Chapter 3

Half an hour later, Yannis texted me, telling me not to pick him up.

I glanced at the message coldly and turned off my phone.

After he got into the same car with Grace Yates, I started my car and followed them.

To my surprise, he took her to the beach where he first told me he loved me.

He took off his jacket and draped it over Grace's shoulders.

"Whenever you feel down, gaze at the ocean. It's so big, it can take in all your troubles," he shouted.

Those were the exact same words he once spoke to me three years ago.

But people had changed.

He was out here doing the same thing with a new girl, and he didn't even find it awkward?

Honestly, it made me feel sick to my stomach.

He broke into a wide, genuine smile at Grace, the kind I barely ever saw from him anymore.

"Did you like the fried fish I bought you last time?" he asked.

Grace lowered her head shyly. "I just mentioned liking sweet and savory flavors. Never thought you'd buy it for me.

"Thank you, Yannis. You're so thoughtful."

How absurd.

My hand shook as I held the phone to record, tears streaming down my face.

No wonder he suddenly bought me sweet and savory fried fish.

I frantically wiped away my tears and scrolled through my contacts.

"Hey, Olivia, I can help you," I said.

Olivia Stone sounded nervous. "Um, Cara, could you please handle it for me? I can't show up in public right now."

That was what I wanted. I gave her a few comforting words, then hung up.

After that, I switched off my phone and went home.

*****

The next day, I called Grace and arranged a meeting.

When we met, I looked her over carefully.

Her hair was half-up, her sleeves rolled up. She looked pure and innocent, every smile and glance exuding elegant grace.

Halfway through our conversation, I suddenly asked, "Ms. Yates, do you think men who cheat and their mistresses deserve to be exposed and condemned by everyone?"

Grace's face changed. She gave a sympathetic nod, avoiding a direct answer. "That kind of thing really is shameful."

I raised my eyebrow meaningfully, saying nothing.

Grace started gathering her files, looking apologetic and a little nervous. "This case is pretty wide-ranging. I'll need my team to work on it together. Is that alright with you?"

I nodded without hesitation. 'Great, that's exactly what I wanted.'

"When would you be free?" she asked.

I didn't rush to answer, making a show of checking my calendar as if I were busy.

"Tomorrow morning," I replied.

Grace let out a quiet breath and waved goodbye.

*****

The next day, I made up an excuse about traffic so I'd show up late.

I watched as Grace and the others all headed into the private room.

Then I took my time touching up my lipstick, pulled on my trench coat, and strode in, my red-soled heels clicking with every step.

The moment I pushed open the private room door, everything fell silent.

Yannis, Ethan, and the other two guys stared at me with wide eyes.

Grace was the only one who looked totally lost.

I pretended to be surprised. "Oh, it's you guys."

Yannis shot up from his seat, his smile froze. "Cara, what are you doing here?"

Ethan swallowed nervously and gave me a stiff greeting. "Cara, are you here for Yannis?"

Grace's face went pale, and she quickly looked away after stealing a glance at me.

I flashed a brighter smile. "Nope, I'm not here for Yannis. I'm here to talk divorce with you all."

Then I slowly waved the evidence in my hand, my tone cold and deliberate. "Cheaters always get what's coming to them, don't they?"

The private room went dead silent, like time itself had frozen.

I sat down, arms spread wide, assuming the posture of a judge, savoring the way their expressions grew more dramatic.

'Keep laughing and joking around, everyone. If you won't say anything, I guess it's my turn,' I thought.

As I spread the evidence out on the table, everyone exchanged nervous, terrified glances.

I flipped through the pages and suddenly exclaimed, "Wait, the crucial one must be in my bag."

I fished around in my bag and murmured to myself, pretending it was unintentional, "There's one taken at around 11:30 PM on July 25th, right by the beach at Crown Bridge. Where did I put it? This is the smoking gun."

With a loud thud, Grace's coffee slipped from her hand and hit the floor.

Dark brown liquid splattered across her pure white dress.

Her arms and thighs were left red and stinging from the hot spill.

I shot a quick look at Yannis, who was standing there, totally dumbfounded.

He didn't even spare a glance at Grace. With trembling hands, he grabbed me and dragged me toward the door.

Ethan jolted, finally coming to his senses.

He and the other two scrambled to grab tissues, trying to clean up the mess on Grace's dress.

I pulled my hand free from Yannis, my eyes sharp with suspicion.

"We haven't gotten to the real issue yet. Why are you so eager to rush me out? You cheated, too?" I teased.

Yannis was stunned, quickly letting go. "No, I didn't."

Just then, Grace broke her silence, her voice trembling, almost in tears. "Sorry, Cara. It's all my fault."

I looked over at Yannis, and his face went pale as a ghost.