“We will issue an international arrest warrant. With this evidence, he will not get very far.”

They talked for another hour discussing the details of the strategy. Roth agreed to represent Emily and all the victim families. The fees were not low, but the result would be worth it.

Leaving the lawyer’s office, Emily felt relieved. The plan was in motion. She had allies, and the evidence was gathered. All that was left was to wait for her husband’s return and put an end to this story.

On her way home, she stopped by the bank and checked the status of their joint accounts. As she expected, large sums of money had been withdrawn. Ethan was preparing to flee.

But in her personal account opened before she got married was the money she had saved over years of working as a doctor. It was enough for the lawyer and expenses for the next few months.

At home, Emily made herself a chamomile tea and sat down to analyze the information.

The detective Castle had already sent her preliminary data on Pamela Serrano. He discovered that the woman was married to Victor Serrano, a construction engineer. They lived in a small apartment on the outskirts of Queens. They had debts, a modest income. Victor had no idea about his wife’s activities.

Another deceived spouse, Emily thought.

How would he react to the news of his wife’s infidelity and criminal activities?

She looked up Victor Serrano’s profile on social media. An ordinary 30-year-old man, photos at work, family photos with Pamela. In the latest ones from a month ago, they looked like a happy couple. Pamela was hugging her husband, smiling at the camera. And a month later, she was planning to run away with her lover.

Emily sent Victor a private message. Good afternoon. I am Emily Hayes. I need to talk to you about your wife, Pamela. It is a matter concerning your family. Could we meet tonight?

The reply came in half an hour.

What happened? Pamela is on a business trip. She is not back for a week.

That is precisely what we need to talk about. It seems not everything is as you believe.

Victor agreed to meet at a coffee shop near his home at 7:00 in the evening.

Emily picked up Noah from daycare, gave him dinner, and left him with Mrs. Davis. The boy asked when daddy would be back, and Emily vaguely replied, “Soon.”

The coffee shop was a small, cozy place with checkered tablecloths and the smell of freshly baked pastries. Victor Serrano was already sitting at a table in the corner, nervously looking at his watch. He was of average height with a kind face and worried eyes.

“Emily Hayes.” He stood up when he saw her.

“Yes, that is me. Thank you for agreeing to meet.”

They ordered coffee, and Emily got straight to the point.

“Victor, what I’m about to tell you may come as a shock, but you have the right to know the truth.”

“Did something happen to Pamela?”

“In a way, yes. Your wife is cheating on you with my husband, and together they are involved in a large-scale fraud scheme.”

Victor’s face turned pale. “That is impossible. Pamela would not be capable of that.”

“Yes, she is.”

Emily took out the printouts of the text messages between Ethan and Pamela and the photos she had taken at the airport the day before.

Victor read in silence, his left eyelid twitched.

“Since when?” he asked in a weak voice.

“According to the messages, for a year, maybe more, and the fraud, they are stealing inheritances from elderly people. Pamela helps Ethan forge wills. In 3 years, they have stolen over $20 million.”

Victor pushed the papers away and rubbed his face with his hands. “My god, I thought we were fine. She said she was working overtime for our future. We were planning how to buy a bigger apartment, go on vacation…”

“Victor, they were planning to disappear. They only had one last job left to steal my inheritance. Then they planned to resign and move to Italy and me our marriage. Pamela was going to file for divorce.”

“In the messages, she refers to you as a burden she had to get rid of.”

Victor clenched his fists. In his kind eyes, anger and pain appeared.

“Three years of marriage. I was crazy about her. I worked two jobs to support us. And she…” he could not finish the sentence.

“Victor, I understand how painful this is for you. It is for me too, but we have the opportunity to get justice.”

“What do you suggest?”

“We join forces. I have already spoken with a lawyer. I have contacted the victim families. Tomorrow, I will file a complaint with the NYPD. You can be a witness to the infidelity and Pamela’s involvement in the fraud.”

“And what will happen then?”

“Ethan faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. Pamela will lose her job, her reputation, and possibly go to jail as well. All the stolen money will be returned to its rightful heirs and we can have our marriages enulled under favorable conditions.”

Victor was silent for a long time, weighing the offer.

