“Much better,” he said arrogantly. “Looks like you finally figured out your place.”

Evelyn chuckled softly.

“I told you, son. Some women need a firm hand.”

Vanessa slowly poured coffee into Nathan’s cup. He sat at the head of the table exactly where she wanted him.

“If you’d understood this arrangement from the beginning,” Nathan added smugly, “our marriage would’ve been much easier.”

“Easier for who?” Vanessa asked quietly.

Nathan’s smile disappeared.

“Watch your tone.”

Right then, the doorbell rang.

Nathan frowned.

“You expecting somebody?”

“Yes,” Vanessa answered calmly.

“At this hour?” Evelyn asked suspiciously.

“They’re important guests.”

Nathan leaned back with a mocking laugh.

“Perfect. Let them see how obedient you’ve become.”

Vanessa walked to the foyer and opened the door.

Attorney Danielle Brooks entered first, dressed impeccably in gray. Behind her came two state detectives in uniform. Then came Marcus Reed, a banking executive carrying a black briefcase. Beside him stood Trevor, Nathan’s accountant, pale and exhausted. Finally came Chloe, Nathan’s executive assistant, clutching a folder tightly against her chest.

The moment Nathan saw them step into the dining room, the color drained from his face.

“What the hell is this?” he shouted, pushing his chair back violently.

Vanessa stepped aside.

“It’s the breakfast you asked for.”

Nobody laughed.

Danielle sat beside Vanessa while the officers remained near the doorway. Marcus opened his briefcase. Trevor avoided Nathan’s eyes entirely. Chloe looked like she had spent the night crying.

Evelyn clutched her pearls tightly.

“Nathan, tell these people to get out of our house!”

Nathan pointed toward the door.

“Everybody out! Now!”

One of the officers stepped forward.

“Mr. Collins, sit down and remain silent.”

For the first time in years, nobody obeyed Nathan.

Vanessa placed a tablet in the middle of the table and pressed play.

Nathan’s furious voice filled the room.

“Tomorrow I want a proper breakfast waiting for me. No attitude. No melodrama.”

Then the sound of the slap echoed through the speakers.

Evelyn’s horrified face froze as her own voice followed:

“A wife who can’t follow simple instructions will fail at important things too.”

Nathan lunged toward the tablet, but the officer grabbed his arm immediately.

Vanessa looked directly at him.

“You chose the wrong woman to humiliate.”

Nathan let out a nervous laugh.

“You think recordings are enough to ruin me?”