Michaelâs expression remained unreadable, his brows furrowed. He leaned back, one leg crossed over the other, his arm draped casually over the back of the sofa, exuding an air of controlled authority.
âCrowell, let me offer you a piece of advice. You canât be so shameless. You cheated, you were abusive, and you never once took care of your child. Yet you still expect to have everything handed to you?â
Crowell chuckled, but there was a hollow edge to it. âWhat can I do? Iâve worked hard to build my fortune. I canât just give it away.â
âWorked hard?â Michael tilted his head slightly, his gaze piercing. âIf I remember correctly, most of your wealth came after you married Fiona, right?â Crowellâs laughter faltered, his confidence slipping.
âEven now, you still donât understand why people work with you, do you? Youâre getting too full of yourself.â Michaelâs finger pointed to the bedroom door. âIâm doing you a favor. Do you really think any woman would want to be with you after the divorce? Itâs not going to happen.â
Michaelâs smile was cold, a silent threat hanging in the air. It was clear that Crowellâs wealth was a product of the Hudson familyâs influence. Without the marriage, he wouldnât have the same status.
But if he didnât divorce, he and Fiona couldnât continue living together either. Crowell hesitated, his thoughts tangled in uncertainty. Was it a good or bad idea?
Then, an idea struck him. He could keep Fiona around, let her age, and watch her lose her beauty while the Hudson family crumbled slowly. Why did he even need a divorce? Plenty of people lived in marriages of convenience.
Michael pulled out the divorce agreement and slammed it down on the coffee table. âSign it. Fiona gets the child, and you split the assets evenly, fifty-fifty.â
gⱯlnÏνð®âsâ¤cøm is packed with great reads A sly grin spread across Crowellâs face. âMichael, I know I was wrong. Is it too late for me to go back home? Iâll go back right away!â
Michael remained unmoved, his tone flat. âThereâs no need for that. Sign the paper, and you and Fiona can go your separate ways.â
âIâm sorry! I wonât make any more trouble! I wonât fight her on the divorce anymore!â
Michaelâs patience thinned. âWhat do you take Fiona for?â
âMichael, why are you so angry? This is between me and Fiona. Wait, are you actually interested in her?â
Michaelâs fists tightened, the anger swirling inside him. If it werenât for Lacey, he would have thrown Crowell out long ago.
What happened next only fueled his rage even further. Crowell dialed Fionaâs number and began spouting sweet words, begging her, making empty promises. Michael said nothing, silently waiting to see if Fiona had truly made up her mind to leave him.
As expected, Fiona once again seemed swayed by his sugary talk. It wasnât the first time Michael had felt betrayed by her. Fine. He would just chalk it up to interfering.
He stood, adjusting his cuffs with a sense of calm detachment.
Crowell, sneaking glances at Michael, chuckled as he continued his flirtations.
âLetâs have dinner at your favorite spot tonight, okay? I miss you, babe.â
âAlright, Iâll change, then drop our son off at your momâs.â
âGreat, Iâll pick you up later.â
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