My Grandmother Died Because of My Wife

1
My grandmothers life was hanging by a thread after a hit-and-runa severe brain hemorrhage. I took the driver who did it to court, only to find my wife, Ava, who was supposed to be on a business trip overseas, standing right there in the hospital.
Do you have any idea how critical Leos evaluation as our star intern is? she hissed, her voice sharp and cold. His entire future cant be destroyed over one little car accident!
Drop the lawsuit. Now. Or Ill freeze all your accounts and have your grandmother moved to a general ward.
The door slammed shut behind her, the sound echoing her final, chilling words. Dont even think about coming home until you agree to drop this. And if you dont, you can forget about being my husband, too!
Desperate for the surgery funds, I called everyone I knew, but every door slammed in my face. Then, just as I was losing all hope, a team of lawyers found me. They brought news that changed everything: the patent for the core technology my grandmother had licensed to Vance Industries had expired. And I was now the new patent holder.

After the payment for the surgery failed, I stormed into my wife's office.
Ava, how could you? You froze my accounts for a complete stranger? I slammed my hands on her desk. Dont you know Grandma needs emergency brain surgery? Does her kindness, everything shes done for you, mean nothing? The memory of her icy demeanor at the hospital fueled my rage.
Ava looked at me as if I were some hysterical child throwing a tantrum. Ryan, just look at yourself, she said with a sigh. Whats done is done. Yelling at me isnt going to change anything.
Her tone was so dismissive, as if my grandmother were battling a common cold, not fighting for her life. I stared at the woman I had been married to for twelve years, and my heart turned to ice.
Have you forgotten how Vance Industries even got started? I demanded, my voice shaking. Have you forgotten how she took a knife for you during that mugging? She still has permanent nerve damage in her back because of it! And now, youre throwing away her only chance to live, all for some intern? Ava, do you even have a soul?
When we were dating, my grandmother had used every connection she had to support Avas dream, paving the way for her success. The very patent that earned Vance Industries hundreds of millions in profit each year? Grandma had licensed it to her for a symbolic fee of a few million, just to see her succeed. Every single achievement of her company was built on my grandmothers generosity and genius.
And this was how Ava repaid her.
At my words, Avas cold composure finally cracked, replaced by searing anger. She hurled her coffee mug at my feet. It shattered, sending shards of porcelain slicing into my ankle. I felt the warm trickle of blood.
Whats the point of dragging up all that ancient history? she spat. Right now, all you need to do is drop the lawsuit, tell everyone your grandmother fell on her own, and this will all be over.
She stepped closer, her eyes blazing. If you keep pushing this and delay her surgery, the person who kills her wont be the driveritll be you!
I looked at this woman, so familiar yet so alien, and a desolate emptiness filled me. I remembered when we first fell in love. Shed run through a downpour just to walk me home. Shed stayed up all night by my bedside when I was sick. She had been so afraid she wasn't good enough for my family, studying relentlessly, promising shed have children whenever I was ready.
Now, it felt like I was truly seeing her for the first time.
Seeing my silence, she sneered. Ryan, dont use these pathetic little tricks just because youre jealous of Leo. Youve had the privilege of being my husband for a decade. You should be grateful.
Grateful?
I didnt argue anymore. I turned and walked away. My grandmothers surgery was all that mattered.
Leaving her office, I called a few friends Id always been close with. Usually, they were all smiles and warmth. Today, they treated me like I had the plague.
Ryan, come on. Youre completely dependent on your wife. Going against her like this wont do you any good.
Just let the accident go. You dont even have any proof. Stop being so stubborn and go apologize to her.
Man, Ava Vance is one of the most powerful people in this city. Wed love to help, but our hands are tied.
The sun beat down, but I felt like I was trapped in a block of ice. Anger and a profound sense of betrayal churned in my gut. My phone rang. It was Ava, her voice as cold as steel. Im giving you one day to drop the lawsuit. If you dont, dont blame me for forgetting we were ever married. Leo has an academic conference to attend overseas!
Then, a softer voice chimed in from her end. Ava if itll make Ryan feel better, I dont mind taking a little heat. It was Leo. I just hate to disappoint you after all the years youve invested in me.
