Chapter 18 - A Confrontation in Orange
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Before the final trap was sprung on Marcus Vance, I demanded one thing. I wanted to see Ethan face-to-face one last time.
Vincent initially refused, but when he saw the unyielding determination in my eyes, he arranged a private visitor’s session at the Rikers Island high-security facility.
I sat behind the thick glass partition, wearing a sleek black wool coat, my left arm resting comfortably in a soft sling. I looked healthy, powerful, and completely untouched by the nightmare he had inflicted upon me.
The heavy steel door opened, and Ethan was led in by two corrections officers.
He looked terrible. He had lost weight, his hair was greasy, and his hands were cuffed to a heavy chain around his waist. The orange jumpsuit sagged over his shoulders.
He sat down heavily on the metal stool, picking up the black telephone receiver with shaking hands.
I picked up my phone, holding it to my ear. I didn't speak. I simply stared at him with cold, effortless calm.
“Lena...” Ethan stammered, his eyes desperate and bloodshot. “Lena, please! You have to talk to your father! You have to tell the prosecutor to drop the attempted murder charges! I never meant to hurt you! Vanessa lied to me! She made me do it!”
A small, mocking smile touched the corners of my lips.
“You always blame women for your weakness, Ethan,” I said, my voice clear and melodic through the speaker. “First your mother, then me, and now your mistress.”
“I love you, Lena!” Ethan cried out, pressing his forehead against the glass. “We have a daughter! Think of Sofia! She needs her father!”
“Her name is Sofia Rose Moretti,” I corrected coldly. “And as of nine o’clock this morning, a judge signed an order completely stripping you of all parental rights. Legally, biologically, and financially... you do not exist to her.”
Ethan slammed his cuffed hands against the counter, causing the guard behind him to step forward menacingly.
“You can’t do this to me!” Ethan screamed. “I’m your husband!”
“You were a parasite who thought you were smart enough to play in my father’s world,” I leaned closer to the glass, my voice dropping into an icy whisper. “Did you really think I didn't know about Marcus Vance? Did you really think you were the mastermind?”
Ethan’s eyes widened in sudden, absolute terror. “What... what do you know about Marcus?”
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“I know you were just a cheap pawn, Ethan,” I smiled ruthlessly. “And pawns are always the first ones sacrificed. Enjoy the next twenty years in state prison. My daughter and I will be busy spending our six hundred million dollars.”
I hung up the phone, stood up, and walked out of the visitor’s room without looking back once. Behind me, Ethan’s hysterical screams echoed against the concrete walls until the heavy steel doors slammed shut.
