Stolen Life

ng. Ethan let the calls go to voicemail. He knew what she would say

kering neon signs and threadbare carpets. It was a world away f

again. It was

t any preamble. "Your Olivia didn't just move on. S

p. "What do

collapse. An investment advisor. A very charming one, apparently. He was advising her on how to

wasn't just opportunism after his death, it wa

g properties, used fraudulent appraisals to secure massive bank loans, then declared bankruptcy on the shell company, leaving the banks with the bad

n the coffin of the wom

st divorce her, Ethan. Ruin her. People

n giving her on

up the initial separation papers. They're being couriered to y

hick envelope to his motel room. Inside were the l

ouse. His house. He parked on the street and walked up the driveway. T

n. The little boy, Leo, ran out, chasing a ba

up at him, his face scrunching up in fear

ie, it's okay. The bad man won't hurt you." She glared at Ethan, her

been taught to be scared

hey got out, carrying shopping bags from expensive depa

grumbled. "Haven't you

emerged from the house,

Mark said, shaking his head in d

him up and down with disdain. "Look at him. He probably

there, dripping in the wealth his supposed death

. He held up the envel

asked, her voice

"The first step. Sign them, or we do t

onfident and smug, as if yesterday's co

ant. Bad for everyone. Tell you what." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick, leather wallet. "I'll write

him off. Like a nuisa

nk my life, my marriage, my name..

aid, his patience thinning. "That's

r dirty money. I want justice. I want a clean break, legally. And that starts wi

ign anything!" she shrieked, her voice

an said. "I can

tarted to cry at their mother's distress. The girl, who looked

mmy alone!"

rd her. Get out of here

orm was already jogging up the driveway. He was b

Daniel?" the guard asked,

a sigh. "This bum is harassing my fam

"My pleasure." He turned to Et

with a smug look. "He takes his job of

kles. He unclipped a heavy

is voice level, his body tensing. He'd faced men with guns f

e hard way," Rick the guard

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