## CHAPTER 2 â TRUTH IN RECORD
The phone screen lit up between them.
Claire didnât wave it around. She simply turned itâenough for them to see.
Bank statements.
Property records.
Signatures.
Dates.
Ethan stepped forward instinctively, his voice low.
âClaire⊠why are you doing this?â
Her eyes moved to him. Slow. Measured.
âBecause you never once asked who I was,â she said.
A long pause stretched between them.
Lindaâs grip tightened unconsciously on the torn fabric still in her hand.
âYouâre bluffing,â she snapped. âYou think a few documentsââ
Claire tapped the screen once.
A video began to play.
Lindaâs own voice filled the roomâfrom just minutes ago.
Clear.
Sharp.
Hostile.
Destroying property.
Insulting.
Unmistakable.
Linda froze.
Ethan closed his eyes briefly.
Claireâs voice stayed even.
âI didnât want this,â she said. âI wanted respect. Basic respect.â
May you like
She lowered the phone slightly.
âBut now I want something else.â
