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“Hello, wife.” Oliver stands on the threshold, his cold gaze pinning me in place.

I stare at him, nausea roiling in my gut. What the fuck is he doing here?

“Aren’t you going to invite me in, darling?”

“Don’t call me that. What do you want?”

He holds up a manila envelope. “Bringing the signed divorce papers. This is what you want, right?”

I snatch the envelope from him, my fingers trembling. After months of stalling, he finally signed. I’m free.

I’m about to slam the door when Oliver forces his way inside. “Don’t be rude. I just want to chat.”

“We have nothing to talk about.”

But he saunters into the living room like he owns the place. “So this is your new little love nest.” His gaze sweeps over the open floor plan. “Quaint.”

“Get out.”

He ignores me. “Didn’t take you long to find a replacement. Tell me, does he fuck you like I used to?”

“Don’t speak about him.”

Oliver raises his hands in mock surrender. “Touchy subject? Trouble in paradise already?”

“We’re done here.”

“I’m not finished. I would check the envelope.”

“What?”

He steps closer, backing me against the wall. “Still so naive. You thought I let you go so easy?”

I shove Oliver away from me. “What the hell are you talking about?”

He laughs. “Take a look at those papers. You’ll see.”

With trembling hands, I open the envelope and scan the documents. It’s the divorce settlement.

“Where’s your signature?” My hands tremble. “What is this?”

His eyes gleam as his lips curl slowly, like a predator cornering its prey. “A little insurance policy. To make sure you play nice for a bit longer.”

“I’m done playing your games!” I shove the papers against his chest. “Sign the damn papers, Oliver.”

His hand locks around my wrist, squeezing until I whimper. “Not yet, darling. We’re not quite finished with our little arrangement.”

I try to wrench my hand away, but his grip only tightens. “Let me go, you bastard!”

“Now, now. No need for name-calling. Unless you want your dear brother’s company to take a nosedive?”

My heartbeat thunders in my ears. “What are you talking about?”

“Come now. Did you really think I married you for your charming personality?” He chuckles. “No, I needed access to Sebastian’s network.”

“You manipulative piece of shit.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere. Here are the new terms,” he continues casually as if discussing the weather. “You will accompany me to some events. After which, if you’ve been sufficiently... agreeable, I’ll sign the papers.”

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