Chapter 3 - Two Betrayals
Victoria hired a private investigator three days after finding Brooke’s earring.
The decision made her feel ashamed, even though she had done nothing wrong. Part of her still hoped for an innocent explanation.
There was none.
Photographs showed Arthur and Brooke entering hotels, restaurants, and a private apartment Arthur kept under the name of one of his property companies.
The affair had lasted nearly fourteen months.
Victoria studied the evidence alone in her office after midnight.
She expected to cry.
Instead, she felt something colder.
Clarity.
Arthur had lied every morning when he kissed her goodbye. Brooke had listened to Victoria speak about her marriage while secretly helping destroy it.
The betrayal was not an impulsive mistake.
It was a second life.
Victoria met with Evelyn Grant, a divorce attorney known for discretion.
Evelyn reviewed the financial records, the prenuptial agreement, and the evidence of Arthur’s misuse of company funds.
Arthur had charged private flights, hotel suites, jewelry, and restaurant bills to the gold Meridian corporate card Victoria had given him for legitimate business events.
More than three hundred thousand dollars had been spent in eighteen months.
“He believes your company belongs to him,” Evelyn said.
“He believes everything belongs to him.”
Victoria could cancel the card immediately, but she chose not to.
Instead, she instructed the financial department to monitor every transaction.
She wanted a complete record.
Two weeks later, Arthur came home carrying a suitcase.
Brooke stood behind him.
Arthur did not apologize.
He announced that he was leaving Victoria and that Brooke was pregnant.
“With twins,” Brooke added, placing a hand over her stomach.
Victoria looked at Arthur.
He appeared proud.
Certain.
He had rejected the medical report, refused testing, and convinced himself that the impossible had happened because he deserved it.
Brooke watched Victoria carefully, waiting for anger.
Victoria gave her none.
“I hope,” Victoria said, “that both of you understand what you’ve done.”
May you like
Arthur laughed.
“We understand exactly what we’re doing.”
