Chapter 4
I just hit the answer button.
Eric's voice came through my headphones, low and a little weary.
"Helen, why didn't you pick up? I just arrived in Vancouver. It's the middle of the night here, and I didn't want to disturb you with a text, mom's been worried sick. She called me and said you went to divorce?" he asked.
His voice carried just the right amount of concern, with a touch of blame.
It was as if I were some unreasonable wife, causing trouble for no reason while he was busy chasing his career.
What an emotional one-man show.
I stood outside Building 7, looking up at those pitch-black windows.
I couldn't tell which one was hiding him and Vivian White.
"Is that so?" My voice was barely above a whisper, oddly calm.
"Vancouver's reception is surprisingly clear, feels just like calling from home."
Eric was silent for a moment. Guess he didn't see that coming.
"Helen, what's that supposed to mean?" Eric said.
His tone got noticeably colder.
"Quit making a scene. We'll deal with this when I get back." he said.
"I just got off the plane, and there's so much to handle right now. I'm wiped out." Eric said.
"Can you just withdraw the divorce application? Don't drag Mom and Dad into this mess." he added.
I laughed. I am fed up with it.
"Eric, aren't you tired of pretending? So, which is prettier, the night view in Vancouver, or the one from Willow Estates?" I asked.
His breathing sharpened abruptly on the other end.
I could practically picture the shock and panic on his face right now.
"What... what are you talking about? I don't get it." He was still trying to play dumb.
"Don't get it?" I said, my voice calm and steady.
I paced slowly around my Porsche, letting the silence stretch as I circled it.
"My car's been parked outside Building 7 in Willow Estates all night. Didn't move an inch." I said.
"You drove it there, didn't you? Oh, and I forgot to mention. This car's got a tracker, So, if I call the cops right now and report my car stolen, think they'd come here?" I said.
This time, the silence on the other end dragged on for a full thirty seconds.
It was dead silent.
Then came a suppressed, furious roar.
"Helen! You set me up!" he shouted.
I spoke into the phone, my tone relaxed.
I said, "Right back at you, Compared to your five years of careful plotting, my little bit of cunning doesn't even count."
"Eric, was that three million meant for you and Vivian White to plan your shiny new life together?
"Was it your plan to dump me back home, make me pay your mortgage and babysit your bloodsucking relatives, while you and her ran off to play happy couple? Did you really think I was some clueless fool, easy to trick?" I shot back.
Every question I fired at him was like a dagger, stabbing right into his phony heart.
He finally dropped the act. "Yeah, so what!" he shouted, reckless and unashamed.
He went for broke, yelling like nothing mattered anymore.
"Don't take my kindness for weakness! That money is our marital assets! How dare you move it all without me?" he shouted.
"Send it back right now! Half of it! No! Two million! Otherwise, you won't see a single cent when I get back!" he threatened.
Listening to him demand it all like he was entitled, I just found it laughable.
"Come back?" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Aren't you supposed to be abroad? How exactly are you planning to return?
Are you going to buy a plane ticket, or are you planning to come back from Building 7 in Willow Estates?
Oh, 'marital assets'? Really?" I shouted, "Eric, sober up! Did you contribute even a penny to that three million?
Every so-called job you had, you quit after two months because it was 'too much work,' right? And your promising business? All you ever did was burn through my money, every single time.
Even your mom's gambling losses and your sister's shopping sprees all came out of my pocket.
Do you really have the nerve to talk about 'marital assets'?"
"Helen!" he roared.
His voice turned vicious.
"You'll pay for it!"
"Don't even think about getting a divorce that easy! I won't let you escape! I'm taking you to court! For hiding assets and screwing me over!" he threatened.
"I'll destroy you! I'll make sure everyone knows what you did!" he roared.
His threats washed over me. But I felt nothing.
"Sure, I'll be waiting." I replied.
"Perfect. The judge should really see the photos and videos I have." I added.
"Let's show the judge what kind of 'good husband' you really are, who is so devoted to your so-called cousin." I said.
"See you in court." I finished, voice unwavering.
After that, I didn't want to hear any more of his bullshit.
I was about to hang up.
But right before I did, I changed my mind.
Through the phone, I spoke with cruel calmness, delivering the final blow.
"Eric, want to find me?" I said.
"No need for a plane ticket." I added.
"I'm right here, downstairs." I said, letting the words hit hard.
"If you've got the nerve, come down and see me." I challenged.
With that, I cut him off.
I looked up at Building 7.
Let's see if this spineless loser has the guts to show his face.
I didn't wait long downstairs.
I knew Eric was all bark and no bite.
He'd only dare to yell at me over the phone, but he'd never actually come down to confront me face-to-face.
Especially not in front of his and Vivian's home.
He was way too scared to embarrass himself.
I made my way to the building entrance and hit the intercom button.
I had no clue which unit Eric actually lived in.
But honestly, that didn't matter.
I went ahead and punched in some random high-floor number, like 1602.
A sleepy guy answered through the intercom.
"Who is it?" he grumbled.
I cleared my throat and put on my sweetest voice.
"Hi, I'm with building maintenance. I'm here for a fire inspection. Mind opening the door for me?"
The guy muttered something about it being this early in the morning, but still pressed the unlock button.
With a beep, the door unlocked.
I slipped inside without a hitch.