When the line connected, I made myself clear: "The photos need to be high-resolution. Ideally, I want video of the affair and clear shots of their faces. Ten million dollars will be wired to your account when it's done."
No hesitation on the other end. He agreed immediately.
I hung up and let out a slow breath.
I'd been with Hubert since high school. Ten years, from hallway crushes to wedding vows. And in the end, he'd beaten me black and blue over a secretary, until I had no choice but to file for divorce.
All I'd wanted was to end that wreck of a marriage. I never noticed I'd been maneuvered into walking away with nothing.
Two years of scraping by later, Hubert came looking for me again, demanding I donate blood for his precious little secretary. I agreed to remarry him without a second thought.
Not for love. Only to reclaim the shares that were rightfully mine.
——
I turned and headed upstairs to clear out the villa.
After I'd left, Hubert never set foot in this place again, so nearly everything I owned was still here.
I threw every piece of couple's merchandise and clothing into the trash. When I looked up and saw the wedding portrait above the headboard, I froze.