My Smug Fiancée Made My Daughter Scrub Floors, So I Ruined Her Life

The Mask Slips

Victoria’s face fell in complete disbelief, her eyes widening as the weight of Michael’s words began to sink in. She tried to laugh it off, taking a step toward him with a forced, fluttering chuckle. “Michael, darling, you’re being completely dramatic,” she said, though her voice lacked its usual confidence. “The girl spilled grape juice on imported Italian marble. I was simply teaching her a valuable lesson about consequences and responsibility. You can't be serious.”

Michael didn’t answer her. He knelt down on the wet floor, completely ignoring the dirty water soaking into his expensive navy trousers. He gently took the heavy scrubbing brush from Chloe’s raw, red hands and pulled his weeping daughter into a tight, protective embrace. “I’ve got you, sweetheart,” he whispered into her hair. “You’re safe now. Daddy’s here.” He lifted her gently, holding her close as he stood up to face the woman he had once planned to marry.

Victoria’s panic quickly transformed into defensive anger. The elegant, sophisticated facade she had maintained for months completely crumbled, revealing a harsh, calculating opportunist. She crossed her arms, her red silk dress shimmering under the bright chandelier light.

“You can’t throw me out, Michael,” she sneered, her voice rising to a shrill pitch. “We signed the co-ownership agreement last month. My name is on the deed of this estate! Half of this house belongs to me, and if you try to kick me out, my lawyers will strip you of every dime you have!”

Michael looked at her with pure disdain, his stern glare never wavering. He slowly set Chloe down behind him, shielding her from Victoria's venomous outburst. He took his phone back out as it began to buzz with an incoming call from his attorney.

“You should have read the fine print of that agreement, Victoria,” Michael said, his voice deadly quiet. “My attorney is about to explain exactly why your signature on that deed is completely worthless.”