Chapter 3

Matthew's eyes widened suddenly.

Jessica froze, panic flickering in her eyes. "What are you talking about? That's... that's a lie," she stammered.

"Whether it's a lie or not, the police will know soon enough," I fired back.

I didn't miss the sweat forming on Matthew's brow.

Sandra was still causing a scene.

"What murderer? She's lying! Matthew, don't you dare be scared of her. I'm here backing you up. Just watch me put this ungrateful brat in her place," she shouted.

As she yelled, Sandra lunged at me, her hands aiming for my face.

I stepped back, pulling out my phone and pointing it right at her.

I said, "This is a hospital. There are cameras everywhere. Touch me, and your son's company will be front page news tomorrow."

Sandra's hand froze in mid-air. She pulled it back, mumbling a string of curses under her breath.

Jessica tugged on Matthew's sleeve.

"Matthew," she cooed softly, her voice dripping with sweetness. "All this drama must have made Avery lose her mind. Let's just go home, okay? The air in here is bad. It's not good for the baby."

Matthew pulled himself together. He forced a calm expression and straightened his tie.

"Jessica's right," he said. "Avery, you have three days to cool off. After that, we settle the divorce. If you play nice, I'll throw you a settlement. If you want to burn it all down, fine. Then don't blame me for burning every bridge between us."

With that, he helped Jessica up, ushered Sandra out, and fled the room in a panic.

I watched them go, with a cold smirk on my lips.

Three days? As if.

You wouldn't even get one.

*****

I turned and walked straight to the chief's office.

When the chief, Alex Cruz, saw the thick bandage around my neck, he let out a sigh.

"Avery, I heard what happened. Don't let it get to you. A jerk like that? Good riddance. Take a few days off. Rest. Come back when you've recovered," he said.

"Thanks, Mr. Cruz," I said, nodding. "But I need a favor."

"Name it."

"I need you to pull up Jessica's prenatal records."

Alex looked conflicted. "Th-Those records are confidential."

"Mr. Cruz," I said. "Jessica isn't pregnant."

He was completely thrown. "What?"

"Or maybe," I continued, "the baby isn't Matthew's."

Alex hesitated. After a long moment, he turned to his computer and called up the files.

A few minutes later, his expression turned uneasy. He said, "Avery, you were right. Her ultrasound report... something's off. It doesn't add up."

I looked at the screen. A cold smile touched my lips.

With the printed records in my hand, I walked out of the hospital.

I was going to tear down everything Matthew was so proud of. I was going to do it myself.

*****

I went back to the house I once called home.

I pushed the door open. It was pitch dark inside.

I flipped the light switch. Our wedding photo was still hanging on the wall. In it, Matthew was smiling, looking so loving.

I walked into the study and went straight to the safe. I keyed in the combination.

The password was my birthday.

A soft click sounded. The safe door swung open.

Inside, rows of documents were neatly arranged.

I took out my phone and started taking pictures.

Ledgers for tax evasion. Records of bribes. Several shady backdoor contracts. I photographed all of it.

Matthew, you're finished.

Just then, a beep came from the front door. The fingerprint lock. The door opened.

Matthew's voice rang out. "Jessica, take it easy. Mom, could you make Jessica some warm milk?"

I shut the safe door. There was no time to put the files back.

Footsteps were approaching, coming straight for the study.

"Matthew." Jessica's voice floated in. "Can I see your study? I heard you've got tons of trophies in there."

"Alright. Anything for you," Matthew said.

The doorknob began to turn.

I took a deep breath. I shoved the files behind my back and turned to face the door.

It opened.

Matthew and Jessica stood in the doorway. They both froze when they saw me.

"Avery?" Matthew frowned. "What are you doing here?"