He Shoved His Wife to Save His Mother, Uncovering a Massive Family Secret — Part 2

Previously: When Richard saw his wife Rachel violently assault his elderly mother Frances, he intervened with fury. But the wet floor was just the beginning of Rachel's ultimate downfall.

The Secret in the Living Room

Rachel gasped for air, her hair plastered to her face as soapy water soaked through her pink floral dress. She looked up at her husband, her face twisted in disbelief and fury. She expected him to apologize, to rush to her side and help her up. Instead, Richard stood like a protective wall in front of Frances, who was still trembling on the floor, clutching her sore scalp.

"Are you insane, Richard?" Rachel shrieked, wiping dirty suds from her eyes. "You shoved me! For her? She’s just a clumsy, useless old woman who can't even clean properly!"

Richard did not offer a hand. He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out his phone, holding it up so Rachel could see the screen. It was displaying a live feed of the living room. Rachel’s heart sank as she realized what he was showing her.

"I’ve suspected for months that you were mistreating my mother whenever I wasn't around," Richard said, his voice cold and steady. "But today, I wanted to see it with my own eyes. I set up a hidden camera, and I caught every single second of your cruelty. You are a monster, Rachel."

Rachel scrambled to her feet, her boots slipping on the wet oak boards. She tried to change her tone, putting on a sweet, pleading voice. "Richard, darling, you don't understand. She provoked me! She's been trying to ruin our marriage. This is my house, and I have a right to demand respect!"

Frances slowly stood up, brushing the dust off her beige cardigan. For the first time, she did not look defeated. She looked at Rachel with a mixture of pity and resolve. Richard let out a bitter laugh that made Rachel freeze.

"Your house?" Richard asked, shaking his head. "That’s where you are completely wrong. You married me thinking I was a wealthy businessman who bought this estate. But the truth is, I don't own a single brick of this place."