He Signed His Empire To Me

Driving out to check on the new condo, a woman with too much makeup and a tight dress suddenly darted into the street, slamming her hands on the hood of our Range Rover.
She kicked the metala harsh, gut-churning thudand screamed for me to get out.
I was reaching for my phone, ready to call 911, but Rhys was faster. He fumbled with his seatbelt, threw his door open, and practically lunged out, stripping off his expensive suit jacket to drape over her shoulders.
Honey, its freezing out here. Why would you run out dressed like that?
I tried to push my door open, desperate to understand what was happening, but Rhyss hand shot out, pressing hard against the frame.
Dont come out! Youll freak her out, shes sensitive!
The woman, nestled into his chest, pointed a crimson nail at my face. Listen up, old baggage! Rhys promised this loft to me! Who are you to tell us what to do? Get lost. His money and his heart? Theyve been mine for ages!
At that, I couldn't help but smile.
His money?
What an amusing mistress. Let the games begin.
1
Rhys Harrington was rubbing her back, trying to calm her down, when he twisted his head to look at me.
Lilah, honey, just drive the car away. Ill come back later and explain everything.
I sat in the passenger seat, staring at the man who had once sworn to love me forever, now shielding his mistress with a panicked, protective care.
My heart felt like a massive, icy hand had just squeezed it, stopping the breath in my chest.
Three years ago, I almost died giving birth to his childa difficult delivery that resulted in a major hemorrhage and left me paralyzed. I spent three grueling years in Europe undergoing intensive nerve therapy. The moment I could stand unassisted, I came home.
I hadnt been back long, and this was the homecoming gift Rhys had prepared.
I didn't drive away. I pushed the door open and stepped out.
Rhys was clearly surprised, freezing mid-motion.
The woman, Tiffany Price, didnt flinch when I approached. She pulled away from Rhys and strutted toward me, chin held high.
Up close, she was impossibly young, her face plump with unearned collagen, but her eyes were pinpricks of pure greed.
What are you looking at? Three years of paralysis and you still couldnt kick the bucket. Youve got nerve. She sneered, running her eyes up and down my body. Look at you. You can walk, sure, but I can smell the hospital and the medication from two feet away. Rhys has to act like he still wants you every day. I feel sorry for him.
My hand shot out before my brain could stop it.
CRACK! The sound was sharp and clean.
The world went silent.
Rhys froze. Tiffany froze.
You you hit me? Tiffanys hands flew to her cheek, her eyes wide with disbelief.
I did. I shook my hand out, my voice flat. Dirty mouth. Consider it an education your parents failed to provide.
Rhys! She hit me! Look what she did!
Tiffanys composure shattered. She wailed, throwing herself back into Rhyss arms like shed been mortally wounded.
Rhyss eyes were filled with instant, gut-wrenching pity. He gripped her tight and spun around, glaring at me.
Lilah Shaw! Have you lost your mind? Tiffany is just a kid! How dare you lay a hand on her?
A kid? I laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. A kid who crawls into a married mans bed? Rhys, your taste is truly unique.
Tiffany shrieked and tried to lunge at me, but Rhys took one look at my cold, mocking face, sighed, and bent down, scooping her up in his arms.
Shes not stable right now. Im taking her away. I will come home and explain everything to you later!
With that, he carried Tiffany to a waiting cab and sped off, never looking back.
He left me standing on the side of the road, next to the car with the dented hood, as strangers gathered, pointing and filming.
I took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing back the sting behind my eyes.
Thats when my phone rang. I looked at the unfamiliar number and answered.
Hello, old baggage.
Tiffanys voice, now triumphant, crackled through the speaker. You saw it, didnt you? Rhys cares about me. Youre smart enough to disappear and be a silent partner, or I swear, I will find ways to make your life a living hell!
I hung up without a word.
I called a tow truck, sent the Range Rover to the dealership, and took a cab back to the Harrington estate.
My in-laws were watching TV in the sprawling living room. They barely reacted when I walked in.
Dad. Mom, I said.
My mother-in-law didnt even look up. Youre back? Wheres Rhys? Didnt he come with you?
