Chapter 83

Thomas’s voice dropped to a mocking drawl as he leaned back against the edge of his desk, arms crossed. “Honestly, David,” he began, every word laced with ice, “I doubt my wife even notices you when you’re standing right next to her. No matter how you dress yourself up—head to toe—garbage remains garbage.” He shrugged, a casual motion that belied the sharpness in his tone. “Wouldn’t you agree?” he added, turning his gaze to the silent line at the other end of the call.

Silence stretched between them. Thomas could almost hear David’s pulse racing through the phone.

He let the quiet hang a moment longer, then sighed dramatically. “I must admit, I expected more of you. You come off like some crafty nemesis who’s been plotting for years. But really? You’re just a resentful ex—and nothing more.” His smile was invisible, but Thomas could feel its cruelty.

“Enough!” David’s voice cracked, pitched with desperation. “If I can’t have her, then no one can!”

Thomas perce