Chapter 5

My mother had given it to me before she died, and I'd kept it locked in a safe ever since.

I couldn't bring myself to wear it, even on special occasions.

My heart was pounding.

Colton spoke first, surprised. "What are you doing back here?"

I didn't answer. I fought to control my anger as I walked straight up to Beth and pulled the necklace off her neck.

"This is mine."

Beth flinched, her eyes reddening as if I'd wronged her.

Colton jumped to his feet, his face tense with anger. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Nothing. My mother left this to me."

My voice was flat. I checked the necklace. Its sliding clasp had come undone, so it hadn't broken when I pulled it off.

Beth frowned and shouted, "Colton gave that to me.

"Give it back." She reached for it.

I turned away from her hand and gave her a cold look. "What right does he have to give away something of mine? Go ask him for it."

I started for the stairs. Colton looked ashamed and embarrassed.

He stepped into my path. "Her party is tomorrow. She gets one birthday a year. You're the older one here. Would it kill you to give a little?

"That necklace goes with her gown. Just let her wear it so she makes a good impression. She's borrowing it, not keeping it.

"I'll buy you a few new ones later, all right?"

He said it as if it were perfectly reasonable.

I clenched my fists and felt the blood drain from my face.

Beth took his arm again, playing the martyr. "If she won't lend it to me, forget it. I don't mind being embarrassed. I'm just worried people will think this family doesn't own a single decent necklace..."

Her eyes filled with tears, and her voice caught.

Colton looked angrier still. "Monica, do you have to be like this?! It's just a necklace!"

He raised his voice until his accusations echoed through the hall.

I ignored him and turned to leave.

As I brushed past Beth, she suddenly went down with a scream.

She lunged at me, hooking her fingers around the necklace.

It slipped out of my hand and hit the floor.

The stones scattered everywhere. I stared at them, my chest tightening.

"Isn't that your most precious possession, Monica? I guess you hate me so much you'd rather break it than let me wear it..."

Her wounded look made me sick.

I raised my hand to hit her.

Colton's eyes went dark. He stepped in front of Beth and caught my wrist. "Monica! What are you doing?! You dropped it yourself!"

I jerked my wrist free and slapped him without a word.

Then I pulled Beth toward me and slapped her too.

She screamed.

I didn't look at either of them. I crouched down and picked the stones up off the floor.

Colton held a hand to his cheek, his jaw clenched.

"Have you lost your mind?!"

I put the stones in my pocket and took out the divorce papers.

"I'm divorcing you," I said quietly. I turned and left without bothering to pack a thing.

There was nothing in that house I needed.

As I walked out through the estate gates, Beth was still crying. "My face is going to be ruined. What am I going to do? My party is tomorrow!

"How am I supposed to face anyone like this?!"

She had her head buried against his chest.

He soothed her even as he shouted after me. "Where are you going?! Monica! Come back and apologize to Beth!"

I didn't answer, and I didn't look back.

Nobody came after me. I found the wrecked car, removed the dashcam, and put its memory card in my phone.

I sat in the airport terminal and made a list of everything I'd need day to day. Then I called the design house and sent it over.

I asked them to have everything ready for me.

I watched the entire video on the card.

Colton and Beth were all over each other in the car, their faces flushed, their movements relaxed from the alcohol.

I sent the video to a hacker and paid well to have it played at the party the next day, in front of every guest.

Then I paid Daniel a substantial fee to handle the divorce for me.

I also sent the family's confidential files to Colton's rivals.

A message from Colton came in.

"That's enough! Stop throwing a tantrum. Come back and apologize to Beth, and I'll pretend none of this happened."

I read it and blocked him.

I hadn't taken any luggage, so he assumed I was just sulking.

He was sure I'd come back to the estate sooner or later.

I got on the plane and left that city for good.

And the surprise I'd left for the two of them was already on its way.