“You know,” he said finally, “I consider myself a good person. I do not wish harm on anyone, not even my enemies. But what Pamela did, it is a betrayal, not just to me, but to all those elderly people they robbed.”

“So, you agree to help?”

“Yes, I do.”

They talked for another hour, discussing the details of the plan. Victor was not only a decent person, but also practical. He agreed to monitor Pamela upon her return, record their conversations, and gather more evidence.

“By the way,” he said before leaving, “I have copies of all of Pamelas documents, passport, criminal record, tax returns. When we applied for the loan for the apartment, the bank asked for everything. Maybe it will be useful.”

“I am sure it will be. Thank you, Victor. Thank you. If it were not for you, I would still be living a lie, completely clueless. And Pamela along with your husband would still be stealing.”

They exchanged numbers and agreed to stay in touch. Emily had one more ally in the fight against the traitors.

At home, a surprise awaited her. Detective Castle sent her a detailed report on the financial status of Ethan and Pamela. He discovered that in 3 years they had purchased several properties in the names of straw men, a condo in Marba, a house in the mountains, a plot of land in a subdivision outside the city, all purchased with stolen money.

In addition, the detective uncovered accounts in tax havens in Cyprus and Switzerland. The total amount of savings exceeded $7 million. Ethan and Pamela were preparing for a life of luxury abroad, but they would not get it, Emily promised herself.

She went to bed late, but she slept soundly. Tomorrow, the most important day would begin. Ethan and Pamela would return from their business trip and discover that their plans had fallen apart.

And Emily Hayes, from a victim, had become a hunter.

The next day, Emily woke up with the feeling that her life would change completely today. The sun was shining outside, a good sign.

She had breakfast with Noah, took him to daycare, and then headed to the central NYPD precinct.

Inspector Williams, the officer on duty, listened to her story attentively. When Emily placed the folder of evidence on the table, his eyes widened.

“Grand lararseny,” he muttered as he reviewed the documents. “This is enough for a whole organization. They are returning from abroad soon. If we do not act, they could escape.”

“Understood. I will pass the case to Detective Vargas,” he shouted down the hall.

Maria, a woman in her mid-40s, dressed in a formal suit, entered the office. Detective Vargas looked like a person who did not mess around.

“What do we have?” she asked as she sat down.

Williams summarized the situation for her. Vargas took the documents and began to study them with professional interest.

“Good work,” she sat after 10 minutes. “Emily, where did you get such detailed material?”

“I accidentally discovered my husband’s plans and decided to do my own investigation.”

“Breaking into someone else’s office is a crime.”

“I used the key my husband gave me personally and I did not steal any documents. I only photographed them.”

Vargas nodded. “Technically, you are right. Besides, the public benefit of your action is clear. We will open a case and the arrest. As soon as your husband sets foot in the country, we will arrest him. We have sufficient grounds.”

Emily signed the complaint and gave a detailed statement. The process took 3 hours.

Leaving the police station, she felt that the law was on her side.

The next stop was Mr. Roth’s office. Constantine already had the documents prepared to file in court.

“Divorce petition, request for full custody of the child, division of assets,” he listed, “plus compensation for emotional damages of $500,000.”

“Isn’t that too much?”

“No. Considering the infidelity, the attempt to strip you of your inheritance and take your son, it is even a little. But the courts are conservative. They rarely award such large sums. So, at least we have a basis.”

They discussed the strategy for the case. Roth was optimistic. With such evidence, the outcome was practically guaranteed.

At 3:00 in the afternoon, Emily met with the representatives of the victim families. Max Morales came with his mother, an elderly woman who could barely hold back her tears.

“My mother-in-law wanted to leave the house to her grandson,” she said. “She worked her whole life saving every penny, and that scoundrel stole it all.”

Vladimir Castro’s daughter, Solidad, was more determined. “I want that lawyer to rot in jail. My father left me an apartment and savings for my children’s education. Because of Hayes, my children might not be able to finish their studies.”

In total, seven families gathered. The total damage amounted to nearly $20 million. Roth explained the process of filing a class action lawsuit and assured them of the return of the stolen assets.

“When Hayes is arrested, we will freeze his assets,” the lawyer said. “Apartments, country houses, bank accounts, cars, everything will go towards paying compensation to the victims.”

