[Music] I grew up in a small town in Texas where the local saying was everyone knows everyone my father worked as a translator at the US Embassy so my childhood was full of stories about different countries and languages when I turned 18 my family moved to England because of my father's job and that's where I attended College during my years at Oxford I immersed myself in computer technology business management and economics I thrived in the challenging academic environment and built lifelong friendships particularly with my sister Patricia after graduating I returned to the US ready to
make my own mark my name is Dan Colton and before I get into the more difficult part of this story I need to introduce you to my ex-wife Emily I keep in shape by jogging two laps around the park every morning when I can I'm 5 10 in and weigh 180 lb staying fit by swimming several miles a week and hitting an old school gym twice a week for weightlifting and MMA training I'm not a martial arts expert but I can hold my own which is why most of my weight is muscle despite my degrees
a master's in computer technology a post-graduate in business management and a bachelor's in economics from Oxford University people often say I somewhat resemble George Clooney because my father worked as a translator at the US Embassy I stayed to finish my studies while he returned to the US to work as a computer repair specialist after his service now I manage a well-known company and oversee a new program designed for various applications from gaming to military use this program's ability to handle issues in real time is crucial and it should be ready within 6 months to a
year I love my sister Patricia or Pat as I call her and she loves me we're very close sharing everything and keeping no secrets she's 2 years younger than me and currently works as a junior partner at a reputable New York law firm Emily my ex-wife keeps fit by going to the gym at least four times a week she's 53 in with a stunning figure 34 bbst 22in waist and 33-in hips with red hair and green eyes to match her fiery temper her face is Angelic and her smile can light up a room she's a
corporate attorney at XYZ a PR and advertising firm where she works after earning her law degree we met at Pat's graduation Pat Emily's sister and Amy were roommates and introduced us at the graduation party coinci acally we lived just 3 miles apart in the midsize town of Freestone Texas we started dating 6 months later and HIIT it off getting married six months after that after our wedding Emily began her career at XYZ as a junior attorney with a modest salary plus bonuses I worked for ABC flight controllers where I assembled and dissected software code for
a mid five figure salary and bonus the three-bedroom house I inherited from my grandparents was in a good neighborhood my sister received a lumpsum inheritance while while Emily's sister and parents stayed in New York my parents had retired to Florida twice a year we hosted family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas at various locations life was good we were happy with our modest income nice cars and two vacations every year after 2 years Emily was promoted to Junior partner and things began to change she started going out with her friends on Friday nights a few times
a month and worked late more often naturally I became suspicious and went about my usual routines like reading her emails checking her underwear and even installing a key logger on her laptop although I knew I was paranoid it didn't mean my concerns were unfounded I even followed her one night nothing inappropriate happened she didn't even dance with other men so why did I feel something was wrong in our marriage Emily wanted to become a senior partner before starting a family which would take about another 5 years she was happy with her job meanwhile I felt
stuck in mine with no opportunities for advancement since it was a family-owned business promotions only went to relatives no matter how unqualified they were I decided to start my own computer repair business not the kind where people bring their laptops to a shop I targeted businesses needing enhanced security systems and system upgrades before jumping in I did a business analysis and expected a slow start but within a year I would earn more than my current job I sat down with Emily to explain that while the initial year would be tough we would be better off
in the long run I avoided mentioning the new software I was developing to keep things simple she was completely against the idea questioning why I would risk everything when we were doing well she was thriving and I was in a dead-end job Emily and I had always kept our finances separate except for our joint account which covered all the bills we each contributed equally for monthly expenses and saved the rest I left my job and started my new business using savings and a loan on my house I began advertising and made phone calls from a
small Workshop I rented which had an attached office in 3 months I was satisfied breaking even my work on the new software was also progressing well then one evening Emily hit me with shocking news she was 3 months pregnant with twins paranoia set in and I checked the timeline of her activities she'd been in Miami for a week on business it struck me then she was cheating I immediately decided to get a DNA test from the moment she learned of the pregnancy she cut off all affection at least toward me she insisted on abstaining fearing
