Welcome to story tales please like this video And subscribe to story tales I hope you enjoy the story let's begin Cole maddox's home office had always been his Sanctuary a place where the polished mahogany desk carefully organized files and Wall of professional achievements reflected the order he built his life around but tonight that order was crumbling as he stared at the stack of credit card statements spread Before him each page another crack in the foundation of trust he'd spent decades building the Setting Sun painted Amber streaks across his desk highlighting numbers that refused to make
sense or rather made too much sense once he knew where to look his fingers drummed against the wooden surface a nervous habit he'd picked up during 23 years of marriage to Serena just look at the patterns he muttered reaching for his reading glasses follow the money his Daughter had always been responsible with money until recently the past few months had seen a steady stream of requests for help each accompanied by a seemingly plausible explanation school supplies textbook fees an unexpected car repair but as he scrutinized the statements patterns emerged that set off warning bells in
his mind the phone on his desk buzzed Illuminating with a familiar name another text from Ivy dad hate to ask but I need help with a Course fee $500 can you transfer it tonight it's kind of urgent Co leaned back in his chair the leather creaking Softly As He exhaled the request was eerily similar to ones he received all month already totaling $2,000 his fingers hovered over the keyboard muscle memory ready to type his usual response that's what fathers did right they provided they supported they trusted but something made him hesitate He picked out one
of the statements again this time focusing on a series of charges from local restaurants the dates and times formed a pattern he couldn't ignore Tuesday afternoon 2:30 p.m. at L Zone Downtown Thursday 3:15 p.m. at the Capitol Grill when Ivy was supposed to be in advanced economics and business law respectively the sound of heels clicking on hardwood drew his attention to the doorway Serena stood there a vision in her charcoal business suit Dark hair falling in elegant waves that framed her face her lips curved into that same smile SM that had captured his heart all
those years ago at Law School everything okay honey she asked leaning against the door frame you've been up here for hours Cole carefully kept his expression neutral as he gestured to the papers just looking over some financials I's been asking for more help lately I'm a bit concerned something flickered across Serena's face so brief he almost Missed it a micro expression that didn't match her concerned Mother act fear she crossed the room her perfume was that new preceding her as she placed a manicured hand on his shoulder she's just going through a rough patch she
said her voice carrying that lawyer's confidence he'd once admired you know how expensive college is these days between books fees living expenses interesting you should mention expenses Cole said shuffling through the Statements some of these charges seem unusual for a college student her hand tightened almost imperceptibly on his shoulder oh lame Zone the Capitol Grill The Four Seasons downtown he looked up at her pretty highin for study sessions don't you think she probably went out with friends Serena said quickly too quickly you know how kids are these days always trying to impress each other on
social media during her class times a pause brief but telling I'm thinking of Sitting down with her he continued watching Serena carefully go through a spending help her create a budget maybe even meet some of these friends she's spending so much time with the hand on his shoulder grew tense oh I wouldn't worry too much she's an adult now we need to let her figure these things out on her own just then Serena's phone chimed she pulled it from her pocket glanced at the screen and quickly tucked it away but not before Cole caught a
Glimpse of the name Graham work emails she said already backing toward the door you know how it his clients never sleep don't stay up too late worrying about this after she left Cole turned back to the statements with renewed purpose he pulled up his banking app reviewing recent transfers to iy's account the amounts varied but they were regular too regular like clockwork every two weeks she needed help with something he opened his laptop and began a deeper dive Credit card statements Bank transfers everything he could access as the account holder hours ticked by as he
created a spreadsheet mapping out patterns cross referencing dates and times the picture that emerged made his stomach turn at first glance the expenses looked legitimate but when he started categorizing them red flags appeared everywhere restaurant charges for two at high-end establishments when Ivy claimed to be studying Hotel charges Disguised as school fees cash withdrawals that coincided with supposed textbook purchases then he spotted it a name that made his blood run cold Graham Slater he'd heard Serena mention that name before a colleague from her firm new partner Rising Star why was his name showing up on
Ivy's expenses Cole's fingers flew across the keyboard pulling up more records there was again and again Graham Slater's name woven through the financial web like a poison thread No he whispered pushing back from the desk no no no he clicked through family photos on his phone searching for Clues he might have missed last month's family dinner Serena smiling her arm around him Ivy beaming at the camera the perfect family portrait but now he saw what he'd missed the way Serena's smile didn't quite reach her eyes how Ivy's gaze slid away from the camera the careful
distance between mother and daughter sharing his secret his phone buzzed Again Dad about that transfer the fee is due tonight Cole's hands shook as he set the phone down without replying the Betrayal cut deep enough from Serena but Ivy his little girl all those memories flooded his mind teaching her to ride a bike in the park holding her through her first heartbreak staying up late helping her study for exams walking her through her first college applications while he'd been building their future they'd been systematically betraying him the Next morning Cole maintained his routine with mechanic
