Chapter 4 - The Master Plan
The next morning, the sun rose over Chicago, bringing with it a sense of absolute clarity and purpose.
Sarah didn't even bother making breakfast; she immediately drove Clara to the most ruthless, expensive divorce attorney in the city.
Attorney Richard Vance was known for tearing arrogant men apart in court and leaving them with absolutely nothing.
He sat behind his massive mahogany desk, reviewing the police report and the security footage from the restaurant.
“This is incredibly damning evidence, Clara,” Richard said, adjusting his glasses.
“Not only do we have clear, undeniable domestic battery on camera, but we have multiple credible witnesses.”
“Now, let's talk about the financial abuse your mother mentioned on the phone.”
Clara handed over her bank statements, highlighting the massive, unexplained withdrawals Marcus had been making for years.
Richard’s eyes widened as he calculated the sheer amount of money Marcus had systematically stolen from his own wife.
“He has been transferring your income into a hidden offshore account and using it to fund his mother’s lifestyle,” Richard confirmed.
“This isn't just grounds for a favorable divorce, Clara, this is grounds for a massive civil fraud lawsuit.”
“I am filing an emergency injunction right now to freeze every single asset associated with his name and his mother's name.”
Clara felt a sudden, terrifying wave of anxiety wash over her.
“What happens when he finds out his money is gone?” Clara asked, her voice trembling slightly.
“He is going to be absolutely furious.”
“Let him be furious,” Sarah interjected, grabbing her daughter’s hand.
“He is sitting in a holding cell right now, completely powerless.”
Just as Sarah finished speaking, Clara’s cell phone began to vibrate violently on the attorney's desk.
The caller ID flashed a number from the county jail.
Clara stared at it, completely paralyzed by the familiar, suffocating fear that Marcus always instilled in her.
Richard calmly picked up the phone, accepted the collect call, and placed it on speakerphone.
“Clara, you stupid girl, you need to post my bail right now!” Marcus screamed through the receiver.
“I have been sitting in this filthy cell all night, and my mother’s credit cards are all suddenly declining!”
Richard leaned into the microphone, a cold, predatory smile forming on his face.
“Mr. Thorne, this is Attorney Richard Vance representing your soon-to-be ex-wife.”
“Your assets are frozen, your wife is filing for a restraining order, and if you ever contact this number again, I will have your bail permanently revoked.”
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Richard hung up the phone before Marcus could utter a single word in response.
Clara sat in stunned silence, finally realizing that she was no longer the victim in this story.