Avas tone grew even colder. Ryan, do you really want to make this ugly for everyone? Do you think your grandmother would want to see you destroying the career of a brilliant young man like this? Let me tell you, even if you refuse, I have my ways.
She hung up.
I clenched my fists, the image of my grandmother in the ICU flashing in my mind. A wave of helplessness washed over me. All those promises we made, all those vows they were no match for time.
My phone rang again. It was the lawyer. Mr. Evans, the patent your grandmother licensed to Vance Industries has expired. Six months ago, she legally transferred ownership to you.
Vance Industries had become a titan in its field, and Ava had long forgotten that it was my grandmothers exclusive technology that had allowed her to crush the competition. The young, eager woman who used to follow my grandmother around the lab, diligently taking notes and sneaking me snacks, was gone. All that remained was the ruthless CEO of Vance Industries.
Looking at my grandmother lying in the ICU, hooked up to a dozen machines, a deep, burning hatred for Ava ignited within me. How could she protect the very person who had nearly killed her mentor, her benefactor?
I would not let Leo get away with this. I would make them both pay.
The lawyer explained that my grandmother had the foresight to prepare the patent transfer documents before our wedding, making them my pre-nuptial property. Even as her husband, Ava couldn't touch them.
It was late afternoon by the time I got home. I only intended to grab some documents, but I found Ava and Leo sitting together on the living room couch.
In Leos hand was the good luck charm my grandmother had given me for protection.
Rage erupted in me. Who told you you could touch my things? Put it down! And get the hell out of my house!
Startled, Leo scrambled behind Ava, putting on a pitiful, wounded act. Ryan everyone at the office is already talking about how youre trying to have me arrested over the accident. I I cant even work there anymore. He started to get up. I shouldnt have bothered you. Ava, Ill just go back to the office.
Ava grabbed his arm and pulled him back down onto the couch, their bodies now closer than they were before I walked in.
Ryan, Im giving you an out. Go to the police station today and withdraw the complaint, she commanded. Vance Industries has no place for a man who causes this much drama.
Her ability to twist reality was so sickening it made my stomach turn. I ignored her and went upstairs to gather my evidence.
Ava, you remember this, I called down, my voice hard. Its not you leaving me. Its me throwing you away!
She froze, her hand dropping from Leos shoulder. She rushed to the bottom of the stairs and grabbed my wrist. What did you just say?
I laughed, a cold, bitter sound. I said I have no interest in used goods.
Say that again, she whispered, her eyes turning red, her voice dangerously low.
Leo, terrified by the sudden tension, fumbled with the charm. It slipped from his fingers and shattered on the floor.
My vision went red. You did that on purpose!
Leos eyes welled with tears as he shook his head. Ava, I was just scared Ryan frightened me. I can apologize
But Ava shielded him. Its just a stupid trinket. You dont need to apologize for anything.
She knew how much that charm meant to me, how my grandmother had prayed over it for my safety. And she dismissed it like trash.
I took a deep breath, forcing down the inferno in my chest. Fine. Ill leave. You two can have the place to yourselves. I walked past her, pausing at the door. And soon, the position of husband will be vacant, too. Whoever wants it can have it.
Her face contorted with fury. My taunt had hit its mark. She swung her hand and slapped me across the face, so hard I stumbled and fell.
What the hell are you talking about? Leo is a student I mentor! I see him as a younger brother! Are you trying to ruin both our reputations with these disgusting lies?
I touched my stinging cheek. The anger was gone, replaced by a hollow, dead silence. In twelve years, she had never laid a hand on me. The first time was for him.
Ava ruthlessly threw my suitcase out the front door. Dont think you can control me, Ryan! I dont care where you go! You have half a day left. Drop the lawsuit!
The door slammed shut. I silently picked up my luggage and headed for the law firm, where I collected the official patent transfer documents. Staring at the thick stack of papers, the product of my grandmothers lifes work, my eyes burned.
My lawyer handed me another contract. Mr. Evans, Helios Corp is willing to offer 0-080 million for a five-year licensing agreement. Would you be interested in discussing it?