Precision he showered dressed in his best suit kissed Serena goodbye as she headed to the office each gesture felt Hollow each word of affection from her lips now carried the bitter taste of Lies dinner tonight she asked adjusting his tie like she had thousands of mornings before I might have to work late but I should be home by 7 working late with graham sure he said forcing a smile I'll pick up Something from that Italian place you like you're the best best she said kissing his cheek love you the words turned his stomach at work
he made three crucial calls first to his bank this is Cole Maddox I need to make some changes to my accounts yes I want to remove all secondary access no don't notify the other card holders yes I understand this is unusual I take full responsibility second to his lawyer Richard Chun rich I need to meet today no I can't wait yes It's about Serena I have evidence I need everything ready before she knows what's happening third to a private investigator recommended by Richard I need surveillance on two people yes I have their schedules I want
everything photos video audio if possible money is no object by lunch the wheels were in motion all of Ivy's credit cards were quietly cancelled access to the family accounts would be restricted by end of day the pi would be in gathering Concrete evidence of the affair his phone lit up with panic texts from Ivy dad my card just got declined is something wrong with the account he stared at the message remembering all the time she called him in tears over much smaller problems how he'd always dropped everything to help her now each Cry for Help
felt like another Twist of the knife must be a system error he typed back I'll look into it the LIE felt bitter but appropriate they taught Him how this game was played that evening Ivy showed up at the house unannounced Cole watched from his office as she rushed past heading straight to find Serena in the kitchen their hushed voices carried up the stairs urgent worried tones that confirmed everything he'd piece together Mom all the cards are declined iy's voice trembled he's going to figure it out lower your voice Serena hissed your father's upstairs I don't
care this is serious what if he Traces the payments to Graham he won't we've been careful just just give me time to figure something out I'll talk to Graham tomorrow and what am I supposed to do until then I have bills due use cash I'll get you some tomorrow just stay calm and act normal Cole's hands clenched into fists as he listened to them plot every word was another betrayal another confirmation that the two people he trusted most had turned against him he thought about storming Downstairs confronting them both but no this required a cooler
head they played him for a fool for months maybe longer now it was his turn to play the game he waited until he heard Ivy leave before heading downstairs Serena was in the kitchen preparing dinner as if nothing had happened as if she hadn't just been conspiring with their daughter to hide her infidelity everything okay he asked keeping his voice casual I thought I heard Ivy Serena startled Slightly nearly dropping the knife she was using to chop vegetables oh yes she said not meeting his eyes she just stopped by to borrow some books for class
books he leaned against the counter watching her hands Shake slightly anything specific just you know coarse materials business law stuff she turned away pretending to check something in the oven how was your day interesting he said noting how she tined at the word you know I've been thinking About taking you away for a weekend maybe to that hotel downtown you like so much the Four Seasons the knife paw mid chop the same hotel that had shown up multiple times on Ivy's credit card statements oh I I don't know if I can get away from work
right now Serena stammered big case coming up Graham and I the team I mean we're all really busy Graham Cole kept his tone light that's the new partner right you've mentioned him before yes he he joined last year She turned away fussing with dishes in the sink nothing special just another colleague just another colleague she was sleeping with while their daughter helped cover her tracks maybe I'll stop by your office tomorrow he suggested we could do lunch I haven't seen the new office setup since the renovation the sound of a plate slipping and clattering in
the sink was answer enough no Serena said quickly then forced a laugh I mean it's sweet of you to offer but tomorrow Is packed with meetings rain check sure Cole said turning to leave the kitchen rain check in his office he pulled up the Pi's preliminary report Graham Slater 45 divorced recently made partner at Serena's firm multiple witness accounts plac them together outside of work hours Hotel Records restaurant receipts all matching perfectly with the trail of breadcrumbs in Ivy's expenses his phone buzzed with another text from Ivy Dad please I really need help with These
payments can we talk please he thought about all the times he dropped everything to help her how he'd always prided himself on being there when she needed him now he knew what she really needed money to help her mother maintain her Affair Cole typed back a simple response no then he began making plans they wanted to play games with his trust fine but he would make damn sure they understood the cost of their deception over the next few days Cole meticulously Documented everything every charge Every Lie every piece of evidence that showed how his wife
and daughter had conspired against him he recorded their whispered conversations when they thought he couldn't hear he noted every time Serena mentioned working late with the team every time Ivy made up an excuse for needing money the facade began to crack under the financial pressure Ivy's desperate texts became more frequent dad my rent is due Please I can't afford my textbooks just talk to me please Serena grew distracted checking her phone constantly both of them watched him with worried eyes trying to gauge if he suspected anything he caught them whispering in Corners their conversation stopping
