"Exactly," another chimed in. "He thinks marrying you gives him rights to everything. If Galloway hadn't been in trouble, a man like him would never have touched the hem of your dress. He's the one who broke you and Ryan apart."
The gallery of hypocrites. These women spent their days burning through their husbands' money and sneering at me, riding Mila's coattails to feel superior.
Usually, I ignored them for her sake. Today, the blood on my face made me less charitable.
"Broke them apart?" I turned to face the group, a humorless smile forming. "When Galloway was bankrupt and drowning in debt, Theodore came to me. Where were you loyal friends then?"
They quieted, exchanging nervous glances.
"Let me refresh your memory." I stepped closer. "You all ghosted her. Blocked her number because you were terrified she'd ask to borrow money. I saved this family while you hid."
My gaze swept over them, sharp as a blade. They stammered, faces flushing, unable to form a coherent response.
"Enough, David!" Mila's voice turned shrill. "If you're angry, take it out on me. Don't humiliate my friends."
I looked at her one last time. The woman I'd spent seven years protecting now looked like a stranger.
"My lawyer will deliver the divorce papers."
"David Weiss!!"
I didn't look back. I walked out of the office, blood drying on my forehead, ignoring the stunned stares of employees as I left the building—and my past—behind.
"Mr. Weiss finally showed some backbone today."
"About time. You have no idea—Ms. Galloway and Ryan are practically living together in her office. They don't even hide it."
"The humiliation that man has swallowed... Anyone else would have snapped by now."
The whispers faded as I stepped into the elevator. I checked my phone. A call from the villa.
"Mr. Weiss, please come home immediately."
Aunt Jade's voice trembled.
"A woman forced her way in—Mrs. Delgado. She had a key. Brought a whole group of relatives, declaring this is her house now." A stifled sob. "They threw me out, sir. Your mother came to visit, but that woman was so vile, Mrs. Weiss left in a rage."
The elevator pinged open. Another call overrode the first.
My mother.