That night, my grandmothers legal team and I finalized the deal with Helios Corp. As soon as the advance payment hit my account, I had my grandmother transferred to the best private hospital in the city and scheduled her surgery with the top neurosurgeon.
The next day, I received an invitation from Helios Corp to attend a major industry summit. I never expected to run into Ava and Leo there.
Ryan, what are you doing here? Leo asked, his eyes darting between me and the female CEO of Helios Corp. His tone was slick with insinuation. I know Ava was a little harsh yesterday, but did you really have to start cheating on her this fast?
He smirked, his face a mask of contempt. And with one of Vance Industries biggest rivals, no less. How pathetic.
Helios Corp was a rising star in the tech world, and Vance Industries most formidable competitor. It was only because of my grandmothers patent that Vance had managed to stay one step ahead.
I watched him run his mouth, my expression unreadable. Thinking hed hit a nerve, he grew bolder. Ava told me that if you just apologize and drop the lawsuit, shell forgive you. Pulling a stunt like this in public just embarrasses her. You dont deserve to be her husband.
Before I could respond, Ava walked over, her eyes sweeping over me with disdain. Ryan, have you made enough of a scene? We dont air our dirty laundry in public. Must I teach you that? She shook her head. Youre a grown man, yet youre less mature than an intern. You should be ashamed of yourself.
The Helios CEO frowned, about to speak, but I gave her a subtle shake of my head. What I do, I said, looking straight at Ava, is none of your business.
Ava rolled her eyes, an impatient smirk playing on her lips. Youre the husband of the CEO of Vance Industries. Of course its my business. Stop being so dramatic.
The one-day deadline I gave you is up, she continued, her voice dropping to a low threat. If you dont drop the suit, I really will cut off your grandmothers medical resources.
I just smiled. Go ahead.
Ava stared, her brow furrowing. Yesterday you were ready to tear the world apart for her, and now youve found a new woman youre just going to abandon her? I knew it. You were never worried about her. You were just trying to get back at me! Her voice rose with conviction. Besides, do you really think Helios can beat us? Have you forgotten that Vance Industries holds the patent to your grandmothers core technology?
She leaned in close, whispering, Just be a good boy, Ryan, and youll always be my husband. And your grandmother will get the best care in the world.
The title of her husband meant nothing to me anymore. My eyes burned, and I raised my hand to strike her.
Suddenly, Leo shoved his way between us, dousing me with a glass of red wine. Ryan! You were going to hit her in front of all these people? Youre a disgrace to Ava!
I stood there, soaked and humiliated. Ava just watched, a cold observer, before pulling out a tissue to dab at the wine that had splashed onto Leos hand.
Im calling the hospital right now to cut off her funding, she said, her voice flat and final. And remember, Ryan. You did this to her.
I ignored her, heading to the restroom to change into my spare suit. After saying my goodbyes to the Helios CEO, I left the summit. As I walked out, I could already hear people congratulating Ava, assuming she would, as always, secure the top partnership of the event.
While waiting for my car, the Helios CEO couldnt help but ask, Mr. Evans, are you sure Ms. Vance wont interfere with our new partnership? She was worried I might still have a soft spot for my wife.
I shook my head. Once I make a decision, I dont look back.
I opened the car door, taking one last look at the venue. Ava was standing near the entrance, phone to her ear, our eyes meeting across the distance.
Suddenly, her face changed. She started running towards me, slamming her hand on the car door to keep me from closing it. Her phone was still on speaker.
A panicked secretarys voice spilled out. Ms. Vance, you heard me right! Professor Miller has been transferred to a private hospital! The secretary took a shaky breath. And the patent license she granted us has expired. Its been reclaimed. Weve been disqualified from the summit!
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Avas face was a deathly white. She shoved the phone in my face. Ryan, explain this. Now!
Leo ran up behind her, snatching the phone and frantically scrolling through the documents the secretary had sent. Ryan, you cant just take back something you gave away! Is this how your family raised you?
Avas eyes were bloodshot with rage. If you sign a new contract right now, Ill forget any of this ever happened. She held out her tablet, displaying a new agreement. I glanced at itthe offer was still a paltry few million. It was laughable.
Sorry, I said, my voice calm. The patent has already been sold.
A stunned silence fell over the small crowd that had gathered.