abruptly when he entered a room he played his part perfectly concerned father loving husband all while systematically dismantling the financial support they'd taken for granted one Evening about a week after discovering the truth Cole sat in his office reviewing the final confirmations from his lawyer everything was in place all accounts secured evidence documented divorce papers ready a soft knock at his door made him look up iy stood there tears streaming down her face Daddy can we talk the childhood name struck him like a physical blow how long had it been since she called him that
now here she was playing the Daddy's girl card When she needed something come in he said his voice carefully neutral she perched on the edge of the chair across from his desk looking small and vulnerable just like she had as a child when she'd done something wrong and knew she was about to be caught I know you canel the cards she said quietly and froze my access to the accounts yes why Cole leaned back studying his daughter's face the face he'd loved unconditionally for 20 years the face that had lied to Him countless times I
think you know why Ivy she paled slightly but held his gaze Dad please whatever you think is going on stop his voice cut through her attempted deception like a blade no more lies no more games I know everything everything gram Slater the hotels the restaurants how you been helping your mother hide her aair all of it Ivy's facade crumbled tears spilled down her cheeks Daddy I can explain explain what his voice remained deadly calm Explain how you helped your mother betray me how you took money from me money I worked hard to earn and used
it to help her deceive me she's my mother Ivy whispered she needed my help and I'm your father the father who has supported you loved you giving you everything you ever needed and this is how you repay that love by helping destroy our family I didn't want to she sobbed she came to me she said she was unhappy she said if I didn't help her she manipulated you Cole's laugh held no warmth you're 20 years old Ivy an adult you made an adult decision to betray me don't try to play the victim now please she
reached across the desk trying to take his hand he pulled back watching her Flinch at the rejection I'm sorry I didn't know what else to do you could have told me the truth you could have been loyal to the parent who's never betrayed you instead you chose to be complicit in your mother's adultery what's going to happen Now she asked her voice small now Cole's smile was cold now you get to experience the consequences of your choices no more financial support no more daddy's money to fund your mother's infidelity you're an adult Ivy you made
an adult decision to betray me now you can face adult consequences but my tuition my rent not my problem anymore he turned back to his computer dismissing her you chose your side in this live with it Dad please get out iy sat there for a moment longer Crying silently when she realized no Comfort would be forthcoming she stumbled to her feet and fled the office Cole listened to her footsteps as she ran down the stairs heard the front door slam a car engine started and faded into the distance a few minutes later Serena's voice called
Up From Below Cole is everything all right I've just got a hysterical call from Ivy he didn't respond let her worry let her Wonder through his office window he watched Serena Pace in the backyard phone pressed to her ear her free hand gesticulated wildly as she spoke in hushed but urgent tones even from this distance he could read the panic in her body language his computer chimed with a new email from the pi more photos more evidence he opened the attachment and felt his jaw clench there they were Serena and Graham leaving a restaurant together
his hand on the small of her back her leaning into him laughing at Something he'd said the time stamp showed yesterday afternoon during one of her supposed client meetings another photo them entering the Four Seasons the same hotel that had appeared so many times on Ivy's credit card statements the same hotel where he and Serena had celebrated their 20th anniversary just last year his phone buzzed with a text from Serena coming up to talk we need to discuss ivy Cole closed the photos and pulled up his email he had two draft Messages prepared for exactly
this moment one to his lawyer giving the green light to proceed with everything they discussed another to the pi authorizing the release of evidence to specific parties he heard Serena's footsteps on the stairs quick determined clicks of her heels the sound of a woman who thought she was still in control of the situation without hesitation he sent both emails call Serena appeared in the doorway her Perfect composure slightly frayed around the edges what's going on Ivy's absolutely distraught he turned to face her studying the woman he'd loved for over two decades the mother of his
child the architect of his betrayal interesting that you'd Rush up here about Ivy he said calmly but you haven't once asked about the credit cards or the accounts she froze her hand tightening on the door frame what do you mean the cards that were declined the accounts That were frozen the financial support that's been terminated he leaned back in his chair funny how you knew about all that without me telling you I I be mentioned stop lying Serena his voice was soft but carried the weight of Steel you're not in a courtroom now this isn't
a case you can win with clever arguments color drained from her face Cole whatever you think the Four Seasons yesterday at 2:30 p.m. you and GR M seemed very comfortable together tell me Was that a ciment meeting too she took a step back her designer heel catching on the carpet you had me followed I had the truth followed it led straight to you and to our daughter who you corrupted into helping hide your Affair it's not what you think really he pulled up the spreadsheet he created should we go through it every Hotel visit every
romantic dinner every lie you told me while our daughter helped cover Your Tracks or should we talk about how you Use my money money I earned working 60-hour weeks to finance your infidelity Serena's lawyer mask cracked completely please let me explain no Cole stood his chair scraping against the hardwood floor I'm done with explanations done with lies done with both of you both of us Cole leave Ivy out of this she was just trying to to help her mother destroy her rather to assist in ripping apart her family don't try to protect her now she
