10

Marcus felt each word like a knife through his chest.

"You did every single thing to hurt Catherine! You never questioned my stories, never gave her the benefit of the doubt, never once defended her when I cried to you about her supposed cruelty!"

Josie laughed bitterly.

"Even if you beat me to death right here on this street, it won't matter. She'll never forgive you. The damage is done."

Marcus felt the full weight of his failures crashing down on him. He had specifically instructed the workers that his mother's belongings must not be damaged and should be carefully preserved for Catherine.

But Josie had used his and Ryan's names to authorize the destruction of everything precious to Catherine.

Marcus instinctively raised his hand to strike her, fury and self-loathing warring in his chest.

But before his palm could reach Josie's face, blinding headlights suddenly illuminated the street corner, dazzling all of them.

Three black SUVs screeched to a halt, and several bodyguards in dark