glass, and Elise’s tablet. “Sir, being married doesn’t give you permission to put your hands on her or throw anything at her.”
Vivian stepped forward angrily. “My son is a respected consultant. She’s vindictive. She controls the money and uses it to humiliate him.”
I nearly laughed. Even now, she clung to her favorite narrative: Garrett was the victim of a woman whose money he continually spent.
The officer faced me. “Do you want to make a statement?”
“Yes.”
Garrett grimaced. “Claire, don’t.”
His warning no longer frightened me.
I explained the essential facts, leaving aside years of minor insults, Vivian’s corrections of my posture at dinners, and Garrett’s holiday jokes about my work. I described the forged account, unauthorized purchases, threat, assault, and his attempt to seize my phone after I sought help.
Then I gave the officer my folder.
Garrett stared at it as though it contained his
