“If I wanted to humiliate you, I would have invited your employer and asked about the conference.”
Fear flashed across his face.
It was quick.
But I saw it.
“There was no conference, was there?”
He looked away.
Tessa spoke.
“He told his company he was visiting a client.”
Grant turned toward her.
“How do you know that?”
“You sent me a screenshot of your work calendar.”
I sat back.
“Did you submit any resort expenses to the company?”
“It was only a few meals.”
“That sounds like fraud.”
“Rachel, don’t.”
In that moment, I understood how to use his deception to my advantage.
Not to punish him.
To protect myself.
“You will sign the separation agreement my attorney sends.”
Grant stared at me.
“You will not move money from our accounts. You will repay every dollar spent on this trip. You will collect your belongings tonight and leave.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I will give your company the receipts, photographs, calendar screenshots, and messages.”
“You’re blackmailing me.”
“No.”
I kept my voice calm.
“I am telling you not to steal another dollar from me. What your employer does about the money you already took is their decision.”
He looked at Tessa.
“Are you part of this?”
She slid the silver ring across the table.
It stopped in front of him.
“I don’t want anything from you.”
Grant stared at it.
Then he looked at me.
“Eleven years, Rachel.”
His voice broke.
“You’re throwing away eleven years over five days?”
I shook my head.
“You threw them away one lie at a time.”
Grant left without finishing his drink.
That evening, he collected his bags while I stood near the front door.
