Megan opened her folder and presented two documents, one outlining a suspension due to conduct concerns and another requesting full financial disclosure. My husband’s expression shifted immediately as the reality of the situation began to settle in.
“What is this supposed to mean?” he asked, trying to maintain control.
“It means transparency,” Megan replied evenly. “A standard requirement before any significant financial movement.”
My father looked at him steadily, his voice measured and precise.
“What is unnecessary is deceiving the family that supports you,” he said.
My husband reached for my hand under the table, and I pulled mine away without hesitation. He looked at me, confused and unsettled.
“Paige, what is going on?” he asked.
I met his eyes calmly for the first time without affection.
“I heard everything,” I said.
The room fell completely silent, and he froze as he realized he no longer controlled the narrative.
“What do you think you heard?” he asked, attempting to recover.
“I heard you say you would leave me after receiving ten million dollars, and I heard Brooke say she is pregnant,” I replied clearly.