Chapter 2 - The Ultimatum
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For three years, Adrian had introduced Bianca as his executive operations director. Later, she became his "strategic partner"—a vague title he used whenever I questioned why she accompanied him on late-night business trips and weekend resort retreats. Today, she made no effort to hide the true nature of their relationship.
She wore a sleek, ivory designer dress beneath a pastel trench coat, holding Adrian's arm with the possessive ease of someone who knew the legal paperwork was a mere formality.
As they approached me in the hallway, my eyes caught the glint of silver and dark blue on Bianca's wrist.
It was a narrow sapphire bracelet.
My heart slammed against my ribs. That bracelet had belonged to my mother. After her death, I had placed it in a velvet box inside our master bedroom safe. Six months ago, it vanished. When I asked Adrian about it, he told me I was becoming delusional and forgetful due to pregnancy hormones.
Bianca saw me staring. With a slow, deliberate movement, she adjusted her sleeve so the sapphire caught the harsh overhead fluorescent light.
Adrian’s lips curled into a faint, condescending smile.
"You actually showed up, Lydia," he said, his voice smooth and entirely devoid of warmth.
"I was summoned by the court," I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady.
"Given your delicate condition, I assumed you’d send a representative," Adrian said, eyeing my swollen frame with mild disgust. "You look exhausted."
"My pregnancy isn't a disease, Adrian."
Bianca chuckled softly, leaning her head against Adrian’s shoulder.
"It certainly seems to have become your entire personality, darling," Bianca said, her eyes scanning my faded coat and flat shoes. "It’s tragic, really."
I tightened my grip on the manila folder until my knuckles turned white.
"I am here to claim what is legally mine—a fair division of marital assets and support for our daughter."
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Adrian leaned in close, his posture blocking me from the view of the bailiff down the hall. His voice dropped to an icy whisper.
"Listen to me carefully," Adrian hissed. "Sign the settlement offer Pike drafted. Take the tiny housing allowance and disappear. If you push this to trial, I will ensure you don't receive a single penny. Watch me."