He went to comfort Tiffany Price, I stated plainly.
The air in the room became instant crystal.
My father-in-law lowered his newspaper. My mother-in-law finally turned her head to face me. There was no shock on their facesonly a mild, detached annoyance.
Oh, that girl, my mother-in-law said, casually flicking a speck of dust off her manicured nail. Rhys mentioned her. Shes a lively young thing.
My heart didn't just sink; it shattered.
They knew. The entire family knew, and I had been the only fool.
Mom, Rhys is cheating. Youve known this? I asked.
She frowned, clearly offended by my choice of words. Cheating? Dont be so dramatic, Lilah. Men have needs; its just part of doing business. Besides, you were away for three years. Do you know how hard it was for Rhys to hold this family together alone? Whats wrong with having a companion who offers a bit of comfort?
As long as he keeps her out of the house and doesnt touch your position as his wife, you need to turn a blind eye. This marriage is an alliance between two powerful families, dear. Business is always the priority.
My father-in-law chimed in, Shes right, Lilah. Be the bigger person. Dont cause trouble over something so trivial.
Trivial?
The bigger person?
Looking at their two cold, judgmental faces, I felt a wave of nausea. I didnt want to waste another word.
Understood, I replied.
I turned and left them in their opulent silence. If they wanted to talk about business, then we would talk about business.
I immediately sent a text to Dean: Dean, I need you to run a deep dive on Rhys Harringtons asset transfers and the full background of a woman named Tiffany Price. Yesterday.
Dean Foster was my late mother's most trusted lawyer, and the only person in the world I could rely on completely.
Rhys finally walked in around ten that night.
He opened the bedroom door, saw me sitting on the edge of the bed, and paused. He walked over, collapsing onto the velvet armchair opposite me.
The tension in the room was thick and suffocating.
He hunched over, rubbing his face with his hands, the picture of guilt and remorse.
Lilah, Im sorry.
It was the first thing he said.
I looked at him, and flashed back to him at eighteen, clean-cut and earnest, declaring his love for me on the university quad. The man across from me was a stranger.
Sorry for what? I asked.
Im sorry to you, his voice was raspy. The last three years, its been exhausting. Tiffany she gives me something different. Shes not so, well, strong like you. She needs me, Lilah. She makes me feel like a man again.
Strong?
I nearly burst out laughing. I had given up my post-graduate studies and devoted myself to his career, content to be the woman behind the man. I almost died having his child. And in his eyes, I had become too strong.
And thats your justification for cheating?
Rhys lifted his head, his eyes red-rimmed. I couldnt help it! I dont want to hurt you, and I dont want to hurt Tiffany. I love you both; I cant let either of you go.
Ive thought this through. Ill make it up to you, double everything youve suffered. Tiffany doesnt want the title; she just wants to be near me. I swear I will balance things out and make sure you are never disrespected.
Listen to the sheer poetry of it. He wanted his cake and his mistress too.
He was dreaming.
Rhys, we need to divorce, I said, my voice steady. If you cant choose, Ill choose for you.
Rhys shot up from the armchair, his face a mask of horror. Divorce? Absolutely not! I will never divorce you!
I married you, and I will be responsible for you for life! Besides, you were paralyzed because you were having my child! If I divorce you, Ill be crucified in the media!
And dont forget, our partnership with the Sterling Group is at a critical stage! If we divorce now, the stock will tank! Cant you be reasonable?
Watching his desperate, cornered reaction, I felt nothing but mockery. He didnt care about my heart; he cared about his reputation and his stock portfolio.
So whats the plan? Keep the official flag flying at home while keeping the side show running?
If you just stop making a scene, we can make this work! Rhys pleaded, rushing to convince me. Tiffany is simple; she wont threaten your status. You just have to pretend she doesnt exist
Suddenly, his phone buzzed.
Rhys glanced at the screen, and his face instantly changed.
He didn't even acknowledge me as he answered and bolted for the door. Hello, babe? What is it? You had a nightmare? Dont worry, dont worry, Im on my way right now
The door slammed shut with a final, echoing thud.