made her choice tears welled In Serena's eyes real ones this time not the carefully calculated drops she used to win over juries what are you going to do I've already done it he gestured to his computer the divorce papers have been filed evidence has been sent to your firm's ethics board everything you and Graham tried to hide is about to become very very public you can't I can I did you taught me well Serena you showed me EX actly how to play this game the only difference is I'm better at it She staggered back as
the full impact of his words hit her this will ruin my career yes an ivy will learn that actions have consequences just like her mother Serena's knees buckled and she grabbed the door frame for support please Cole we can work this out go to counseling start over he walked to the window looking out at the life they' built together the manicured lawn the garden she' loved the Treehouse he' built for Ivy when she was seven all of It built on a foundation of Lies there's nothing to work out he said without turning around nothing to
save you and Ivy killed everything I thought we had now you both get to live with that decision Cole get out of my office Serena go call Graham tell him how your perfect plan fell apart tell him how you lost everything trying to have it all he heard her choked SOB followed follow by the rapid click of heels retreating down the hallway a few minutes later the Front door opened and closed a car engine roared to life tires squealing on pavement as she fled Cole sat back down at his desk pulling up his email again
messages were already coming in from his lawyer confirming that everything was proceeding as planned the Pi had delivered the evidence packages the wheels of Destruction were in motion his phone lit up with texts from both Serena and Ivy please don't do do this we can fix this I'm sorry Daddy please he Turned off the phone without responding they had their chances made their choices now they would face the consequences the sun had set completely now leaving his office and shadows but for the first time since discovering their betrayal Cole fell clear focused the pain was
still there a deep ache in his chest where trust used to live but it was accompanied by something else now purpose they wanted to play games with his trust fine but he would make damn Sure they understood the cost of deception the 43rd floor of Seattle's Columbia Center offered a view that matched Richard Chin's legal reputation expansive impressive and extremely exclusive Cole stood at the floor to ceiling Windows of his lawyer corner office watching morning fog curl around neighboring skyscrapers while Richard reviewed the latest surveillance reports your Pi doesn't miss anything Richard said adjusting his
wire rimmed glasses As he spread photos across his mahogany desk look at this timestamps locations I even got audio in some cases Graham and Serena have gotten sloppy Cole turned from the window his reflection ghosting against the city backdrop they think they're Untouchable that I'm too blind or too weak to act speaking of acting Richard held up a particular photo here they are at Camas last night during what your wife claimed was a late client meeting Cole took the photo his jaw Tightening Serena and Graham sat in a corner Booth his hand covering hers on
the white tablecloth her wedding ring caught the restaurant's soft lighting she didn't even bother to take it off Cole said his voice dangerously quiet the ring I gave her 23 years and she wears it to dinner with him there's more Richard pulled out his tablet security footage from the Four Seasons Lobby watch the video showed Serena and Graham entering the hotel his hand on the small Of her back she was laughing at something he'd said leaning into him with casual intimacy that's from Tuesday Richard said according to her firm's billing records she was in depositions
all afternoon Cole's laugh held no humor depositions is that what they're calling it now the evidence is overwhelming Cole but what's your endgame here standard divorce proceedings would be straightforward enough I don't want straightforward Cole placed the photo Back on the desk with deliberate care I want nuclear Richard leaned back in his chair studying his client Define nuclear I want everything they've built to burn their careers their reputations their perfect little world all of it even Ivy's part in it especially Ivy's part Cole pulled out his phone showing Richard a recent text from his daughter
Dad mom's crying herself to sleep please talk to us we can still fix this Richard adjusted his glasses she's still trying To play mediator they both are listen to this voicemail Serena left yesterday he played the message Cole please I know I made a terrible mistake but think about our family about iy 23 years of marriage has to mean something call me back we can work through this sounds rehearsed Richard observed everything about her is rehearsed but here's the interesting part Cole pulled out another document while she was leaving that message begging for reconciliation she
was Meeting with divorce attorney Patricia Morrison my Pi got photos of her leaving the office Richard's eyebrows shot up Morrison she's known for aggressive settlements rarely leaves anything for the other spouse exactly Serena's playing both sides trying to keep me calm while she prepares for war Cole's smile was cold but I'm better at War than she thinks walk me through what you want step by step Cole began pacing the office his expensive shoes silent on the Thick carpet first phase is already done Financial isolation I've frozen accounts canceled cards restricted access they're feeling the squeeze
how are they responding iy called me 12 times yesterday about her rent Serena tried to access our investment accounts but found herself locked out Graham Cole's smile widen slightly Graham's discovering that five-star hotels expect actual payment in phase two reputation destruction Cole stopped pacing turning to face Richard I Want everything public the affair the financial manipulation Ivy's role and covering it up I want their perfect facad shattered in front of everyone who matters to them Richard opened another folder timing is crucial for Maximum Impact when do you want to move the Morrison Foundation gala is
