Chapter 7 - The LockoutThe first thing I did after leaving the courthouse was return to my Capitol Hill condominium.
The building was a beautiful, historic brick mid-rise with private balconies and a stunning view of the Colorado State Capitol. I had designed the interior myself—minimalist, elegant, filled with natural light and custom-built walnut shelves.
When I arrived, two security guards from the private firm were stationed at the entrance. The building manager, who knew me well, smiled warmly. "Welcome back, Valerie. The lock changes are complete."
I walked up to my top-floor unit. I placed my finger on the newly installed biometric scanner at my door. With a soft click, the door unlocked.
Inside, the apartment felt empty, but it was my emptiness. It was safe.
I sat at my kitchen island and opened my laptop. It was time to serve Diego with the divorce papers. But I wasn't going to have them delivered quietly to his lawyer's office. Diego prided himself on his reputation as a top executive at a major commercial real estate brokerage in downtown Denver.
I called Clara. "Clara, serve him. Today. At his office. During his 2 PM regional board meeting."
"With pleasure," Clara replied.
At exactly 2:15 PM, my phone buzzed with a text from Natalie, who was keeping tabs on the family chat group.
He just got served. Right in front of his CEO and three major international investors. He had to be escorted out of the building by security because he threw a tantrum. He’s been placed on administrative leave.
May you like
A deep, satisfying sense of peace washed over me. The first pillar of Diego’s perfect, untouchable life had just crumbled.
But I knew this was just the beginning. The beast was wounded, and a wounded beast is always the most dangerous.
