Five years ago, when Tony had first taken over the company, he hadn't known a thing. I was the one who taught him how to read financial statements, how to negotiate with clients. I handed over every resource I had, even entrusted him with the company seal and the security keys.
Now he was using the power I gave him to cut off every escape route I had.
"You think threatening me with divorce is going to work?"
Tony stood and walked toward me.
"I've had actual control of the company for a long time now. You don't have a cent to your name."
"And that half-dead processing plant your family runs? One word from me, and it goes into liquidation tomorrow."
He reached out and gripped my chin, fingers tightening until my jaw ached.
"You're going to sign that agreement like a good girl."
My head was forced back. I stared up at the face I'd known for years.
"And if I don't?"
Tony shoved my face aside and pulled a tissue from his pocket, wiping his hand like he'd touched something filthy.
Then, right in front of me, he pulled Faith into his arms.
"You don't sign, and I'll destroy your family's reputation in this city. Every last shred of it."
By afternoon, the sky had gone dark.
Wind whipped the clouds into a fury, and rain came down in sheets.
I stuffed a few changes of clothes into my suitcase and zipped it shut.
I was dragging it toward the top of the second-floor staircase when Faith stepped into my path.
She'd changed into a white dress. A glass of red wine dangled from her fingers.
"Flora, it's pouring out there. Where could you possibly be going?"
I didn't answer. I moved around her and headed for the stairs.
Faith's hand shot out and grabbed the handle of my suitcase.
"Tony said you're not going anywhere until you sign that agreement."
I yanked the suitcase back. "Let go."
Faith released her grip and took a step backward, positioning herself right at the edge of the staircase.
She looked at me, and a strange little smile curled at the corner of her mouth.
"Flora, please don't kick us out."
The words had barely left her lips before she threw herself backward, tumbling down five steps.
The wine glass shattered against the floor. Red liquid splashed across the white fabric of her dress.
The front door swung open at that exact moment.
Tony folded his umbrella as he stepped inside, just in time to see Faith crumpled at the bottom of the stairs.
"Faith!"