Avas venomous gaze shifted to the Helios CEO. You sold it to her? she shrieked at me. Are you insane? Terminate the contract, Ryan! Right now!
I looked at her, the woman I once loved, and felt nothing but a cold void. Why would I turn down 0-080 million just to sign with you?
One hundred and eighty million? Leo gasped. She didnt just buy the patent, did she? Ryan, what else did you sell to get that kind of money? He eyed me up and down, the implication vile.
The Helios CEO had finally had enough. She signaled for security. Ms. Vance, control your employee. If you continue to slander me or my company, I will pursue legal action. Her voice was like ice. Furthermore, Professor Millers contract with Vance Industries had expired. Any subsequent transaction is perfectly legal and protected by law.
A dozen security guards moved to surround us.
Ava shot me one last look, a complex storm of emotions in her eyes. Youll regret this, Ryan.
Leo opened his mouth to say more, but withered under the CEOs glare and scurried after Ava.
I offered the Helios CEO a small smile. Thank you for that.
She smiled back, her voice all business. Mr. Evans. I look forward to a very successful partnership.
At the end of the summit, Helios Corp, armed with my grandmothers technology, secured the grand partnership, shattering Vance Industries long-held monopoly on the industry.
Just then, my phone rang. It was the hospital. Mr. Evans, your grandmother is awake.
I politely declined the Helios CEOs invitation to the celebratory dinner and rushed to her side.
Back at the summit, Ava stood frozen, her knuckles white as she gripped her phone. She had thought it was just a minor car accident, something she could easily smooth over with money and influence, as she always had. Leo was just an intern she was mentoring; shed planned to settle privately to protect his promising career. In her world, Leo was a future asset for her company, while Ryan was just her dependent husband who should simply do as he was told.
She never imagined he would not only call the police but also reclaim the patent that was the very lifeblood of her empire. She thought freezing his accounts and threatening his grandmother's care would bring him to his knees. She had grossly underestimated his resolve.
Ryan is just angry, Ava. Hes just taking it out on you because he feels threatened by me. Its for the good of the company, Leo murmured, trying to take her hand with a fawning smile.
Ava yanked her hand away, a flash of irritation in her eyes. Normally, she didnt mind his affectionate gestures, but today, they repulsed her. The image of Ryans cold, distant eyes at the summit made her chest ache. It was Ryan who had blown this out of proportion, Ryan who had cost her the summit, yet she was the one who felt like a piece of her had been carved out.
Are we going home now, Ava? Leo asked tentatively.
Ava was silent for a moment, then bit her lip. Were going to the hospital.
She was clinging to a sliver of hope, telling herself this was all a bluffthe hospital transfer, the 0-080 million deal, all an elaborate charade orchestrated by Helios Corp. She believed that once she showed up in person, Ryan would fold, just like he always had, begging for her forgiveness.
But when she arrived at the hospital, the cold reality hit her. Her grandmother was in a VIP suite with a dedicated team of nurses, her surgery already a success. Ava stood outside the room, watching through the glass as Ryan spoke softly to his grandmother, a knot tightening in her chest.
Ryan, youre here? Grandmas voice was weak, but her eyes landed on Leo, and her pupils contracted. She recognized him. He was the one behind the wheel.
Leo let out a soft, mocking laugh. Professor Miller, do you have any idea what your dear grandson has done? This fancy room, these top doctors he paid for it all by selling Vance Industries corporate secrets. Hell do anything to get back at Ava, wont he? He has no shame.
It was a line Leo had used before, and Ava had always dismissed it as youthful arrogance. But hearing it now, it sounded grating and cruel.
Grandma pushed herself up, her face pale with fury as the heart monitor beside her bed began to beep erratically. Youre lying! You hit me! And you have the nerve to stand here and spread lies?
Ava started to intervene, but a sharp CRACK echoed through the room.
I had burst through the door and slapped Leo across the face. Grandma just got out of surgery, and you dare come here to agitate her? What is wrong with you?
I grabbed him by the collar, my voice shaking with rage. Instead of spewing your filth here, you should be thinking about what youre going to say in court tomorrow. A judge wont be so easily fooled by your pathetic act!

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