Chapter 4

By the time I reached the bank where Andrew held his account, it was noon.

I brought Ryan along with me.

My phone kept buzzing the whole way.

The Bennett family group chat was blowing up.

My mother-in-law had sent a long rant in the group.

She wrote: [What a nightmare! How did we end up with a daughter-in-law like this? She didn't even bother to cook for Christmas, stormed out and left the elders at home hungry.

[Andy went to pick her up out of kindness today, and she threw a fit outside her office, even calling Andy cruel! The Bennett family won't tolerate a woman like that.]

Everyone chimed in, backing her up.

One relative replied: [Don't let it get to you. She's just spoiled.]

Another relative added: [Andrew's a catch. He could easily find someone better. Kick her out and make sure she leaves with absolutely nothing!]

Andrew didn't say a word. Him staying silent was basically letting them have their way.

I stared at the chat, feeling nothing but cold inside, then tapped to leave the group.

"Charlotte, we're here," Ryan said as he pulled up to the bank.

I strode into the lobby, and the manager came over right away. "Hello, how can I help you?"

"I need to freeze my husband's bank account, ending in 8864. Here's my marriage certificate and ID," I said, slapping the documents down on the counter.

The manager paused, glancing at the documents. "Ma'am, freezing someone else's account requires a court order, or, "

"Or you can prove the funds are marital property and the other party is attempting to transfer them," Ryan said, handing over the paperwork.

Ryan explained, "Here's the transaction history showing Ms. Evans has transferred money into this account over the past six months, which accounts for forty percent of the total funds.

"We've already filed for divorce and an asset preservation order with the court. Here's the receipt."

The manager's expression turned serious as he looked over Ryan's lawyer's credentials.

"Please wait a moment, I'll check for you," he said.

While the teller was working on the computer, my phone rang.

Andrew's name flashed on the screen.

I answered, staying silent.

"Charlotte, why did you leave the group chat?" Andrew's voice was full of irritation.

"You think leaving the group means you can just dodge your responsibilities? My mom's so pissed her blood pressure's through the roof," Andrew continued.

I kept my eyes on the teller tapping away at the computer, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Why did you transfer 167,000 dollars to Lily?" I asked.

There was a long silence on the other end.

After a few seconds, Andrew finally spoke, sounding annoyed at being found out, but still self-righteous.

"You're checking my account?" Andrew demanded.

"It's marital property. Why shouldn't I check it?" I shot back.

"Marital property? Most of that money is mine." Andrew let out a mocking laugh and continued, "Lily wants to open a dance studio, but she's having trouble with cash flow. What's the big deal if I lend her some?"

"Lending her money? Do you have a loan agreement? Is there any interest?" I shot back.

"Charlotte, can you stop nitpicking? Lily and I grew up together. What's wrong with me helping her out? It's not like the money's being used for anything else," Andrew said.

After a brief pause, his tone turned arrogant.

"Just admit you were wrong, come back, and apologize to my mom. I'll get the money back later. But if you keep making a scene, don't even think about getting a single cent from me," he said.

Listening to his self-righteous tone, I was struck by how absurd it all was.

What makes him think he can treat our savings like his own personal piggy bank?

Why does he still believe I'll back down and let him walk all over me?

"Ma'am, I've found it," the teller said, looking up. "There's a scheduled transfer of 167,000 dollars in the account, and it's still pending review."

I spoke into the phone, enunciating every word. "Andrew, did you hear that?"

Andrew's breathing grew noticeably heavier.

"Charlotte, where are you?" he demanded.

"Where I am doesn't matter. There's no way you're moving that money," I replied.

I nodded to the teller and said, "Please freeze the account immediately."

"Charlotte! Don't you dare!" Andrew roared into the phone.

"If you freeze that account, I'll make your life hell!"

I put the call on speaker, and Ryan spoke up. "Mr. Bennett, this is Ryan, Ms. Evans's attorney. You're attempting to transfer a large amount of marital funds without her consent, and we've preserved the evidence.

"If you keep threatening her, we'll take legal action,"

There was dead silence on the other end.

"It's done," the teller said, handing me the receipt. "The account's frozen. The money isn't going anywhere."

I took the receipt, staring at the bright red stamp.

"Andrew," I said into the phone, my voice completely flat.

"Get ready for that court summons."