I let out a cold laugh, signed the divorce papers, and tossed the pen aside. I didn't spare the settlement agreement so much as a glance.
The room went silent with shock.
"Jacob!"
Marlene's voice stopped me. I turned.
She frowned. "You can't seriously go back to that run-down shack. You can't keep growing your own vegetables just to eat. That's no way to live."
"Are you pitying me?"
I raised an eyebrow. Before she could answer, I continued. "I don't need your pity."
"But you? All of you?" My gaze swept the room. "Don't come crying to me later."
The moment the words left my mouth, the entire hall erupted in laughter.
Every Henson in the room mocked me—called me delusional, said I was writing checks my mouth couldn't cash. They boasted that with Miles on their side, the Henson family would only grow stronger.
I didn't say another word. I walked out through the front doors of the Henson estate, their laughter chasing me every step of the way.
Outside, Doreen was leaning against a car, waiting. She shook her head with a sigh. "Marlene really can't tell gold from garbage. Not like me—I've always had a thing for your type."
She reached up and hooked her arms around my neck.