Chapter 3
I pulled out my phone and dialed three numbers.
"Hello, security?" I said. "Hi, I'm in Building A, unit 3201. There are two people trespassing in my apartment. Can you send someone up to deal with it?"
I hung up.
I looked at them.
"I gave you a chance to save face, but you didn't want it," I said. "Guess I'll let someone else help you save face."
Alex's fists were clenched so tight his knuckles turned white.
He glared at me, eyes locked on mine.
Hatred practically oozed from his eyes.
"Claire," he said. "You're ruthless."
I laughed.
"Every bit of ruthlessness I have, I learned from you, Mr. Carter," I said.
*****
Less than five minutes later, the elevator doors slid open.
The elevator doors slid open.
Two security guards in black suits stepped out.
They were both tall and imposing.
They looked dead serious.
The one in charge had a badge on his chest that read "Security Manager."
He gave me a slight bow.
"Ms. Sutton," he said. "We got your call and came right up."
I kept my tone steady.
"Thanks for coming," I replied. "These two entered my home without my permission. 'Escort' them out, please."
I made sure to put extra emphasis on the word "please."
The manager immediately got the message.
"Understood," he replied.
He turned to Alex and his mother, and motioned politely for them to leave.
"Please, after you," he said.
Sherlyn was still sitting on the floor.
She froze for a moment when she saw the security guards.
Then she cranked up the theatrics, wailing even louder.
"Help! They're beating me! The security guards are beating me up," she shrieked. "The rich are picking on us poor folks."
The security manager didn't even blink.
He pulled a body camera out of his jacket pocket.
The red light blinked to life.
"Ma'am, just so you know, everything we're doing is on camera," he said. "So, please cooperate.
"If you keep interfering with our work, we'll have to use force."
There wasn't a hint of emotion in his voice.
Sherlyn's wailing got stuck in her throat.
Alex looked absolutely mortified.
This was humiliation at its worst.
At his absolute lowest, Alex was being utterly crushed by the very security guards he used to look down on, forced to eat dirt in front of everyone.
He jabbed a shaking finger at me.
His lips quivered.
"Claire, do you really have to go this far?" Alex choked out. "Are you really going to shred the last bit of love we ever had?"
I stared at him, barely recognizing the man in front of me.
It was like I was looking at a total stranger.
"Affection?" I scoffed. "Was there any of that when you humiliated me in front of everyone for another woman?
"Or when you stood there and watched your mom scream at me, right in my face?
"Or when our baby's movements might have stopped because of your actions?
"You want to talk about love?
"Alex, you don't deserve any of it."
My words were the final straw that broke him.
The last glimmer of hope in his eyes vanished.
All that was left was pure hatred.
The security guards dropped all pretense of politeness.
Each guard took a side and lifted my mother-in-law right off the floor.
Sherlyn shrieked.
"Let go of me, you dogs," she screamed. "My son's a big boss. How dare you lay a hand on me."
Another guard stepped up to Alex.
Alex jerked his hand away.
"Don't touch me," he snapped. "I'll walk myself out."
He smoothed out his wrinkled suit.
He squared his shoulders.
As if that could help him hold onto the last bit of his dignity.
He walked to the door, turned back, and gave me a hard, unwavering stare.
His eyes were like a snake, full of poison and hate.
"Claire, you'll regret this," he spat.
I just smiled back.
"My only real regret is not turning around and walking away outside the registry office three years ago," I said.
Alex froze.
The security guards politely ushered him out.
Sherlyn's curses faded outside the door.