Chapter 9 - THE MISTRESS WHO THOUGHT SHE WAS THE NEXT OWNER
Adrian tried to explain.
Of course he did.
Celeste had been upset.
They were discussing work.
The hotel was convenient.
Nothing had happened.
I listened.
Then asked:
“Why did you tell me you were on a board call?”
He looked away.
“Elise, I didn't want you to misunderstand.”
I nodded.
“Then why did you book the presidential residence?”
He stared.
“How do you know about that?”
I didn't answer.
His silence answered enough.
Margaret ended the business meeting.
The directors left.
Adrian remained.
He looked at me with an expression I'd never seen before.
Not love.
Not guilt.
Fear.
“Elise, please.”
I stood.
“We'll discuss our marriage through counsel.”
He stepped closer.
“You can't be serious.”
I looked at him.
“I am.”
He lowered his voice.
“Think about what this will do to MorganWell.”
I almost laughed.
Even now.
Even after everything.
His first concern was his company.
I picked up my folder.
“You should have thought about that before you lied to me.”
That afternoon, Celeste called.
Her voice was sharp.
“What did you do?”
I sat in my father's office.
“Excuse me?”
“The partnership is suspended. Adrian says you've interfered.”
I looked toward the lake.
“I'm the controlling owner.”
Silence.
Then she laughed.
“That's ridiculous.”
“Is it?”
She stopped laughing.
I continued.
“The consulting payments to Bain Strategic Communications are under review.”
Her voice changed.
“What payments?”
I didn't answer.
“Elise, you don't understand—”
“Then I'm sure you'll have an opportunity to explain.”
I ended the call.
Within hours, MorganWell's board requested an emergency review of Adrian's conduct.
The company was already financially vulnerable.
The loss of the expected Vale Harbor deal created serious uncertainty.
That evening, Adrian arrived at our townhouse.
He found his suitcase beside the front door.
He stared.
“Elise.”
I stood in the hallway.
“I've arranged for you to collect the rest of your belongings by appointment.”
He looked at the suitcase.
“You're throwing me out?”
“We'll follow the legal process regarding the house and our property. Tonight, I'm asking you to stay elsewhere.”
He shook his head.
“You're destroying our marriage over a misunderstanding.”
I looked at him.
“No.”
My voice remained steady.
“You destroyed our marriage when you decided I deserved lies.”
He stepped closer.
“I love you.”
I felt tears rise.
For six years, those words had been enough to make me forgive almost anything.
Now they sounded like a habit.
I shook my head.
“Then you should have treated me like someone you loved.”
He stared.
May you like
I opened the door.
And for the first time, Adrian Morgan left our home without knowing when he would be allowed back.
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