Chapter 8 - The Weight of Steel
The scene disintegrated into chaotic, pathetic desperation.
“David, please! Think of Chloe!” Victoria shrieked, backing away toward the French doors that led to the patio. “Chloe loves Emma! We’re a family! You can’t do this to us! I gave you my life!”
“You tried to kill my daughter’s soul,” David whispered coldly. “You took her mother’s dress and you humiliated her in front of strangers. You don’t have a life anymore, Victoria. You have a case number.”
The officers moved in swiftly. One pinned Victoria’s arms behind her back, the metallic click of the handcuffs echoing like a gunshot through the room. Victoria kicked, screamed, and spat vile curses, her polished veneer entirely eradicated, exposing the feral monster lurking beneath.
“You’ll regret this, Vance!” she screamed, her hair disheveled, her manicured fingers twisting wildly in the steel restraints. “I’ll take every dime! I’ll drag your name through every tabloid in the country!”
“You have five hundred dollars in your personal checking account,” David said flatly, never raising his voice. “The prenuptial agreement specifically stipulates that in the event of criminal charges involving domestic cruelty, you forfeit all spousal maintenance. You leave here with the clothes on your back and a state-appointed public defender.”
Chloe was sobbing hysterically in the corner. David looked at the eight-year-old girl. Despite the mother’s cruelty, he refused to become a monster himself.
He signaled to the female detective. “Child Protective Services has already contacted Chloe’s biological father in Albany. He’s en route. She will stay in the custody of our family liaison until he arrives. She won't be harmed.”
Chloe looked up through her tears, terrified of David, but David simply gave her a solemn, compassionate nod. “You didn't deserve this either, Chloe. But your mother’s choices have consequences.”
May you like
Victoria was dragged through the foyer, her expensive Italian leather heels squeaking helplessly across the hardwood floor until the iron door slammed shut behind her, sealing her out of their lives forever.
---
