“The moment the judge signs the final annulment decree, the voice recording will be permanently deleted,” I promised, my voice cold and unyielding. “As for the financial audit… as long as you sell off your personal assets, replenish those stolen escrow accounts, and resign from Vance Holdings within thirty days, I will refrain from submitting my findings to the federal regulatory board.”
Eleanor stared at me, tears of utter defeat welling in her eyes. The ruthless, controlling matriarch who had built her life on crushing others had been completely disarmed by a woman who refused to be a victim.
“You’re a monster,” Eleanor whispered, her voice cracking.
I smiled—a sharp, brilliant, unapologetic smile.
“No, Eleanor,” I corrected softly. “I’m just a woman who knows her place. And my place is at the top of my own life.”