I walked to the window and watched Rhyss car speed away from the mansion.
He would drop everything, at any time, for her.
Perfect.
Rhys Harrington, since you broke the contract of our marriage, you can't blame me for breaking the contract of our business.
I was getting divorced.
But before that, I was going to make him and that simple Tiffany pay the price.
The next morning, I went to Harrington Industries.
Although I hadnt stepped foot in the building in three years, I still held twenty percent of the companys shares and maintained a seat on the board.
The receptionist nearly fainted when she saw me, immediately calling the CEOs office.
I ignored the curious stares and went straight to the finance department. My first order of business: an audit.
The Chief Financial Officer stammered out that no one was allowed to view the books without Mr. Harringtons explicit signature.
Expected. Rhys had been treating me like a thief for months.
I didn't argue. I left the building and went to the nearest high-end shopping center.
If I couldn't audit his books, Id start by bleeding his wallet.
In the jewelry store, I picked out a new emerald necklace, priced at two hundred and ninety thousand dollars. Normally, I would have considered it too expensive, but today, it felt too cheap.
Ill take it, I told the sales associate, handing her my black card.
It was an unlimited-spending titanium card Rhys had given me on our fifth anniversary.
The associates smile was professional and wide as she took the card.
A few seconds later, the smile froze.
Maam Im terribly sorry, the card was declined.
What? I stared at her.
It says Insufficient Funds, she whispered, handing it back with trembling hands.
Insufficient funds? An unlimited card?
The only explanation was that Rhys had either capped the main account or, more likely, canceled my access to the secondary card.
Rhys Harrington! He had actually cut me off!
As I stood there, stunned, the click of expensive heels echoed across the marble floor.
Well, well, well, if it isnt the former Mrs. Harrington. Whats the matter, cant afford it?
Tiffany, carrying a brand-new Herms bag, sashayed over. She was dripping in new custom-made clothes and jewelry, looking impeccably styled. Next to her, my slightly dated trench coat suddenly felt shabby.
Kevin, bag that necklace up for me, and those rings over there, and the diamond bracelet.
Tiffany waved her hand dismissively, not even looking at the price tags.
The sales associate immediately ditched me and ran to her new high-roller. Miss Price, you have excellent taste! Those are all new arrivals! The total is five hundred and eighty-eight thousand dollars.
Tiffany didn't blink. She pulled a black card out of her Herms bag and handed it over.
It was exactly the same card as mine.
Run it, she commanded, lifting her chin to look at me, her eyes glinting with malice. A mans heart follows his money, honey. Some people walk around waving a canceled credit card and pretending to be a wealthy wife. So sad.
I scoffed, pulled out my own phone, and dialed 911.
Hello, Police? Id like to report a major theft. Someone is using my husbands stolen card to fraudulently purchase millions of dollars in jewelry.
The address is the ground floor jewelry store at the Starling Mall. The thief is still on the premises. Please hurry.
I hung up and looked Tiffany dead in the eye.
Tiffany paused for a moment, then burst into a cackle of laughter.
You called the police? You actually called the police on me? Mrs. Harrington, have you finally lost your mind? Rhys gave me this card! Im spending my mans money; its perfectly legal! What are the cops going to do?
She wasnt scared. She was even more arrogant.
She called Rhys. Honey! Your old hag has gone crazy! She called the cops on me! Shes saying I stole your card! Get over here right now! I want you to slap her face yourself! If I dont see you in twenty minutes, Im done with you!
The police arrived quickly. Two officers walked in, looking serious. Who called 911?
I did, I stepped forward. Officers, this woman is currently using my husbands card without my permission.
Tiffany, still admiring a pair of earrings, rolled her eyes at the police. Officers, dont listen to this crazy woman. My boyfriend gave me this card.
The officer looked at me. What is your relationship to the cardholder?
I pulled up my electronic marriage license. I am Rhys Harringtons legal wife. The cardholder, Rhys Harrington, and I are still legally married. I have never authorized this woman to use our joint marital assets.
The two officers exchanged a look; their expressions turned complex.
