I held out the divorce papers, the picture of innocence.
"Your little girlfriend is practically begging you to sign. Why are you still dragging your feet?"
I tilted my head. "One signature, and you're both free. You could be at the City Hall Registry Office by this afternoon."
Gladys's eyes lit up. She tugged at Warren's arm. "Warren!"
"Don't listen to her, Gladys." Warren didn't budge, but his stare bored into me. "She's putting on a show for you. She doesn't actually want a divorce."
He pulled Gladys away, his face tight with barely concealed panic.
But I caught every backward glance Gladys threw my way—and the hunger in her eyes.
A few days later, I sought her out myself.
"Let's make a deal."
Gladys didn't disappoint. Within two weeks, she'd slipped the divorce agreement into a stack of other documents and gotten Warren to sign without a second glance.
When I finally held those signed papers in my hands, I smiled and offered my congratulations.
Then I slid the wedding ring off my finger and placed it in her palm.
"Miss Fox. You've earned this."
She thought she'd won. Thought she was the phoenix rising to claim her throne.