damage to the babies even though both I and the doctor reassured her she was overreacting despite this we did the usual things I attended her relaxation classes massaged her feet every night rubbed oil on her growing belly to prevent stretch marks and put up with her increasingly sour moods Meanwhile my company was growing I hired a fresh computer technician Greg and appointed may as the receptionist Emily showed no interest in my business so I never bothered discussing it with her the day finally arrived when she went into labor I was with a client discussing a
server upgrade when I got the call the client congratulated me and sent me on my way Emily was already at the hospital her go bag ready and waiting I rushed over grabbed her suitcase and the DNA kit and drove her to the hospital she was admitted to a private room in the prenatal Ward after the doctor checked her he said it would still take some time despite my doubts about the twin's paternity I was excited about the possibility of becoming a father the doctor suggested I go home saying it would be a while yet and
promised to call me when it was time for the delivery I went home ate sat around and eventually fell asleep the phone rang Emily was fully dilated experiencing contractions every 7 Minutes the babies were almost here it was 2:30 a.m. I grabbed a coat and rushed to the car why do babies always seem to arrive at odd hours I sped to the hospital making it just in time to watch the first baby being delivered a few minutes later the second followed the nurse checked both babies counting their fingers and toes then washed them while her
back was turned I swabbed each baby for the DNA test as she helped clean up my wife even though I already felt a connection I needed to know for sure if they were mine Emily looked at me with sad eyes and said she loved me as I kissed her gently Emily was moved to the recovery unit to rest and they advised me to go home the next day I called everyone to share the wonderful news the grandparents were thrilled eager to see their new grandchildren Pat and Amy promised to arrange time time off to visit
their niece and nephew on my way to the hospital carrying flowers for Emily I dropped off the DNA kit and was told the results would take about 10 days Emily would be staying at the hospital the doctor said she had suffered severe tears that needed time to heal for the next 5 days I visited her daily but she seemed distant and quiet when I asked the doctor about her behavior he simply replied she'll get over it it happens sometimes he mentioned she would be discharged on Saturday afternoon during my visit it on Friday I counted
down the hours until I could bring them home the nursery was ready for our new babies Saturday morning I made sure everything was set up for her return the safety Cuts were securely fastened at 1:30 I headed to the hospital to bring my family home I walked straight to her room but it was empty where are my wife and kids I asked the nurse another man has already taken them she replied who I demanded Panic Rising I tried calling Emily cell but there was no response the senior nurse arrived to handle the situation reporting it
to security who then contacted the police when the officers arrived a man and a woman both detectives were shown to the security room to review the footage from that morning they returned to inform me it seems Emily left with the man willingly we know who he is but we can't disclose his identity stunned I asked what am I supposed to do now go home Mr Colton they advised we will be in touch sick with words I sat at home anxiously waiting for news around 6:00 that evening I noticed the same two detectives knocking on my
door when neither looked me in the eye I asked what's going on the woman spoke first Mr Colton we can't tell you where your wife and children are but they are safe I'm really sorry she added softly I stared at her confused I no idea where my family is and Emily won't answer her phone the male detective stepped forward I regret to inform you that your wife left you and took the kids she stated that her attorney would be in contact soon my heart sank as I listened in disbelief please don't do anything foolish the
detective warned I'd hate to have to take further action they left leaving me alone once again my hands trembled and I felt hollow inside on the verge of being sick I had hit rock bottom I started to cry Sunday morning I woke up having cried myself to sleep I showered and put on some decent and clothes I made breakfast on autopilot after eating feeling a bit better I thought maybe Emily's parents know something I called her dad hello he answered hi it's me I said quickly everyone left saying they'd be visiting next weekend I need
to tell you what happened he tried to respond but I cut him off listen I don't want excuses just call Emily and get back to me can't believe she would act like this by lunchtime I went to denny's for an unhealthy meal a mega burger with fries onion rings and a beer feeling a bit better I returned home and checked the answering machine no messages I turned on the TV but my mind kept replaying the events of the last few days eventually I gave up it was past midnight so I went to bed my thoughts
wouldn't quiet down so I got up at 6:00 the next morning showered and went downstairs for breakfast I was sitting there staring at the news on TV when the phone rang it was Emily's attorney can you meet later today he asked yes I replied feeling a glimmer of hope 2:00 works he hung up maybe now I'll get some answers I thought at his office I was shown in immediately I expected to see just the attorney but Jimmy Prescott her boss was also there sitting on the sofa I decided to keep silent for the moment needing