Maam, we need you to present identification and accompany us to the station for questioning, the officer told Tiffany.
Im not going! You cant arrest me! Tiffany slammed the card onto the counter. Youll see when my boyfriend gets here! Hes going to call your Chief of Police!
Just then, Rhys burst through the door, out of breath.
He didnt even glance at me, rushing straight to Tiffany and pulling her into his arms.
Tiff, are you okay? They didnt touch you, did they?
With her rock behind her, Tiffanys confidence soared.
Rhys! Finally! This witch brought the police to arrest me! She says I stole your card and wants me to go to jail! You better tell them who I am!
Rhyss face darkened with rage. He spun around, glaring at me. Lilah Shaw! Have you made enough of a scene? I told you I would handle this! Did you have to blow it up like this? Arent you embarrassed?
Embarrassed? I gave a cold laugh. Rhys, who should be embarrassed? You used our marital funds to support a mistress, then canceled my card so she could charge six figures. Do you have any shame?
More and more onlookers had gathered, pointing and gossiping.
Rhys, clearly humiliated, hissed at me under his breath, What marital funds! Thats my money! Ill spend it on who I want! Now shut your mouth!
He turned back to the police, forcing a smile. Officers, this is all a misunderstanding. I did give my girlfriend this card. Its not theft. Its just a domestic dispute; we can handle it ourselves.
Girlfriend? the officer frowned at him. This woman says you are legally married.
Rhyss face froze. He cleared his throat awkwardly. Were were filing for divorce. Its in progress.
Youre still married until the papers are signed, the officer said sternly. Since the cardholder is claiming it was willingly given, its not technically theft. However, Mr. Harrington, since you are not divorced, large transfers of marital assets can be challenged. I suggest you deal with this through your lawyers.
Hearing this, Tiffany shot out from behind Rhys and lunged at me, trying to scratch my face.
You b*tch! You called the police on me! Ill scratch that smug look off your face!
I was ready, dodging her initial attack and aiming a retaliatory slap.
But I forgot Rhys was there.
The moment my arm swung out, Rhys grabbed my wrist, his fingers digging in hard.
Lilah Shaw! Youre going to hit her again? Who do you think you are?
He shoved me hard. Wearing heels, I lost my balance and crashed backward into a glass jewelry display. A sharp, searing pain shot through my lower back. I bit back a cry.
Seeing her chance, Tiffany rushed forward, long nails raking across my face.
Ill ruin your face! Then no man will ever look at you again!
Tear
My cheek burned.
Rhys didnt stop her. He held me pinned against the counter, allowing Tiffany to vent her rage.
Thats enough, Tiff. Dont hurt your hand.
In that moment, the last flicker of hope in my heart was extinguished forever.
The police finally intervened, pulling them apart.
Thats enough! Fighting in front of police officers! Youre all coming with us!
At the station, Tiffany immediately played the victim, claiming I filed a false police report and that I was the aggressor. She demanded to press charges for assault and battery.
Her face didnt even have a red mark, but my cheek was bleeding from three deep scratches.
Rhys, however, stood with her.
He pointed at me and told the police, Officers, its true, my wife initiated the physical contact. You saw it. If I hadnt stopped her, she probably would have given Tiffany a concussion.
I looked at him, utterly disgusted. Rhys Harrington, youll sell your own soul to protect a cheap mistress.
Rhys avoided my gaze, lowering his voice. Lilah, stop. If Tiffany has a record, it will ruin her life. You go in for a few days, cool off, and well drop the whole thing.
The police officers looked like they wanted to argue on my behalf, but I shook my head at them.
Then, I looked straight at Rhys. Rhys Harrington, I hope you never regret this.
Based on Rhyss testimony and my refusal to defend myself, I was charged with disturbing the peace and held for seven days of administrative detention.
As they led me away, I watched Rhys. He was cradling Tiffanys handthe one shed used to scratch meand gently blowing on her fingers.
In my heart, I started a silent countdown.
Rhys. Your perfect life is about to end.

First, search for and download the MotoNovel app from Google. Then, open the app and use the code "315505" to read the entire book.