“We want everyone to move forward,” Vanessa said, her voice more confident. “Robert and I are getting married. We’re going to start a new life together.”
« This vindictiveness you’re displaying is not appealing. »
« That won’t bring him back. »
A feeling of coldness settled in my chest.
« I don’t want him to come back. »
Vanessa’s smile faded.
Robert sat up, annoyed.
« So, what do you want? » he asked. « What is it, Maggie? Revenge? To make me suffer because I fell in love with someone else? »
« You didn’t fall in love, » I said. « You had an affair. »
« While I was taking care of your mother during her last months, you were sleeping with a woman young enough to be your daughter. »
« It’s not… »
« And then you inherited a sum of money and decided that I had fulfilled my role. »
« That’s not love. That’s opportunism. »
Vanessa’s mask completely cracked.
« Do you know what your problem is? You’re bitter. You’re a bitter old woman who can’t stand that Robert has finally found happiness. »
« This money belongs to him. The court will eventually rule in his favor, and in the end, you will only have legal debts. »
« We are trying to help you. »
« Help me? » I laughed, but there was nothing funny about it.
« By offering me less than half of what I am legally entitled to? By asking me to waive my rights and pretend that you have not committed adultery? »
Robert’s face hardened. The mask fell away.
« You’re making a mistake there, Maggie. This opportunity won’t come around again. »
« So much the better, » I said. « I don’t want it. »
« Very well, » he retorted sharply. « We tried to be reasonable, but you prefer to play the tough guy. »
« We’re going to play hard. »
Vanessa stepped forward, her gaze cold.
« You think you’re going to win? Robert’s uncle’s will is irrefutable. »
« This money is his inheritance, not a common good. And every dollar you spend contesting that is a dollar you’ll lose if you lose. »
“We have unimaginable resources,” Robert added. “I can keep this going for years.”
« To drown you in legal fees. To make your life a living hell. »
« Is that what you want? »
My heart was pounding, but my voice remained calm.
« What I want is for both of you to leave my apartment immediately. »
« You’ll regret it, » Vanessa hissed. « When you’re living alone in a dingy studio apartment, penniless… »
« Get out immediately, or I’ll call the police. »
Robert grabbed Vanessa’s arm and pulled her towards the door. Once at the threshold, he turned around.
« I tried, Maggie. Remember that. I tried to make it easier for you. »
The door slammed shut behind them.
I stood there, trembling. My legs were shaking, and I managed to reach the sofa and sit down, clutching my arms to myself.
They were right about one thing.
This could go on for years.
Robert had resources, and I was squandering my savings paying Rebecca’s fees.
What if I lose? What if the judge decides that the inheritance belongs to him entirely and I’m left with nothing but debts?
Fear gripped my throat like a hand.
I then thought back to Vanessa’s arrogant superiority, her certainty that I would crack. I thought back to Robert’s threats, his attempt to intimidate me into surrendering.
And the fear transformed into something else.
They wanted me to be afraid. They needed me to be afraid.
Because fear would make me give in.
But I was no longer that woman.
I took out my phone and called Rebecca.
« They came to my house, » I said when she replied. « Robert and Vanessa. They tried to force me to accept an out-of-court settlement. »
« Did you record it? »
I blinked. « No. »
« Next time, record it, » Rebecca said. « But tell me everything they said. »
Yes, I did everything — every word, every threat, every manipulation.
When I had finished, Rebecca remained silent for a moment.
« So they’re scared, Maggie. Really scared. »
« People don’t make threats like that unless they’re desperate. »
« So, what do we do? »
« We continue to apply pressure, » she said. « And we are preparing for war. »
I glanced around my small apartment, my humble refuge.
« I’m ready, » I said.
And I truly meant it.
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