Section 3
“Dominic, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil in my mind.
Dominic’s face was grave as he glanced back at the living room, the party still crackling with shock. “That text you got? It’s about Maren. She’s been live with your rival, Elias Trent.”
“What?” The word slipped out too harshly, a mixture of disbelief and anger simmering beneath. “She’s meeting with him? How long has this been going on?”
“Long enough to undermine your position, Mr. Vance,” Dominic replied, his eyes narrowing. “Elias has been gaining ground on you, and your wife is right in the middle of it.”
I clenched the phone tighter in my hand. The weight of betrayal carded through my gut like a blade, sharp and relentless. “Do you have proof?”
“We’re tracing the communications, but it’s all circumstantial for now.”
“Circumstantial?” I could hardly breathe, the air feeling thick and stale. “This is my life, Dominic. My wife.”
“I know. But you need to think strategically. This isn’t just personal — it’s business.”
“I can’t think of anything but her betrayal.” I ran a hand through my hair, pacing the hall. “If she’s been lying to me this whole time…”
Dominic nodded, his expression unreadable. “Your priority is to maintain control, Adrian. Don’t let her turn you into the villain.”
I took a deep breath, forcing my mind to sharpen. “Let’s gather evidence. I need to confront her.”
Section 4
Adrenaline surged as I stormed into the master bedroom, the door slamming behind me with a resounding thud. Maren was there, her clothes scattered across the bed, frantic movements revealing the panic beneath her facade.
“What the hell are you doing?” I snapped, the words spilling out like venom.
She paused, turning sharply. “I’m leaving, Adrian. I can’t stay in this suffocating house any longer.”
“You’re leaving?” I echoed, incredulity sharpening my tone. “After what you’ve done?”
“I did what I had to do!” she shot back, her voice rising. “You’ve become someone I don’t even recognize. Your success overshadowed everything else.”
“So you thought screwing my rival was the solution?” I stepped closer, fury and hurt mixing within me. “You think this is a joke?”
“You don’t understand!” She threw her hands up, desperation etched on her face. “I’m just trying to find my own way, to have something that’s mine!”
“By betraying me? By tearing apart the life we built?” My chest tightened as realization washed over me. “You think you can run away from this?”
“It’s not like that! I can’t be just your shadow anymore!”
I closed the distance, my heart pounding. “You crossed a line, Maren. I’m done with this.”
As I prepared to throw her things out, a firm knock echoed through the room. It was precise and authoritative, cutting through our chaos like a knife.
“Adrian Vance! Open up! Police!”
A cold wave washed over me. “What the hell?”
Before I could process, Maren’s eyes widened, panic blooming across her features. Just as I was about to kick her out, the words hung heavy in the air — the officer was here with a warrant for my arrest.