Chapter 9
The PI said: [Got it.]
I got into my car and merged into the thin stream of traffic on New Year's Eve afternoon.
Most of the shops along the street had already closed up, metal gates pulled shut, plastered with red banners and lucky signs for the holiday.
Every now and then, a few people hurried by, arms loaded with bags, faces full of that eager rush to get home.
The whole world was rushing toward family and warmth, but me? I was like a fish swimming upstream, heading straight into the cold, empty depths.
I didn't go home. That place I used to call "home" was soaked in lies and betrayal now. I couldn't stand another second there.
I drove out to the river and parked in the same spot as yesterday. The river was still crawling along, and the buildings across it looked silent and far away under the gray winter sky.
My phone screen was still on; the PI's latest updates, like messages and photos, stabbed into my eyes like icy needles.
In one photo, Brian was standing at the counter, looking down as Chloe tried on the ring. That soft, gentle line of his profile, one I knew by heart.
Chloe was holding her hand up to the light, grinning so wide it almost hurt to look at her.
Another shot caught Brian taking out his wallet, sliding out his credit card, and passing it to the clerk.
And then there was one of them walking out of the jewelry store together—Chloe clinging to Brian's arm, her head resting on his shoulder, carrying a fancy little bag with the brand logo, her face lit up with unfiltered pride and contentment.
The detective's report was concise and to the point: [2:22 PM: The couple bought a diamond ring at the Cartier counter for 23,300 dollars, paid by Brian.
[Chloe was visibly thrilled, kissing Brian's cheek several times. 2:40 PM: They headed to a high-end restaurant on the third floor, in a private room called 'Bamboo.' They're still having their meal.
[We've already collected some surveillance footage and audio from the restaurant. Also, Chloe's alternate account posted an update, with a photo of the ring and shopping bag, captioned: 'He said this star shines just for me. Happy New Year, my Mr. C.']
23,300, the number kept spinning in my head. It was exactly what we'd planned to use for the car loan over the next six months.
Just last month, Brian was whining to me about his project bonus being delayed, saying he was strapped for cash and asking me to pay the mortgage with my own money for now.
Turned out, the bonus wasn't really delayed. The money had a more "important" purpose: buying a "star" for his new flame.
I clicked on Chloe's alternate account. Under that flashy post, there were already tons of likes and comments.
Her friends were going wild in the comments. [Wow! Cartier! Chloe, you're killing it!]
[Mr. C is so generous! I'm so jealous!]
[Looks like it's official! Congrats!]
[When are you inviting us to the wedding?]
Chloe replied to a few, her tone coy and a little show-offy: [Oh, stop it. It's just a New Year's gift.]
[He said if I liked it, he'd buy it. What can I do?]
How easy for her to say. Spending someone else's hard-earned money to spoil his new girl.
The icy rage in my chest flared up again, but this time, I kept it in check. I closed the page and dialed another number.
"Hello, Mr. Warren. Happy New Year. Sorry to bother you on New Year's Eve, but I have something really urgent I need your help with." My voice was so calm, it surprised even me.
Eugene Warren, my college senior, was a divorce and property dispute lawyer, known for his calm and sharp mind. "Emily? What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself."
"I'd like some advice. If a man buys a house before marriage, but his partner pays for the renovations, furniture, and part of the mortgage while the deed remains only in his name, what rights does she have if they separate?
"Also, if the man uses their joint savings or funds meant for their shared life to buy expensive gifts for someone else, is there any way to recover that money?"
Eugene paused for a few seconds, his tone growing serious. "Emily, can you tell me more about your situation? This isn't something we can sort out over the phone.
"If the amount involved is significant or the situation is complex, it's best to discuss this face-to-face. You'll need to prepare plenty of documentation."
"I understand. I'm already gathering the materials. Right now, I have preliminary evidence of his infidelity: intimate photos, hotel records, large financial transactions, and so on.
"For the property, I have all the receipts for renovation and furniture, plus bank records showing my contributions to the mortgage payments.
"What I need to know is, legally, what's my best strategy, and how can I ensure the party at fault faces the maximum consequences?"