Honestly, I had no idea what Vincent meant by “make them pay,” and I didn’t really care.
But when I saw Sable again at the second court hearing, she looked like a complete wreck pale, exhausted, desperate.
And strangely enough, her lawyer barely even tried to defend her this time.
–
By the end of the hearing, the verdict was brutal: she was ordered to pay me fifty million dollars and publicly apologize for three months straight.
As soon as we stepped out of court, Sable completely broke down, clinging to Vincent’s sleeve like her life depended on it.
“Vincent, please! I was wrong. Help me! I don’t have fifty million, you have to help me…”
Vincent’s voice was ice. “Then earn it. You’ll have your entire life after the baby’s born to repay your debt.”
Tears streamed down her face. “How could you be so cruel to me? I only did this because I love you!”
He didn’t even flinch. “Don’t use that word. You’re not worthy of it.”
Her sobbing grew louder.
From their exchange, I finally pieced it together: Vincent had been digging into everything while I was gone. He found out the truth – that I was innocent all along, that Sable was full of lies and ambition. This massive debt wasn’t just punishment – it was his version of atonement to me.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Spare me your self–righteous act. Even without your dramatic little intervention, I would’ve gotten exactly what I wanted in court.”
After all, Whitlock Legal was as formidable as they came.
Vincent looked at me, his voice soft. “Andrea… I’m sorry. For everything. I was blind for so long. I see it all now.”
Unlike his cold indifference back when I left, this time his guilt actually seemed real. Which, coming from someone like him, was a shock.
—
He promised, “Don’t worry. Whatever Sable owes you I’ll make sure she pays every penny. And for every bit of pain she caused you, I’ll make sure she pays double.”
With his nature, I knew he meant it.
I narrowed my eyes. “What are you planning?”
He smiled — that unsettling kind of smile that crawls under your skin. “You’ll see soon enough.”
A bad feeling twisted in my gut.
I glanced at Sable’s big belly. After a moment, I said flatly, “As far as I’m concerned, she’s not even the worst offender here. You are.”
“If you hadn’t enabled her, if you hadn’t handed her and your other mistresses the weapons to hurt me, none of this would’ve happened. You made it all possible. So don’t pretend you’re some tragic savior. You deserve more blame than any of them.”
His expression twisted with pain. “You’re right. I should’ve seen through all of them much
sooner.”
“Andrea, once I’ve settled everything with them, I’ll come to you. You’re still my wife. The one and only Mrs. Blackthorne.”
The way he said it made my skin crawl.
It was like he’d gone completely off the deep end. Like a grim reaper sharpening his scythe.
And Sable–was going to be the first to get slash.
I pressed my lips together, saying nothing more.
They had all dug their own graves. Whatever happened next was on them.
After assigning my attorney to stay behind and collect Sable’s payments, I left the country that very night.
By the time I landed, it was morning. Damian was waiting for me at the airport.
Dressed in a sharp black coat, his features looked even sharper under the cold morning light. He exuded his usual intimidating aura until our eyes met. Then, like always, his tough exterior softened with a nervous smile.
