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“He’ll sign,” Bennett says with confidence. “If you ask me, he’s getting off lightly, and he knows it, but I commend you for not taking him to the cleaners. You stuck to your goals, with your son in mind the entire time. That poor excuse for a man doesn’t deserve either of you. You’re a great mother, Daisy. Don’t ever doubt that. And don’t beat yourself up for trusting a man who was supposed to love and protect you.”

Once both lawyers have read over the agreement and Jason and I have signed the paperwork, the mediator collects everything before turning her attention to Jason’s lawyer. “Your client has fourteen business days to deposit $459,000 into Sinclair and Associates’ trust account. If he fails to do so within the required timeframe, he will be charged daily interest at a rate of⁠—”

“Hold on,” Jason snaps, cutting her off and leaping to his feet. “There’s only $14,000 in our joint bank account. I should only have to pay her fifty percent of that.”

“I specifically said your personal bank accounts … plural,” Bennett replies calmly. “I presumed you realised I’d uncovered the offshore account you’ve been hiding when you agreed to our terms. The one where you’ve been funnelling money disguised as director payments for the past three years. The same account you transferred the majority of the funds from the joint account you shared with my client after she left Queensland.”

Jason’s face turns bright red as his fists ball by his sides. He opens his mouth like he’s about to lash out at Bennett, but at the last second, he turns his aggression towards me. “You fucking gold-digging slut,” he screams, slamming his hand down on the table so hard that I flinch.

Before anyone can react, Nolan is out of his seat and has my ex pinned against the wall, his hand clasped around his throat. “What did you call her?” he bellows, getting up in his face.

The moment is eerily reminiscent of how Jason acted when I told him I was leaving his cheating arse.

I just sit here with my mouth hanging open, unable to process what’s happening, but Bennett thankfully appears at his brother’s side.

“Let him go,” he says. “He’s not worth it.” For a moment, Nolan doesn’t move. His jaw clenches, and his grip tightens slightly before Bennett’s words seem to break through. The anger slowly drains from his face. He releases Jason and steps back, inhaling a deep breath through his nose. “Take Daisy and Poppy outside,” Bennett says, his voice firm. “I’ll handle this.”

Nolan’s eyes stay locked on Jason for another second before he finally nods and does as his brother asks.

As Poppy and I are being led out of the room, I hear Jason say, “You think you’re so smart, don’t you?”

“If I had my way, I would’ve made her take your sorry arse for all it’s worth,” Bennett retorts. “If I were you, I’d be grateful that Daisy showed you more integrity than you deserve. She could have taken everything from you, and she chose not to. She chose to walk away with her son and her dignity intact. Which is more than I can say for you, you poor excuse for a human.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Jason snaps. “I never asked for your opinion. Daisy!” he calls out, and I stop just inside the doorway. “After everything we went through together, I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.”

“Don’t talk to her,” Bennett growls.

I turn to face them. “It’s okay, Bennett. I’ve got this one.” My eyes move to my ex, hopefully for the last time. “After everything I’ve done to you? That’s a bit rich. When I met you, you had a restaurant that was failing miserably. You were struggling to keep your head above water. I worked my arse off day and night, got you a social media presence, and helped you iron out all the kinks.”

I tap my fist against my chest. “I’m the reason you’re successful now. Me. I never disrespected you or asked for anything in return. I thought I was working towards a life with you. I was happy to help you fulfil your dream. Your dream, Jason, not mine. I never stole or deceived you. I never cheated or lied to you.” Angry tears rise to my eyes. “I didn’t turn my back on our son because his birth was rotten timing or an inconvenience. That’s all on you, so as far as I’m concerned, you got what was coming to you today. It’s called karma, arsehole.”

Chapter 13

Nolan

The second we exit the courthouse and step out into the sunshine, I can’t help myself. I wrap my arms around Daisy’s narrow waist, lift her off her feet, and twirl her around in the air. “You did it, darlin’.”

Despite looking shaken by what happened, she lets out a small laugh, tilts her face down towards me, and smiles. For a split second, I almost lean forward to kiss her sweet mouth. But then I remember where we are ... who we are, and promptly place Daisy on her feet and retreat a step.

Daisy’s eyes remain on me for a beat longer before she turns her attention to Poppy. “Thank you for everything you did to help me.”

“It was my pleasure.”

When my brother joins us a few minutes later, the first thing Daisy does is thank him. “One down and one to go,” he says with a satisfied grin.

I frown. “One to go?”

“Yeah. That evil woman you almost married. She’s next on my list.”

“Wouldn’t the public prosecutor be handling that?” I ask.

“He will. Just because the prosecutor and I go head-to-head in court doesn’t mean we’re not friends outside of work. We actually had lunch the other day, and I made sure he knew exactly what kind of person Amanda really is.”

“And how is that supposed to help?”

“He’s going to request for Judge Remington be assigned to the case.”

“Which means?” I ask.