folder just enough for Aiden to see his signature on the original investment agreement.
Beside it lay the handwritten ledger.
Aiden’s face lost color.
“Where did you get that?”
Alice did not answer.
May you like
She turned toward the courthouse doors.
👉 Then Aiden saw the title of the second sealed filing—and panic finally shattered his carefully rehearsed calm.