next week Serena's firm is hosting all the partners will be there including Graham along with half of Seattle's legal Community very public venue Richard made Some notes any specific strategy I prepared a presentation photos receipts text messages everything documenting their betrayal I want it displayed on every screen in that Ballroom that's Richard PA nuclear that's the point Cole's voice was Ice I want everyone to see EX exactly who they are every colleague every friend every client I want their carefully constructed lives to collapse in front of everyone they fooled the intercom buzzed Richard's Secretary's voice
came through Mr Chun Serena Maddox is here she's demanding to speak with you Cole and Richard exchanged looks perfect timing Cole said softly let's see how the great lawyer handles confrontation sent her in Richard called out the heavy oak door burst open Serena stroe in her lutant clicking against the hardwood floor where the carpet ended she wore a cream colored Chanel suit that probably cost more than Most people's monthly salary but stress had left its Mark dark circles shadowed her eyes partially concealed by expensive makeup her hands trembled slightly as she clutched her designer handbag
how dare you she spat at Richard 20 years you've been our family lawyer 20 years of trust and this is how you repay it Mrs MX Richard replied calmly I represent Cole's interests given the circumstances the circumstances she Whirled to face Cole her voice Rising is That what we're calling your vindictive Crusade Cole met her gaze steadily interesting choice of words from someone who's been sleeping with her colleague while her daughter plays Lookout don't you dare bring Ivy into this you brought her into it Cole shot back his voice deadly quiet you turned our daughter
into your accomplice was it your idea or hers to use my money to fund your hotel meetings with graham color flooded Serena's cheeks you have no proof Actually Richard interrupted sliding a thick folder across his desk we have extensive proof would you like to start with the hotel receipts the restaurant bills or perhaps the text messages between you and Graham coordinating your business meetings Serena's hands shook as she opened the folder her face went pale as she flipped through Page after page of documented betrayal how did you I'm thorough Cole said stepping closer unlike you
and Graham sloppy really Using the same hotels meeting during office hours having our daughter cover Your Tracks with my money Cole please Serena's lawyer maskk cracked revealing raw fear beneath whatever you're planning you'll find out soon enough he turned to Richard are we done here one more thing Richard pulled out another document Bound in blue legal paper Serena this is a courtesy copy of the divorce filing you'll be formally served tomorrow at Your office she snatched the papers her legal training kicking in as she scanned the contents her face shifted from Fear to outrage these
terms are ridiculous she slammed the papers down no judge whatever a judge might be very interested in how you use company time and resources to conduct your Affair Cole interrupted not to mention the creative billing declines while you were otherwise occupied you wouldn't dare expose that it would destroy my career Now you're getting it Cole moved to the door oh and Serena tell Graham I said hello you'll both be hearing from the ethics board soon Cole her voice cracked everything we built 23 years you destroyed it he turned back his eyes cold Every Lie every
betrayal every time you involved our daughter in your deception you did this now you get to live with the consequences he left her standing there clutching the divorce papers like a Lifeline her perfect Composure shattered later that evening Cole sat in his home office reviewing the final preparations for the gala exposure his phone buzzed with a text from Graham Slater himself we need to talk manto man this doesn't have to get ugly Cole laughed Darkly and typed back it got ugly the moment you started sleeping with my wife another Buzz think about what you're doing
this won't just hurt Serena think about your daughter should have thought about that before You helped destroy my family Graham let's meet tomorrow I can explain everything Cole nothing to explain but stay tuned things are about to get very interesting the doorbell rang Cole checked his security camera feed Ivy stood on the porch hugging herself against the evening chill she'd lost weight her designer clothes hanging loose on her frame he buzzed the intercom go home Ivy Dad please her voice cracked 5 minutes that's all I'm Asking why so you can feed information back to your
mother no I just I need to understand what you're planning people are scared good dad against his better judgment he buzzed her in she appeared in his office doorway eyes red from crying looking younger than her 20 years you look terrible he observed everything's falling apart she stepped into the office Uninvited mom can't sleep Graham's threatening to end things the partners at the firm are asking Questions about billing irregularities sounds like Karma to me is that what this is about revenge Cole stood slowly no Ivy this is about consequences actions have them it's time you
both learn that by destroying mom's career her reputation she destroyed her own reputation the moment she started sleeping with graham you just help hide it she was unhappy Ivy's voice Rose she felt trapped ignored then she could have talked to me Cole's fist slammed onto His desk she could have asked for counseling for changes for a divorce instead she chose to lie to cheat to manipulate our daughter into helping her deceive me I didn't want to help her tears spilled down ivy cheeks she said if I didn't she'd leave she said you'd never forgive her
