Chapter 2: The Trap is Sprung
Armed with the server footage and Elena's evidence, I didn't just call the local police; I called the state prosecutors and the FBI’s financial crimes division.
The next morning, I returned to the house. Vanessa was packed, standing in the foyer with three designer suitcases. She had no idea I had already frozen every joint account, canceled her credit cards, and locked her out of the trust funds.
"Daniel, thank God," she said, trying to force tears. "The way you treated me yesterday was horrible. I'm leaving until you learn to respect your wife."
"You aren't going anywhere, Vanessa," I said, leaning against the doorframe.
Right on cue, three police cruisers and an unmarked government SUV pulled into the driveway. Mark arrived at the exact same time, completely oblivious, thinking he was meeting Vanessa to finalize their escape.
Detectives flooded the house. When the lead investigator played the encrypted video file of Mark and Vanessa discussing the poisoning on his tablet, Vanessa’s face drained of all color. Mark instantly started sweating, trying to pin it all on her.
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"She made me do it! It was all her idea!" Mark screamed as handcuffs slapped onto his wrists.
Vanessa lunged at him, fingernails clawing at his face, before two officers tackled her to the floor. As they dragged her away in cuffs, she looked at me, screaming curses, her mask completely shattered.
