Chapter 2

2

From that day on, I became the most agreeable husband in the world.

The three million dollars hit Elena's account the following afternoon.

She claimed it was a "family investment account," but I knew she was the only one with the password.

She moved fast. Within a week, she found a luxury penthouse right next to the city's top private academy.

It was a sprawling four-thousand-square-foot unit with a price tag of eight million dollars.

"Silas, this is a rare find! The developer is giving us a discount if we pay a large chunk upfront!"

She showed me the floor plans with feverish excitement. "The three million will cover the down payment, but we need more. Can you take out a business loan? Or maybe liquidate your stocks?"

Her greed was bottomless.

She didn't just want the inheritance; she wanted to bleed me dry.

I pretended to look worried. "The firm's credit is tight right now, and my stocks are locked. Maybe we should start with something smaller?"

"Smaller? No way!" Elena snapped. "If we're doing this, we're doing it right. Our son deserves the best. Silas, don't be a coward. Take a risk for your family!"

Maverick "happened" to be over for dinner and chimed in.

"She's right, Silas. A house like this is an asset for life. Jax could even use it when he gets married. Money can always be earned, but his childhood won't wait."

Jax kicked the side of the sofa, whining. "I want the big house! Liam has a room just for his Legos. I want that too!"

I looked at him―a spoiled child who didn't know the meaning of the word 'no.' I lowered my eyes and sighed. "Fine. I'll figure it out."

"You're the best, Silas!" Elena hugged me, her voice dripping with fake sincerity.

"We appreciate everything you do for us."

The lie made me want to vomit.

Then, she dropped the real bombshell.

"Since it's for his future, let's put the deed in Jax's name only. It'll save us trouble later anyway."

I didn't speak immediately. My fingers curled into fists at my sides.

Maverick nodded quickly. "That's a brilliant idea! It's the perfect gift for the boy. It secures his future no matter what."

I smiled inwardly, keeping my face perfectly passive.

"Sure. Whatever makes you happy. Put it in his name."

Elena and Maverick shared a look of pure ecstasy.

They probably thought the house was officially in the pocket of their secret little family.

What they didn't know was that I was preparing a massive surprise of my own.