that you'd destroy everything and look what happened anyway Cole's laugh was harsh she manipulated you just like she manipulated me the difference is you chose to be her Accomplice the G of tomorrow night Ivy said quietly mom's terrified you're planning something she should be Dad please whatever it is get out just listen get out his Roar made her jump you lost the right to ask anything of me the moment you chose to help her betray me she fled slamming the front door behind her Cole returned to his computer pulling up the presentation he' prepared for
the Gala photos receipts text messages all meticulously organized Everything needed to tear down the perfect lives Serena and Graham had built his phone buzzed again a text from Serena the gala tomorrow please think about what you're doing didn't respond let her worry let her spend the night wondering how her carefully constructed world was about to implode the next evening Cole stood before his bedroom mirror adjusting his bow tie with practice Precision the black tie event called for his best tuxedo and he'd Chosen well Tom Ford perfectly tailored the kind of suit that whispered old money
and power his phone had been buzzing constantly Ivy Dad I'm begging you don't do this Serena we can talk about this please don't destroy everything Graham be reasonable think about the consequences he silenced the phone and slipped it into his pocket the time for talk was long past the Morrison Foundation gala transformed the grand Hy's Ballroom into a glittering Spectacle of wealth and influence a string quartet played Mozart in the corner champagne flowed freely and Seattle's legal Elite mingled in their finest the massive screens around the ballroom currently displayed the foundation's logo and mission statement
soon they would display something very different Cole spotted Serena immediately she wore a black Valentino gown that probably cost more than most people's cars working the room with the Practiced ease of a skilled lawyer her smile never wavered but he caught the tension in her shoulders the way her eyes kept darting to the entrance Graham stood across the room looking at uncomfortable in his tuxedo watching Serena with poorly concealed desire neither of them had spotted Cole yet coold Sandra Chun the firm's managing partner approached with a warm smile I didn't know you were coming Serena
didn't mention it I'm full of surprises Tonight Cole replied smoothly actually I was hoping to say a few words I prepared something special for the occasion of course we're doing speeches in about 20 minutes I'll add you to the list he watched Sandra walk away then caught Serena's eye across the room she froze champagne glass halfway to her lips he saw her quickly pull out her phone probably texting Graham right on Q Graham appeared at her elbow they spoke in Urgent Whispers shooting glances in Cole's Direction he saw Serena shake her head violently grabbing Graham's
arm as he started to walk toward Cole too late he thought far too late 20 minutes later Sandra clinked her glass for attention and now we have a special presentation from Cole Maddox husband of our own Serena matics Cole took the podium plugging his USB drive into the laptop connected to the ballrooms display system he could see Serena and Graham trying to make their way toward him Through the crowd but the Sea of people slowed their progress good evening he began his voice carrying clearly through the sound system many of you know me as Serena's
husband others know me as a business owner a colleague a friend tonight I'd like to share something about trust integrity and consequences the first photo appeared on the screens Serena and Graham entering the Four Seasons the time stamp clear as day you see Cole continued as gasps filled the Room while my wife was billing clients for strategy meetings she was actually engaged in a different kind of partnership more photos appeared restaurant meetings Secret rendevu Hotel visits all meticulously documented Cole stop this Serena had finally reached the podium her face ashing please but wait he said
ignoring her presence there's more financial records filled the screens credit card statements Hotel bills all tied to his Daughter's accounts not content with just betraying me they enlisted my daughter to help hide their Affair using my money my trust to fund their deception you're making a mistake Graham growled grabbing Cole's arm Cole shook him off without missing a beat the ethics board has received copies of everything you're seeing as have the relevant bar associations I believe they'll find it particularly interesting how client billing hours were used to Cover personal activities the room had erupted into
chaos Sandra Chun was storming toward them her face thunderous other partners were Whispering furiously pointing at the screens I've learned something valuable Cole continued his voice carrying over the commotion trust once broken can never be repaired and actions he looked directly at Serena and Graham have consequences he stepped down from the podium leaving the presentation running through its damning evidence as He walked toward the exit he heard Sandra's voice ring out Graham Serena my office first thing tomorrow morning and somebody get our PR team on the phone outside in the cool evening air Cole loosened
his bow tie his phone was exploding with notifications but he ignored them all the Trap had sprung perfectly now all that remained was to watch them deal with the Fallout a text from Richard came through ethics board received everything emergency meeting Scheduled for Monday local news already picking up the story another from his Pi social media is exploding videos from the gala going viral Cole smiled as he got into his waiting car the game wasn't over yet but tonight's moves have been perfectly executed Serena and Graham's careers were effectively over their reputation shattered their perfect
lives destroyed and he was just getting started the morning sun streamed through Cole's home office Windows Illuminating Multiple screens displaying the destruction of his former family's lives local news websites competed for the most dramatic headlines prominent lawyers Affair exposed a charity Gala ethics Scandal rocks top Seattle Law Firm daughter helped mother hide a fear of family destroyed Law Firm Paradise Lost Sex Lies and billing fraud his phone rang Richard Chin's name flashed on the screen you've seen the coverage Richard asked without Preamble every Word it's spreading faster than we anticipated Seattle Times is running it
