Chapter 4

I looked at Sarah, her face a mixture of triumph and a flicker of something I couldn't name, perhaps a buried shame.

"A divorce then," I said, my voice devoid of the emotion they expected. "I agree."

Sterling raised an eyebrow, surprised by my quick acquiescence.

Sarah, however, seemed prepared. She reached into her purse and pulled out a set of documents.

"My lawyer... Vic's lawyer, actually, prepared these," she said, avoiding my gaze. "It's all standard."

Divorce papers, ready to go. The efficiency was chilling.

I took the pen she offered and signed where indicated, relinquishing any formal ties to Ross & Sons, ties that were negligible on paper but deep in history.

Sterling watched, a smug look on his face. "Quick and clean. I like it."

I handed the papers back to Sarah.

"There's one thing," I said, my composure unwavering. "I need to call your father. Robert deserves to hear this from me, personally."

Sarah scoffed. "Dad? Why bother him? He's retired. He won't understand."

"Nevertheless," I insisted.

Sterling, amused by the quaintness of it, waved a hand. "Go on, Miller. Make your touching family call. Let the old man know his daughter is upgrading."

His arrogance was boundless.

I took out my phone.

The bruise on my arm from Jenkins's earlier grip was a dull throb, a minor injury compared to the betrayal unfolding.

Sterling's words about Sarah getting a partner who "matches her ambition" echoed. He saw me as weak, an obstacle.

He had no idea the strength required to live a quiet life, to wield influence discreetly, to honor a legacy of ethical conduct.

My father had taught me patience, but also decisiveness when core values were threatened.

This was such a time.

The call to Robert was not just a courtesy; it was the first step.