In the evening, Emily received a message from Victor.

Pamela told me she is coming back tomorrow morning. I am ready for the conversation.

Good luck, she replied. Remember, record everything.

At 10 at night, Detective Castle called.

“Emily, I have news. Your husband and his mistress landed at JFK an hour ago. They are in a taxi right now.”

“Thank you. So, the most exciting part starts tomorrow.”

Emily went to bed early but had trouble falling asleep. Tomorrow, Ethan would discover that his plans had failed. How would he react? Would he try to flee, feain ignorance, or surrender immediately?

At 6.30 in the morning, a call woke her. Ethan’s number appeared on the screen.

“Hello,” she answered calmly.

“Emily, it is me. I have landed.”

Her husband’s voice was normal with no trace of guilt or worry.

“How was the trip? Did you like Chicago?”

“Yes, everything was fine. Hey, today I have to go to court for your aunt’s inheritance case. Remember I told you about it?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“And what will happen?”

“It is just formalities. The will is in order, but there is a small detail to correct. There will be no problems.”

Emily smiled to herself. Even now, he was still lying.

“Ethan, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“How is Pamela? Did she have a business trip, too?”

The silence that followed was too long for such a simple question.

“Pamela. Oh, yes, she is fine. Why?”

“For no reason. You mention her a lot lately.”

“She is a good employee. That is all. Well, I have to get ready. See you tonight.”

“Of course, dear.”

Emily hung up and smiled. Ethan did not yet know that his case today would turn into a monumental disaster. Detective Vargas had promised her yesterday that he would be arrested upon arrival at the courthouse.

At 8:00 in the morning, she took Noah to daycare and headed to the courthouse. She wanted to see with her own eyes how the world of the man who had planned to destroy her life would crumble.

The courthouse building greeted her with its usual hustle and bustle: lawyers, plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses, all rushing from one place to another.

Emily found the courtroom where the case of Catherine Jennings’s inheritance would be heard.

At 9:30, Ethan arrived. He was wearing his best suit, carrying a briefcase with documents. He looked confident and calm. Beside him walked Pamela in a discrete black dress. Her demeanor was professional, but Emily noticed how Ethan discreetly brushed his assistant’s hand.

“We will get the last million and be free,” she heard him say.

Yes, free of money, of work, of reputation, Emily replied in her mind.

At 10:00 in the morning, the hearing did not begin. The judge, Judge Elena Macarena, had already been informed that a criminal about to flee the country would be in the courtroom and that he should be arrested immediately.

Ethan sat with Pamela inside the courtroom. Emily also entered, accompanied by Mr. Roth.

Ethan saw his wife and turned pale.

“Emily, what are you doing here?”

“Defending my rights, dear. The right to Aunt Catherine’s inheritance, which you plan to steal.”

“What are you talking about? What proof?”

“Proof that you forged the will and also of your systematic fraud.”

“That is absurd,” Ethan stood up. “I am a lawyer with an impeccable reputation.”

“Impeccable. Until yesterday,” Emily said calmly.

At that moment, two people in plain clothes entered the courtroom. Detective Vargas and an officer. Ethan saw them and stepped back.

“Ethan Hayes,” Vargas said. “Yes, you are under arrest for the crimes of grand lararseny and forgery of a public document. You have the right to remain silent.”

“What? You are mistaken.”

Pamela got up from her seat, but the second officer was already approaching her.

“Pamela Serrano, you are under arrest as an accomplice in the crime.”

“I did not do anything,” she shouted. “It was his idea.”

“We will discuss that at the station,” the officer replied indifferently.

They put handcuffs on Ethan. He turned to Emily. In his eyes, there was shock and incomprehension.

“Emily, what is happening? It is a mistake, right?”

“There is no mistake, Ethan. You wanted to rob me and take my son, but you miscalculated. It turns out I am not the foolish, credulous wife you thought I was.”

“But we are a family.”

“The family ended when you decided to cheat on me with Pamela. And especially when you started robbing defenseless elderly people.”

They took Ethan and Pamela out of the courtroom. Pamela was crying. Ethan walked in silence, his head bowed. The judge postponed the hearing until the circumstances were clarified.

“Congratulations,” Roth said, shaking Emily’s hand. “The first blow was a direct hit.”

