Chapter 3

3

In the weeks that followed, they stopped hiding their true colors.

Elena was constantly asking for large sums of cash for "closing costs" and "legal fees." My savings were draining fast.

Maverick was at the house every single day. He acted like he was already the master of the place.

He started criticizing my cooking and complaining that I bought the wrong brand of groceries.

He even started "borrowing" my designer watches and wearing the new clothes I hadn't even tagged yet.

"Silas, this blazer is a bit too young for you. I'm a bit leaner, so it fits me better. Don't let it go to waste."

He adjusted his hair in my mirror while wearing my thousand-dollar suit.

I just nodded. "Take it if you like it."

Jax's attitude toward me grew even worse.

He wouldn't eat or go to bed unless Maverick told him to.

Every sentence out of his mouth started with "Uncle Maverick says" or "Uncle Maverick bought me this."

He threw the limited-edition Lego set I gave him into a corner. "Uncle Maverick is taking me to Disneyland. This toy is trash!"

Elena didn't even bother to hide her flirtation anymore. She'd exchange suggestive glances with Maverick right in front of me.

Once, I came home early and found Maverick walking out of our master bathroom in my bathrobe.

"Oh, hey Silas. My water heater is busted, so I used yours. Hope you don't mind." He wasn't even ashamed.

Elena walked out of the bedroom, frowning. "Silas, why didn't you call before coming home? You startled us."

I stood there, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Sorry. I'll make sure to call next time."

The paperwork for the condo was finalized quickly. Before signing, they needed to confirm the name on the title.

I picked up the pen and wrote "Jax Thorne" in the signature box.

The pen felt heavy, but I didn't hesitate. I was signing away my past.

"Done," I said, handing the contract back.

Elena checked it twice. When she saw the name, she let out a jubilant laugh.

I watched her with a cold, dead stare, promising myself I would make them pay for every single lie.