answers this made everyone visibly uneasy the lawyer finally spoke Mr Colton you're here to discuss the terms of your divorce from Mrs Emily Colton your wife and Mr Prescott have a brief proposal for you she will divorce you on the grounds of irreconcilable differences you'll keep your business your property your retirement basically all of your savings she'll do the same however you must also sign documents allowing Mr Prescott to adopt your children in return Mr Prescott will deposit $2 million into an account of your choosing I jumped up so fast I almost knocked over the
desk absolutely not I shouted my kids are not for sale at any price you can have that strumpet for nothing I don't want anything to do do with her so get lost Emily stood up and spoke softly trying to calm me down Dan I know I hurt you and I'm so sorry I never wanted this to happen Jimmy and I have been seeing each other for a while and we really want to get married he wants to adopt the kids because sadly he can't have any of his own I cut her off oh so the
kids would have everything right a big house the best schools the perfect life I sneered and what do I have to offer an old rundown house and a small computer repair business my voice dripped with sarcasm is that why you want out because I lack ambition money and can't give the kids a better future her tone turned icy if you refuse to sign I'll take you to the cleaners I'll take your house half your income half your savings your 401k your business and I'll make sure you never see your kids again you're in a no-win
situation our way you at least get something go to hell Emily I snapped you have no claim to the house it's mine half of nothing is still nothing I don't have savings and you earn more than I do so support payments will be minimal I'll see my kids every other weekend and happily pay child support as for my business without me it doesn't exist as for your threats see you in court with that I turned and stormed out leaving three stunned people behind I went straight to Denny's for dinner after eating I drove home to
a cold empty house I sat with a beer staring at the TV furious at myself for not checking the peephole before opening the door I woke up around 11: to a knock still a bit groggy as I opened the door it was slammed inward with such force that I staggered back but managed to stay on my feet three men rushed in trying to grab me but I was fully awake now I struck the first one in the throat with extended Knuckles the second guy tried to put me in a headlock and forc me to the
floor while I was Breaking Free the third man hit my shin with a baseball bat and I fell I began losing Consciousness as the first man lay on the ground choking the other two kicked me assuming they'd finish me off they needed to leave enough evidence for the police to follow up as I started to black out their leader lifted me to my feet now be a good boy and sign the papers or we'll be back he said his face inches from mine I headbutted him in the nose feeling the warm blood splatter across my
face now I had his DNA I quickly pulled my handkerchief from my pocket and dabbed some of his blood onto it screaming he turned away clutching his face and cursing at me I started to black out again only to be jolted awake when he kicked me in the ribs I fainted collapsing against the wall I woke up slowly hearing voices but unable to recognize who they belong to I saw vague shapes in the room but couldn't identify them then Darkness took over again the next time I woke bright sunlight filled the room I looked around
and saw a woman seated in a chair it took me a moment to recognize her as cam the wife of my MMA instructor Nick Wright I tried to speak but my mouth was too dry I coked out a sound cam came over and pressed the call button a nurse came in and checked my vitals she smiled and asked how I was feeling the ice chip she gave me tasted better than the finest Scotch cam quickly dialed her phone with one hand while holding mine how are you feeling glad to have you back among the living
Dan you really scared us for a while she said like I've been hit by a truck I coked a truck might have done less damage she replied with a r smile at that moment a doctor entered I'm so glad to see you finally awake you've been in a coma for 3 days but I think you're on the men now Doc could I get something to eat I feel like I could eat a whole cow just pull out the horns and wipe its rear I groaned everyone laughed but when I tried to join in the pain
in my side made me nearly pass out the doctor adjusted my pain medication and showed me how to use the button for more morphine I drifted in and out of a morphine induced sleep for what seemed like hours when Nick finally arrived I realized it had been just over an hour he filled me in on what happened I'd been attacked in my home and the neighborhood watch found my front door open they called the police in an ambulance and the officers found Nick's number in my phone under ice in case of emergency either Nick or
Cam had been with me ever since he then described my injuries a fractured left tibia shattered radius two cracked ribs a perforated lung a damaged kidney a cracked eye socket and a broken nose other than that you're fine he joked making me smile when Nick and cam left to go home a detective named Graham Kohl's entered the room how much of the attack do you remember he asked I recounted the leader's message when I mentioned having a DNA sample on my handkerchief he placed it in an Evidence bag clearly pleased I closed my eyes for
a moment and when I opened them the room was empty shrouded in darkness the next day Nick visited and offered to let me stay at his house until I could move around on my own again I asked him to pick up my mail from my place and he agreed I also inquired if he knew a good divorce attorney he nodded and promised to get back to me after a bit more conversation I drifted off to sleep again when I woke up a nurse was checking my vitals she mentioned that everything looked good and clean with
