No Longer Anyone’s Accessory Chapter 05
Her voice steadied all at once.
“What do you need me to do?”
“Keep watch over my parents for me. If she turns up at their door again, call 911 right away and help them file for a protective order.”
“On it.”
“And find me a top divorce lawyer.”
“I know someone. Specializes in high-net-worth Silicon Valley divorces. Plays extremely dirty. His name’s Corbin Sloane. I’ll send you his card now.”
After I hung up, I sat at the lab bench, watching the clear liquid in the test tube.
Then I dialed my mom’s number. She picked up on the second ring.
“Corinne?! Where are you? Why haven’t you been answering your phone? Your mother-in-law said —”
“Mom.”
I cut her off.
“I’m in London. A work assignment. My phone was off. I’m sorry.”
“Your mother-in-law came here and made a huge scene. Said you took all their money and ran. Said she was going to sue you —”
“Mom. Listen to me.”
My voice was very steady.
“I didn’t steal anyone’s money. For three years, Trevor moved his entire paycheck to his mother every single month. Not one dollar ever came into this household. I carried every expense on my own.”
Silence on the other end.
Her breathing came faster.
“He… he made $900,000 a year. For three years. And he didn’t put a single cent into this home?”
“No.”
Silence again.
Then my mom started to cry. Not wailing — a smothered, helpless sobbing.
“Your dad and I… we’re the ones who pushed you into this fire. We should never have let you marry him, no matter what…”
“Don’t blame yourselves.”
“Mom. I’ll handle this. You and Dad lock the doors. If she comes back, call the police directly. I’ve already had Nadia help you apply for a protective order.”
“Alright… you take good care of yourself, child.”
“I will.”
I hung up.
I lowered my head and pressed both hands over my face.
Ten seconds.
Twenty seconds.
I raised my head. My eyes were dry.
Not a single tear.
The Corinne of three years ago, who used to cry into the small hours over Trevor’s silent treatment — she was dead.