“Thank you. But this is just the beginning. There is a lot of work ahead.”

Leaving the courthouse, Emily felt a strange peace. Revenge is a dish best served cold. And today, Ethan had tasted the first bite.

The arrest of Ethan and Pamela was just the beginning of a cascade of revelations. Emily returned home in high spirits, but she knew the hardest part was yet to come.

At noon, Victor Serrano called. His voice sounded tired and confused.

“Emily, Pamela has not come home. I am worried.”

“Victor, sit down. What I am about to tell you is going to hurt.”

She told him what had happened at the courthouse. Victor listened in silence, sighing from time to time.

“So, they arrested her.”

“Yes, she is in a detention center right now along with my almost ex-husband.”

“Ex-husband?”

“I filed for divorce this morning. After what he has done, we have no future.”

“And what will happen to Pamela?”

“It depends on many things. If she cooperates with the investigation, testifies against Ethan, she might get a suspended sentence. If she remains stubborn, she faces several years as an accomplice in a fraud of this magnitude. 3 to 7 years in prison.”

Victor was silent for a long time.

“You know,” he said finally, “I thought I would feel sorry for her, but I do not. She not only cheated on me, but on all the people they robbed. Let the law deal with her.”

“Victor, the detective will want to talk to you. Your testimony is important for the case.”

“Of course, I am willing to help.”

In the afternoon, Emily picked up Noah from daycare. The boy asked where daddy was and she answered honestly, “Daddy did something wrong. Now he has to answer for it.”

“And will he come back?”

“Not soon. Maybe he will never come back. Now it will just be you and me. You, me, and everything will be okay.”

Noah nodded like a little four-year-old philosopher.

“Mommy, you will not leave me, right?”

“Never, my love. Mommy will never leave you.”

The next day, the real work began. Detective Vargas summoned Emily for a detailed statement that lasted 4 hours.

At the end, Vargas said, “Emily, thanks to you, we have uncovered a huge fraudulent scheme. It turns out there are more victims than we thought.”

“How many?”

“For now, 12 families. The total damage exceeds $35 million.”

Emily was astonished. Her husband’s crime was even greater than she had imagined.

“And the accompllices besides Pamela Serrano, we have identified two more. The real estate appraiser, Andrew Cabrera, and the real estate agent, Tatiana Navaro. They helped manage the transactions with the stolen properties.”

“Will they be arrested, too?”

“We already arrested them last night.”

After the interrogation, Emily went straight to see her lawyer. Roth greeted her with good news.

“The court has accepted your divorce petition for processing. Given the circumstances, the process will be quick and the custody of the child. Ethan will lose his parental rights due to his arrest and the criminal case. Noah will stay with you and the properties.”

“All of Ethan’s assets are frozen. Apartments, country houses, bank accounts, cars, everything will go towards paying compensation to the victims.”

“You will get half of the marital property not related to the crime. That is the apartment where you live now. In addition, monetary compensation for your share in other properties and your aunt’s inheritance. The fake will has been declared null and void. You will get everything that is yours. The apartment on the Upper East Side, the house in the mountains, the bank deposits.”

Emily calculated mentally. Including the inheritance, she would become a wealthy woman with enough for a comfortable life.

By the way, about the child. In the last few days with the stress, Emily had almost forgotten about her pregnancy, and suddenly she felt a pang in her lower abdomen.

“Constantine, excuse me, I have to go. I do not feel well.”

“Of course, take care of yourself.”

On the way home, the pain intensified. Emily stopped at a pharmacy, but suddenly she felt dizzy and everything went black.

Emily woke up in a hospital beside her doctors and nurses, and there she learned that she had lost the baby. The pregnancy had been terminated.

Emily cried. When she calmed down, she called the caregiver and asked her to pick up Noah from daycare and take him to her house, explaining what had happened.

She spent 3 days in the hospital. Entering her house, she decided she had to move on. She had Noah, who needed a happy, healthy, and loving mother.

An hour later, the caregiver brought her son. She hugged him and decided not to tell him for now that his little brother was no longer in mommy’s belly.

In the evening, Detective Castle called.

“Emily, I have news about your husband’s financial dealings.”

“I am listening.”

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