My Husband Slapped Me Twice to Protect His Mistress—He Didn't Know I Was the True Owner of Everything

Mariana walked back to the window, looking out at the clinic below. She could see David in the courtyard, speaking to a group of construction workers.

"Vance leaked a story to the press today," Mariana said quietly, not looking at Andrew. "He accused the foundation of being a massive tax fraud scheme. My sponsors are pulling out."

Andrew’s jaw clenched in anger.

"It's his standard playbook," Andrew said. "He destroys the reputation first, so the target runs out of money to fight the legal battle."

"If I use these documents," Mariana said, turning back to him, "Vance’s lawyers will demand to know the source. They will depose you. They will drag your past back into the public eye. You could face new charges for withholding evidence."

Andrew didn't flinch.

"Let them."

Mariana looked at him in surprise.

"You are willing to go to prison to stop him?"

"I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure Hope Village gets built," Andrew stated firmly. "I spent my entire life taking homes away from people to build luxury condos. Let me help you give them a home."

Mariana walked slowly around the conference table. The man standing in front of her was a stranger. The Andrew she knew would have sold her out for a fraction of Victor Vance's wealth.

"David thinks I should trust you," Mariana admitted softly.

Andrew offered a sad, fleeting smile.

"He is a good man. You chose well."

Mariana stopped directly in front of him.

"If this is a trick, Andrew... if you are working with Vance to set me up for a defamation suit..."

"It's not a trick, Mariana."

"Then testify," she demanded. "Don't just give me the papers. Stand up in a federal courtroom, under oath, and testify against him. Prove to the world that you are no longer the man your mother raised you to be."

Andrew took a deep breath. He knew what she was asking. It would mean total public humiliation. It would mean admitting his own past crimes on record.