I quietly replied to messages, then checked the missed calls—several from unknown numbers, a few from colleagues, and, shockingly, some from my parents.

Richard had lied—he never answered their calls.

I shot him a questioning glare, and for a moment, he looked uneasy.

Just then, Mark Green’s call came through.

Richard barked immediately,

“You can only answer here, on speaker. Otherwise, don’t answer at all!”

Looking at his cold, expressionless face, a fierce wave of vengeance rose inside me.