Chapter 12 - An Arrogant Man on His Knees in the Rain
Two weeks later, the day of the final eviction execution arrived.
Under the terms of the trust, the Highland Park mansion was to be liquidated and the proceeds deposited into Lucy’s educational and charitable foundation.
I stood on the front lawn, watching the moving crews carefully pack Don Mateo’s historic art pieces and personal library for preservation.
A battered yellow taxi pulled up to the security gates.
Alex stepped out. He looked ten years older. His clothes were wrinkled, his face unshaven, his eyes hollow and defeated.
Marcus moved to block him, but I raised my hand. “Let him speak, Marcus.”
Alex walked slowly up the gravel path, stopping ten feet away from me. He looked at the grand house he had lived in his entire life, then looked at me.
“The boys are staying with Marisol’s sister in San Antonio,” Alex said, his voice cracking. “I don't even have enough money to buy them school clothes, Valerie.”
“Marisol will receive a modest child-support stipend directly from my personal funds,” I said coldly. “Those boys didn't ask for your corruption. They deserve to be fed and educated. But you will not touch a single cent of it.”
Alex suddenly dropped to both knees on the damp grass.
He clasped his hands together, sobbing openly. “Valerie... please. I am begging you. Give me a second chance. I will start at the bottom of the company. I’ll work as a site manager. Just don't erase me completely. I was an idiot. I was blinded by my mother. I love you... I've always loved you.”
I looked down at him, feeling neither anger nor vengeance. Only a deep, clean sense of freedom.
“You never loved me, Alex,” I said softly. “You loved the convenience of having an unpaid servant raise your secrets while you played king. Stand up. You look pathetic.”
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Alex didn't stand. He kept weeping into the grass.
“The divorce is final next Tuesday,” I added, turning toward my car. “Sign the final waiver, and Gabriel will release enough funds for you to pay your motel rent for three months. That is the exact mercy you offered me. Live with it.”
