After Divorce

Chapter 8 Robbery in Plain Sight?? 

Sylvia was direct and unequivocal. She was simply stating facts – reclaiming what was hers. Who could argue with that?

Her blunt words left Michelle shaking with anger.

“You willingly gave these things to me initially,” she fumed, “Now you want them back? That’s nonsense! Once gifted, you relinquish all claims!” 

Michelle brazenly refused to return the items. Though Sylvia wasn’t her ideal daughter–in- law, her gifts had elevated Michelle’s status. Especially that ruby necklace which drew envious looks over the years.

Michelle cared deeply about people’s perceptions of her. When she realized how admired her new necklace was, she was thrilled.

So when Sylvia asked for it back, Michelle objected vehemently.

Having dealt with their duplicity for years, Sylvia knew Michelle’s reluctance came as no surprise.

Still, today Sylvia was determined to retrieve her possessions, regardless. These people hardly deserved such fine gifts.

Michelle’s shamelessness left even Juliet chuckling in disbelief. She had dealt with audacity before but never anything like Michelle’s.

–

“Though initially given freely, your unwillingness to return Sylvia’s things, gives her every right to reclaim them. It’s perfectly reasonable. Let me make this clear the only reason we’re having a civil chat is out of respect for your status as an elder. If you don’t return what’s hers, don’t blame me for blatantly stealing it!” Juliet asserted.

Juliet had been quite upset when Sylvia insisted on marrying Cyril despite the objections. Now that Sylvia wanted her stuff back while they created obstacles, Juliet was livid.

If civility failed, more brazen measures would be required. For Juliet, the ends always justified the means.

Hearing Juliet’s proclamation left Michelle trembling in anger. She was accustomed to lording over Sylvia. Being challenged so bluntly by Sylvia’s friend left her seeing red. As she stepped forward to strike, Juliet caught her hand mid–air.

“How dare you try to hit me? I’m no pushover. Try that again and I’ll put you straight into a hospital bed!” Juliet threatened.

With shameless people, meeting audacity with audacity was often required. Sensing Juliet wasn’t one to be trifled with, Michelle took a step back but Juliet maintained her vice–like grip on Michelle’s hand.

“Are you blind?” Michelle screamed at Sylvia, “Can’t you see how your friend is manhandling me? Make her release me this instant or I swear my son will teach serious lesson!‘

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With no luck against Juliet, Michelle turned her ire at Sylvia, shouting loudly. Sylvia glanced over at Juliet but said nothing.

She took two steps forward. Juliet, anticipating her moves perfectly, clasped Michelle’s hand tightly. After years together, their rapport was seamless. Watching Sylvia take action filled Juliet with satisfaction.

Still cursing bitterly, Michelle watched Sylvia approach her.

“Release me at once, you worthless people!” she yelled, “Do you think I won’t punish such audacity? How dare you break into my home! My security will make you regret this!”

“Delusional lowlifes! A lifetime of disgrace culminating in home invasion. Have you no shame? You’ve stolen from us too! Sylvia, return everything quietly or my family will bring you to ruin once accounts are settled!”

Michelle’s vitriol grew, even threatening them by the end.

At her words, Juliet just laughed loudly. Who was this woman who dared threaten so openly? No one had ever dared to do so before!

“Do you know what happened to the last person who threatened me?” Juliet interjected, leaving Michelle momentarily confused. She couldn’t care less about Juliet’s history. She just wanted her hand free.

“The last one to threaten me is six feet under. Care to be next?”

Hearing that left Michelle stunned, a look of apprehension on her face. Juliet looked dead serious. Could she have actually done such a thing?

As Michelle stood there, stunned, Sylvia brushed passed her and headed upstairs. Sensing looming disaster, Michelle shouted for Sylvia to stop but she didn’t even look back as she

ascended.

“Seems like you’ve built up quite a stash over the years, enjoying far more than your fair share. Time to return every last bit of it. I’d suggest not angering me further. Push me too far and you’ll deeply regret it, especially given how much you’ve tormented my sister all these years.”

Chapter 8 Robbery in Plain Sight??

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Juliet was truly incensed after witnessing Michelle’s attitude today. It clearly reflected the distress Sylvia must have endured here over the years.

If the mother–in–law could behave so atrociously, it didn’t bode well for her son’s disposition. Juliet struggled to comprehend what Sylvia ever saw appealing in Cyril.

Had she not accompanied Sylvia today, Juliet would have already taken matters into her own

hands.

“Are you all blind?” Michelle shouted, seeing Sylvia head upstairs unimpeded, see she’s threatening me? Someone stop her!”

“Can’t you

As the others moved to intervene, Juliet’s steely gaze halted them in their tracks. “Let’s see who dares to come closer!”