The mistress violently shoved his eight-month-pregnant wife down the courthouse steps.

Khloe forced herself to breathe.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

Richard’s gaze moved from her face to the desk and then toward the cabinet containing the router.

“At two in the morning?”

“The baby has been kicking.”

She pressed one hand against her lower back and gave him a tired smile.

“I was looking for the heating pad.”

Richard watched her for several long seconds.

Then his expression softened into the performance that had once fooled her.

“You should have called me.”

“You were sleeping.”

“I’m your husband, Khloe.”

The word husband nearly made her laugh.

Instead, she allowed him to guide her out of the office. As they walked upstairs, the black device remained connected behind them.

The following morning, Richard prepared breakfast.

He sliced fruit, poured coffee, and kissed Khloe’s forehead as though their marriage were not already being measured for a coffin.

“I’ve been thinking,” he said. “You’ve seemed overwhelmed lately.”

“I’m pregnant.”

“I know. That’s why I arranged an appointment with Dr. Leland.”

Khloe recognized the name. Dr. Adrian Leland was a psychiatrist frequently hired by corporations during executive disputes.

“A psychiatrist?”

“Just someone to talk to.”

“I already have a therapist.”

Richard’s smile tightened.

“This is different.”

Khloe understood immediately. He was building a record. If he could portray her as emotionally unstable before filing for divorce, he could challenge her control over the marital assets—and perhaps even the baby.

“I’ll think about it,” she said quietly.

Richard’s phone buzzed.

He glanced down and turned the screen away.

Vanessa.

After he left for work, Khloe hurried into the office. The blue light had turned green.

She removed the device and placed it inside a flour container in the pantry, exactly where Harrison had instructed.

Then she found an envelope on the dining table.

The return address belonged to a Philadelphia law firm.

Inside were preliminary divorce papers.

Richard was asking for exclusive possession of the estate, control of Harrington Commercial Group shares, and a psychological evaluation of Khloe before any custody agreement could be established.

At the bottom was a handwritten note.

Please don’t make this ugly.

Khloe photographed every page and sent them to Harrison.

His reply arrived less than ten seconds later.

Do not confront him. Pack one bag. Leave through the service entrance at 3:15.

Khloe looked toward the security camera above the kitchen door.

Its red light had gone dark.