Chapter 2 - The Mask Slips
"Get out," Michael said. The words weren't yelled; they were spoken with a terrifying, absolute finality.
Rachel blinked, genuinely startled. "Excuse me? Michael, this is my home. I am your wife!"
"You have exactly ten minutes to pack a single bag and leave my sight," Michael said, pulling his phone from his pocket. "If you are still in this house when the private medical team and my security personnel arrive, I will have you removed for child abuse and domestic endangerment."
Seeing that her usual manipulation tactics weren't working, Rachel's elegant facade dropped completely. Her eyes turned sharp, malicious, and incredibly cold. "You think you can just throw me out? Try it, Michael. We signed a prenuptial agreement, yes, but if you file for divorce based on these ridiculous claims, I will drag your family name through every tabloid in Chicago. The board of Bennett Logistics is already nervous about your upcoming public offering. A massive, ugly child abuse scandal involving your new wife will tank your stock before the opening bell. You need me to keep up appearances, and you know it."
Before Michael could respond, the headlights of an ambulance cut through the evening shadows outside the window. Michael had bypassed public emergency services, utilizing his wealth to fly in his private family physician, Dr. Harrison, and a security detail from his corporate headquarters.
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"Your ten minutes are up," Michael said, turning his back on her as the medical team rushed through the front door.
Rachel slammed her designer bags onto the floor, her heels clicking aggressively as she stormed up the stairs to the guest room. "This isn't over, Michael! You’ll be begging me to come back when your precious company starts bleeding millions!"
