Page 163 of The Substitute Fiancée

“Unless I have proof.”

A stunned silence falls over the table.

“Tell me, Christelle,” I say, “did you really think I left that day without a recording of your betrayal?”

Her face goes pale.

“You… you’re despicable!”

“No. I protect the people I love. And do me a favor: the next time we cross paths, walk the other way.”

Fury floods her features. She looks ready to explode when Matthieu calmly sets his napkin down on the table.

“If I were you, I’d stop right there.”

His tone is composed. Professional. Ice-cold.

“The man you hired to trash the Marais apartment and destroy Sam’s artwork has been arrested. He confessed. And he gave us your name.”

A heavy silence falls over the table.

“That’s not true.”

“Willful destruction of property with premeditation carries up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine.

More if there are aggravating circumstances. Not to mention harassment and repeated threats.”

He pauses.

“The prosecutor’s office has been notified.”

Her hand trembles as she grips her own arm.

“You’re bluffing.”

Mara steps in, her voice steady.

“The wire transfers, the encrypted messages, the surveillance footage, and the contractor’s testimony form sufficient evidence for formal charges.”

Christelle stands frozen. In shock.

Then she turns to Sam, her eyes shining.

“You’re not going to do this to your own sister.”

Sam looks at her with calm.

“I wasn’t the one who hired someone to destroy my apartment, Christelle.

I wasn’t the one who tried to sabotage an IPO.

I wasn’t the one who crossed the line.”

A dense silence spreads through the restaurant.

“You went too far.”

Her voice is steady.