Chapter 432
Chapter 432:
Belle was perched in the corner on a leather sofa, watching like a hawk. She had brought Kaiden with her. The boy was playing a loud video game on a tablet, the electronic beeps cutting through the tense silence.
“Kaiden, volume off,” Grayson barked without looking back.
Kaiden ignored him.
“Belle, take him outside,” Grayson ordered.
“I need to be here to make sure she doesn’t rob you,” Belle argued.
“Out,” Grayson said. His tone brooked no argument.
Belle huffed, grabbed Kaiden’s hand, and stormed out, slamming the heavy door behind her.
Silence returned.
“Let’s proceed,” the arbitrator said. “We are here to finalize the supplemental agreement regarding the custody and welfare of Effie Carson p>
𝗥om𝗮nс𝖾 𝘢𝗻𝖽 𝗉a𝗌𝘀іo𝘯 𝗼𝘯.с𝗼𝗆
“I waive all future claims to spousal support beyond the lump sum previously agreed upon,” Isolde said clearly. “I want full physical and legal custody of Effie, with your visitation rights contingent upon a court-ordered safety review of your home environments p>
Grayson looked at her. “You are walking away from millions in annual dividends p>
“I am buying my freedom,” Isolde said. “It’s a bargain p>
Grayson’s jaw worked. He looked down at the papers. “Fine p>
The lawyer slid the final decree toward him. “Sign here, Mr. Lancaster p>
Grayson reached for the pen with his left hand. He tried to grip it, but his fingers were clumsy — he wasn’t ambidextrous. The pen slipped and clattered onto the table.
He stared at it. The humiliation was palpable. The great CEO, unable to perform a simple task.
The lawyers shifted uncomfortably. Nobody moved to help.
Isolde watched him. She saw the frustration burning in his eyes.
She sighed.
She stood and walked around the table. Grayson stiffened as she approached. Isolde picked up the pen and moved to his left side.
“Relax your hand,” she said softly.
She placed the pen in his left hand, then wrapped her own hand around his, guiding his fingers into position. Her skin was warm against his.
Grayson looked up at her. Their faces were inches apart. He could smell her perfume — vanilla and sandalwood. The scent of his past.
For a moment, nobody breathed.
“Just sign, Grayson,” Isolde whispered. “Let me go p>
Grayson swallowed hard. He nodded.
With Isolde guiding his hand, he scrawled a shaky, jagged signature on the line.
Grayson Lancaster.
Isolde immediately let go and stepped back. The warmth vanished with her.
“It is done,” the arbitrator announced. “The custody agreement is finalized and legally binding p>
The sidewalk outside the firm was bathed in harsh noon sunlight.
Isolde walked out of the revolving doors. She felt lighter — physically lighter.
Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Arland. Arthur just dropped off a box. Personal effects recovered from the sedan. He’d attached a photo. Inside a scorched cardboard box, resting on a bed of shattered glass and melted plastic, was a simple gold band. Grayson’s wedding ring. He must have kept it in the glove compartment all these years.
She looked at the photo for a long moment. It meant nothing now. Just a circle of metal representing a decade of lies.