Then I turned toward the door.
Behind me, Andrew laughed.
A cruel, confident laugh.
"Where exactly do you think you're going?"
I stopped.
But I didn't turn around.
"Tomorrow morning..."
My voice was calm.
Almost gentle.
"Every person in this room will be begging for my forgiveness."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then laughter filled the mansion.
Margaret covered her mouth, amused.
"She has finally lost her mind."
Brenda smiled.
"How pathetic."
Andrew walked closer.
His face was inches from mine.
His voice became a whisper.
"If you want an apology..."
"Kneel."
"Admit you stole the necklace."
"Then leave this house before I have you arrested."
I looked at him.
The man I once believed would protect me.
The man I once loved more than myself.
Then I looked at Brenda.
The woman already imagining herself wearing my crown.
And for the first time that night...
I smiled.
Not a broken smile.
Not a defeated smile.
A warning.
"Remember what you just said, Andrew."
"Remember every word."
I opened the door.
"Because this mansion..."
"Your company..."
"Your cars..."
"Your investments..."
"Everything you think belongs to you..."
I paused.
"Was built because of me."
The room went quiet.
Then Andrew laughed again.