as their lead story legal blogs are having a field day the firm's PR team has has gone into complete meltdown Cole switch screens pulling up another news site any statement from our happy couple Graham tried mumbled something about personal matters and privacy before nearly running from reporters Serene is smarter she's gone completely dark how's the firm handling it Sandra chin called An emergency partnership meeting for 9:00 a.m. my source says Graham and Serena have been explicitly Uninvited Richard paused want to hear something interesting always Graham tried accessing the firm's client files at 3:00 a.m. system
logs show him attempting to download contact lists Case Files billing records everything he need to start over somewhere else Cole's smile was cold planning his Escape Tred to it caught it locked him out Completely he's finished in Seattle Cole no firm will touch him after this the intercom buzzed security from the front gate Mr Maddox your wife or Mrs Maddox is here with Mr Slater she's quite insistent Cole checked the gate camera Serena and Graham stood at the entrance both looking like they'd aged years overnight Serena's usual perfect appearance was notably disheveled her designer outfit
wrinkled Graham's tie hung loose around his neck his shirt Partially untucked Richard I'll call you back the starcross lovers are here want me to listen in no need I can handle this performance Cole buzzed security send them up and record everything he waited behind his desk watching through the security feed as they made their way to his office their urgent Whispers carried through the hallway let me do the talking Serena was saying he might still listen listen after what he did last night Graham's voice was harsh he's Destroyed everything he's hurt if I can just
make him understand make him understand what Cole's voice cut through their conversation as they reached his office door how you betrayed me how you corrupted our daughter please enlighten me they entered Graham slightly behind Serena up close the damage was even more evident Serena's eyes were red rimmed her makeup unable to hide the dark circles beneath them Graham's face was Ashen his usual confidence replaced by Barely contained Panic Co Cole Serena stepped forward hands raised in a plating gesture we need to talk about this r Al rationally Cole's laugh was harsh like how you rationally
decided to sleep with your colleague or how you rationally involved our daughter in your deception the firm is in chaos Graham burst out clients are calling demanding explanations the ethics board is the least of your problems Cole turned his laptop screen toward them showing the Growing list of news coverage how does it feel Graham watching your career implode in real time you've made made your point Graham stepped forward his face flushed Now call off the dogs tell them it was a misunderstanding a misunder understanding Cole stood slowly was it a misunderstanding when you took my
wife to the Four Seasons when you charged romantic dinners to client accounts when you help manipulate my daughter into covering your tracks I Never wanted Ivy involved Graham shot a glare at Serena that was her idea not mine Graham's Serena's voice cracked with betrayal what it's true you're the one who insisted she helped said it would be easier if she managed the arrangements throwing each other under the bus already Cole's smile was predatory that didn't take long Cole please Serena moved closer to his desk whatever you want money property anything just stop this the ethics
board Is reviewing our licenses our careers are over Cole's voice was flat just like our marriage just like Gram's partnership just like everything you build on lies Graham surged forward his face contorted listen you self righteous bastard Cole's hand shot out grabbing Graham's tie and yanking him forward across the desk no you listen he hissed their faces inches apart you took my wife you helped destroy my family you corrupted my daughter now you get to Watch everything you built burned to the ground he released Graham with a shove sending him stump mbling backward Cole Serena's
voice trembled think about Ivy her scholarship review is scheduled for tomorrow yes I know I made sure they had copies of everything all the evidence of how she helped hide your Affair Every Lie every manipulation every betrayal she's your daughter she was my daughter Cole corrected coldly now she's just another conspirator in your betrayal his Phone bust a text from Richard ethics board convening now evidence being presented you should both go Cole said turning back to his computer I believe the ethics board is waiting oh and Graham don't bother trying to access any more firm
files it has locked you out completely Graham's face went pale how did you I know everything Cole's smile was cold every desperate attempt to salvage your career every call to other firms every rejected application face it Graham your finished in Seattle you can't do this Graham's voice cracked my reputation is exactly what it should be a man who sleeps with his colleagues wives who helps manipulate their children who betrays every professional and personal trust placed in him Cole stood now get out both of you Cole Serena tried one last time please out they fled Graham
practically running Serena's heels clicking rapidly on the hardwood floor through a security feed Cole watched them argue in the driveway before leaving in separate cars his phone lit up with a series of notifications from Richard ethics board reviewing billing records they're particularly interested in those client meetings that coincided with hotel stays from his Pi Graham tried booking a flight to Los Angeles credit cards all declined from local news request for comment on law firm's Scandal and family involvement Cole was reviewing the Mounting coverage when his intercom buzzed again security Mr Maddox your daughter's here alone
