Before he could lie, two uniformed officers from the Philadelphia Police Department walked through the door along with the building’s head of security.
“Mr. Simon Vance, the legal owner of this property has requested your immediate departure,” the lead officer stated. “You have five minutes to take what is in that bag and leave.”
“This is a total humiliation!” Beverly cried out.
Valerie looked the woman in the eye. “No, the humiliation was you trying to take my office after I paid for your lifestyle for three years.”
Simon tried one last desperate tactic, softening his voice. “Cami, honey, let’s just sit down. My mom got carried away, and I can fix everything if you just give me a chance.”
“It was never about the desk, Simon,” Valerie replied. “It was about the fact that you saw me as a bank account rather than a partner.”
The officer nudged the small duffel bag toward Simon. “Time’s up, sir. Let’s move.”
Simon picked up the bag, his shoulders slumping as the reality of his situation finally set in. He looked like a man who had finally run out of cards to play.
“I did love you,” he whispered as he reached the threshold.
Valerie didn’t flinch. “No, you just loved the life I provided.”