I looked toward the judge.
“That was my mistake. The crimes remain his.”
Grant received eleven years in federal prison.
Mavis received nineteen.
Brielle received thirty months and was ordered to perform restitution work.
Delaney served fourteen months after receiving credit for cooperation.
Grant turned toward me before officers led him away.
“I did love you.”
I believed him.
That was one of the saddest truths.
“I know.”
His face changed.
He had expected denial.
I continued.
“But you loved the version of me you believed had less power than you.”
He had no answer.
The officers took him away.
PART FIVE — THE EMPIRE AFTER THE MARRIAGE
For several months after the trial, newspapers continued calling me the secret billionaire wife.
The phrase reduced seven years of marriage into a satisfying trick.
Poor-looking woman reveals wealth.
Arrogant husband loses everything.
Mistress returns the diamonds.
Crowd applauds.
Real life was quieter.