this time through the camera feed he saw Ivy standing at the gate she'd clearly been crying her expensive mascara leaving dark tracks down her cheeks the designer clothes she'd bought with his money hung loose on her frame as if she'd lost weight in just these few days send her away sir the guard hesitated she says she has documents from the University something About her scholarship Cole paused then pressed the intercom send her up he watched through the security feed as Ivy walked the long driveway to the house her shoulders were hunched her usual confident stride
replaced by uncertain steps when she reached his office she knocked softly AAR cry from her usual Breezy entrances come in she entered clutching a manila envelope they suspended my scholarship she said without Preamble her her voice rough From crying the Ethics Committee wants a formal hearing next week and and her voice cracked Dad I can't afford tuition without the scholarship I'll have to leave school sounds like a consequence of your choices my choices she stepped forward anger briefly overriding her fear mom manipulated me she said if I didn't help she'd leave and it would be
my fault the family fell apart so you chose to help her destroy it instead I was trying to keep everyone together By lying to me Cole stood his height forcing her to step back by using my money to fund their Affair by covering their tracks while they made a fool of me I didn't know what else to do tears spilled down her cheeks she's my mother and I'm your father his voice was Ice the father who worked 60-hour weeks to provide for you who paid for every Advantage every opportunity every luxury you enjoyed and how
did you repay that devotion by helping your mother betray Me please she whispered I'll lose everything my education my future like I lost my family my trust my marriage Dad no he cut her off you made your choice Ivy you chose loyalty to a liar over loyalty to the truth now you get to live with that decision what am I supposed to do her voice was small broken whatever you want but you'll do it without without my help without my money without my support I have nothing left she sobbed my friends won't talk to me
Social media is destroying me I can't even pay my rent then I suggest you start looking for a job he turned back to his computer one that doesn't involve helping people cheat and lie Daddy please get out she stood there crying for a moment longer before fleeing the office through his security feed he watched her run down the driveway nearly iding with Serena who was returning Mr Maddox security called through the intercom Mrs Maddox is back she's Demanding to speak with you about Miss Ivy send her up one last time Serena stormed into his office
moments later Fury replacing her earlier desperation are you happy now our daughter is breaking apart our daughter Cole's laugh was cold you lost the right to call her that when you turned her into your accomplice she just told me about the scholarship committee they're going to expel her actions have consequences Serena isn't that what you always told Her this is cruel even for you cruel he stood slowly like having our daughter make hotel reservations for your Affair like teaching her to lie to my face like destroying her moral compass to cover your betrayal I made
mistakes no his voice cut through her excuses a mistake is forgetting an anniversary a mistake is burning dinner what you did was calculated betrayal you deliberately corrupted our daughter turned her against me used her to hide your Affair And this is your revenge destroying her future she destroyed her own future every time she lied for you every time she helped hide your Affair every time she chose loyalty to a cheater over loyalty to the truth his phone buzzed another text from Richard ethics board decision in both licenses susp ended pending full investigation recommendation for permanent
disbarment to follow congratulations Cole smiled coldly showing her the message you just Made legal history fastest partnership destruction in the firm's records Serena sank into a chair her legs giving out everything I worked for 20 years of building my career all gone just like our marriage just like Graham's partnership just like Ivy's scholarship he leaned forward how does it feel Serena watching your perfect world crumble what do you want from us her voice was Hollow nothing I want nothing from either of you not your Excuses not your tears not your manipulation you made your choices
all of you now you get to live with the consequences his computer chimed with email notifications from the University board scholarship terminated effective immediately ethics hearing scheduled from local news Law Firm announces partner terminations a mid scandal from Richard divorce papers processed all assets secured get out Serena go Comfort our daughter Explain to her how Mommy's choices destroyed both your futures she stood on shaky legs you'll never forgive us will you never the word was Final absolute now get out of my house and don't come back after she left Cole stood at his window watching
the city lights emerge as dusk fell his phone continuously updated with news of their downfall top Law Firm Partners dismissed amid ethic Scandal University revoked scholarship in Wake of family fraud legal Community Reacts too unprecedented partnership collapse their perfect world had crumbled completely Serena and Graham's careers were in Ruins their professional reputations destroyed their social standing had evaporated overnight Ivy's academic future was shattered her role in the deception now public record his phone lit up one final time a group text from both Serena and iy we know we can never undo what we did but
we want you to know how sorry we are for everything Cole deleted the message without responding forgiveness wasn't in his vocabulary anymore they had played their game Thinking him blind and weak they had betrayed his trust manipulated his love used his own daughter against him now they understood the true cost of deception every shattered dream every ruined relationship every destroyed career all of it payment for their betrayal and Cole Cole felt nothing but satisfaction they had tried to destroy His world through betrayal and lies instead he had destroyed theirs through truth and Justice he turned
off his phone poured himself a scotch and watched the city lights twinkle in the growing Darkness the game was over he had won and he didn't regret a single moment of it
