Vanessa sat frozen in her chair, holding her swollen cheek while tears streamed down her face. Julian stood up, stepping between Marcus and Vanessa with his hands held up defensively.
Julian: Marcus, stop! You can’t put your hands on her like that!
Marcus: I can do whatever I want in my own home, Julian! And you have three seconds to walk out that front door before I tear you apart with my bare hands!
Julian: We can explain this! It’s not what it looks like!
Marcus: You were holding her hand under my table! In front of my daughter!
Vanessa: Marcus... please! It was just a weak moment! We were just talking!
Marcus: A weak moment? You think I’m stupid, Vanessa?
Marcus grabbed the sealed brown envelope from the table and ripped the top flap open. He pulled out a thick stack of legal documents and threw them directly into Vanessa’s face, letting the loose pages rain down all over her silk dress and the marble floor.
Vanessa: Divorce... divorce papers?
Marcus: Emergency divorce filing based on infidelity and breach of prenuptial terms.
Vanessa: How... how did you have these ready?!
Marcus: Because my private investigator has been following you two for three weeks!
Julian’s face drained of all color. He took a step back, looking toward the hallway as if searching for an escape route.
Julian: Private investigator?
Marcus: Did you really think I wouldn't notice the missing funds from the logistics accounts, Julian? Did you think I wouldn't notice my wife disappearing every Tuesday afternoon to the Grand Palms Hotel?
Vanessa: Marcus, no! I love you! I love our family!
Marcus: You don't love anyone but yourself. You brought your lover into my house, ate my food, and acted like my friend while trying to steal my daughter's inheritance.
Julian: Marcus, listen to me about the business funds—
Marcus: You're finished in this city, Julian. The board already has the audit report. The police are waiting outside the estate gates right now.