7
488words
I hired the cpeople to watch the building's elevators and parking lot at night for suspicious people,especially limping old men.
Knowing Ryan's so petty,he'd likely use his dad as a runner.
Sure enough,they caught Tom the next day.
When I arrived,he was surrounded by my guys.
Despite the odds,he was defiant:
"Step closer,and I'll sue you to death!You people got families?Touch me,and I'll ruin them!"
The crowd fumed but hesitated,wary of trouble.
He nearly got away.
I pulled out my phone,recording,stepping closer.
"Go on,sue.Start your show!"
He deflated,knowing he was no match for me.
Unlike Linda,he was just petty,not bold.
I grabbed the scattered flyers,demanding,"Ryan told you to do this,right?Where is he?"
He mumbled,"I would never betray my son!"
But his legs was already trembling like hell.
I mocked,"Some ‘son’.This violates my personal rights.One call,and you're in jail with your wife—maybe longer.Ryan really planned this well,huh?"
At"jail,"he panicked.
"No,don't call!It was that little jerk's idea!I'll take you to him—arrest him,do whatever you want him,just don't lock me up!"
What a great dad to match with his great son.
He led us to a rundown suburban rental.
From outside,I heard cursing:
"Emma,you traitor!I made you look good in those edits—be grateful!Cross me,and I'll ruin you forever.I'm your last man,haha!"
Classic Ryan stench.
No need to peek—I knew it was him inside.The door was kicked down,and my people dragged him out like a chicken.
His computer,full of incriminating files,was seized.
I called the police.
While waiting,he glared at me,snarling,"Emma,we just broke up,and you're already with all these guys?Shameless!"
I didn't touch him.
A worker slapped him."Watch your mouth!Emma's our boss!And I love my wife!"
He glanced at the clock."Guys,I’ve an idea, let’s teach him a lesson before the cops arrive?"
All eyes turned to me,including Ryan's,pleading.
"He's not resisting.Beating him without cause won't please the cops."
Hope flickered in Ryan's eyes.
I cleared my throat."Put him down,pretend he's resisting.My lawyer will handle the rest."
My guys all grinned.
Fifteen minutes later,police took Ryan away.
He would never forget that day.
Three days later,I faced Linda in court and won easily.
She got five years.
As she was taken away,she spat,"Don't expect an apology,girl—I don't regret a thing!You'll regret missing my promising son.He'll never see you again!"
"Maybe not,Auntie,"I smiled slyly."Funny thing—tomorrow,he’ll in your spot,facing me.I'll make sure his sentence is long enough for him to have a bright future in prison."
She left,face ashen,like she was already gone.
After it all,I went with my dad to my mom's grave.
Burying the broken braceletl,I felt her slip further away.
I sobbed for hours by her grave.
My dad smoked silently nearby.
At dusk,we left.
On the way,he said jade protects its wearer.Its breaking saved me from a greater disaster.
I thought of Ryan's family—how close I had come to marrying into that.
I nodded,smiling.
"Mom,thank you.I'll keep my eyes open from now on."
