The tears stopped completely. All that remained in my eyes was a frozen, bottomless cold.
I should have stopped holding out hope for this man long ago. I should have stopped being weak.
I lifted my gaze to Everard, my voice level.
"Everard, since we're done pretending, let me be equally clear."
"You betrayed me first. You hurt me after. I will never forgive you."
"Everything you and Madge stole from me, I'm taking back. All of it."
Everard laughed like he'd just heard the funniest joke of his life.
"Iris, have you lost your mind? With what? You don't have a single thing to your name."
Madge joined in, her voice dripping acid.
"Sis, stop clinging to your pride when you can barely survive. You're a stray dog with nowhere to go. What can you possibly do besides beg us?"
I ignored their mockery.
I didn't say another word.
They took everything I said for empty bluster. They never believed a syllable.
But I knew. Revenge started now.
Everard waved his hand with casual indifference and signaled the housekeeper to take me away.
"The basement's nice and quiet. Let my wife spend some time down there reflecting on her choices."