“I didn’t pay off your debt, Julian. I became your creditor.”
For the first time since I entered the kitchen, real fear entered his eyes.
Elena pulled the silk robe tighter around herself. “What does that mean?”
“It means Julian’s company defaulted on its loan three months ago. It means the debt was secured by its equipment, receivables, intellectual property, and his personal shares.”
I looked directly at my husband.
“It means I own the right to take everything.”
His mouth opened, but no sound came out.
I nodded toward the shattered mug.
“And Elena, take off my robe.”
Her expression twisted with humiliation.
“You can’t speak to me like—”
A low mechanical groan rose beneath our feet.
Everyone stopped.
The sound came from under the kitchen floor.
