Chapter 35 - The Broken Husband's Gambit
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With Marcus Kane in federal custody and his cartel dismantled, the Yates Syndicate's authority over the Eastern Seaboard became absolute.
Two days later, I sat in the grand study of the Yates Estate. The sun was streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the pristine mahogany desk where my father had once kept his fake truck-driving logs. Now, it held the master digital ledgers of a billion-dollar empire.
A quiet knock sounded at the heavy oak door.
Viktor stepped inside. "Sovereign, the special prisoner is ready for his final meeting."
"Bring him in," I said without looking up from my tablet.
Brandon was led into the study by two guards. He was dressed in clean clothes now, his dislocated shoulder had been set by Dr. Harrison, and his face was washed. But the arrogant, handsome corporate climber who had married me a year ago was completely gone. In his place was a hollow, broken shell of a man who flinched every time a door clicked shut.
He stood before my desk, his eyes fixed on the floorboards, afraid to look me in the eye.
"Sit down, Brandon," I said softly.
He collapsed into the leather armchair opposite my desk, his hands trembling in his lap. "Emily... please... what are you going to do to me?"
I pulled a single sheet of paper from my drawer and slid it across the mahogany surface toward him, along with a gold fountain pen.
"That is a full, unconditional confession of your corporate fraud, your attempt on my life, and your conspiracy with Marcus Kane," I explained smoothly. "It also includes a complete waiver of all marital assets, granting me a full divorce and total ownership of every property, account, and business registered in your name."
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Brandon stared at the pen with tears welling in his eyes. "If I sign... do I get to live?"
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk, looking directly into his soul. "If you sign, Brandon, I won't kill you. I will let you walk out of this house with fifty dollars in your pocket and the clothes on your back."