no signs of infection she changed my bandages shortly after they brought me some food eating with one arm was tricky so she had to cut up my meal I slept well that night and woke up feeling refreshed the nurse gave me a bed bath but I didn't react I was still too sore later Nick arrived with a stunning woman who he introduced as my new lawyer Grace miles she confirmed that I still had visitation rights for my kids and agreed to take on my case we reviewed the situation together before she left Nick stayed with
me while I sorted through the mail he had brought when I opened the DNA results I initially felt a wave of Rage but then I started to laugh neither of the kids was mine Emily had been cheating on both Jimmy and me a classic cheater I explained the situation to Nick once I stopped laughing and his face went pale having had a change of heart I decided to discuss a settlement I called Grace and asked her to set up a meeting with Emily Jimmy their attorney and myself at the hospital she arranged for us to
meet the next day in a borrowed office when Nick wheeled me into the room my arm and leg and casts tubes running into my body Emily looked flawless my face like most of my body was bruised black and blue Emily seemed shocked at my appearance while Jimmy just smirked staring at them I began well I changed my mind after some of your friends visited and don't bother denying it Jimmy the last thing your Thug said was ass signed the papers who else would want me to sign over the kids without the $2 million incentive I
handed over the new paperwork my lawyer had prepared your original proposal made it seem like I was selling the kids and my lawyer explained how that could open me up to human trafficking charges nice try though their attorney eyed the document suspiciously as I continued my lawyer and I have drafted a new settlement here it is Grace handed the paperwork to their attorney with copies for Emily and Jimmy your offer is nothing like ours let me break it down for you I keep my house everything in it my savings my business both cars and my
wife's jewelry additionally she deposits the $188,000 from her not so Secret mertile credit account into my attorney's holding account you prick that's my money you can't have it Emily sputtered her face turning Crimson as a vein pulsed in her neck Jimmy looked at her in Surprise it seemed he had no idea about her secret account gently he pulled her back into her seat still smirking I think that moment put the first nail in the coffin of their relationship if he hadn't cared so much for the kids he might have walked out right then sit down
and shut up you cheating liar the adults are talking he snapped Emily went silent her face shifting from red to pale as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted I continued since she earns significantly more than I do she will also pay me $2,500 a month in spousal support deposited into my attorney's account as for the company you both work for to compensate for destroying my marriage and for my injuries you will pay me $10 million net of taxes into my attorney's account along with covering all my medical expenses legal fees and Aftercare costs
this must be paid by 5:00 p.m. this coming Friday Jimmy started laughing uncontrollably are you insane why should we pay you everything we have we're only here for 20% excuse me I replied did you say 20% yes 20% He barked I heard you but do you know what that means I asked calmly is this some number you pulled out of thin air to back up your nonsense he challenged no I said I did thorough research on your company clients in Revenue since your company is publicly traded all this information is readily available online it's completely
legitimate now think about how this will impact your father's Congressional Campaign after all he's running on a family values platform then consider your clientele you have several high-profile entertainment and political clients one hint of Scandal and they'll abandon you next your advertising Branch you represent two children's clothing stores a baby Product Company and a sports goods manufacturer every well-known brand will drop you like a hot potato and you'll be scapegoated at a board meeting when things hit the fan so you see $10 million is actually quite reasonable Jimmy looked unwell no longer arrogant my attorney
will send the full amount it should be in her account by Friday at 5:00 no one had anything else to say but I could see Jimmy still contemplating his Escape I continued oh and Jimmy if you think my disappearance will let you off the hook I've sent the whole story to five out of state attorneys if anything happens to me they'll notify the media his defeated expression told me I'd hit the mark As we walked away I called out 5:00 p.m. Friday later back in my room Grace asked why I gave in and let Jimmy
adopt my children she glanced at the DNA test results I handed her and laughed you clever prick the kids aren't yours I'm not sure yet this shows she was cheating on both Jimmy and me I intend to find out and make sure Jimmy knows Dan I'd hate to be on your bad side you'd have made a great attorney thanks but I don't have the Eliminator Instinct you do you just haven't used it the doctor visited later saying I could go home the next day if I had help I stayed with Nick and cam for a
while visiting the hospital twice a week to change my dressings and monitor my kidneys recovery on Friday I waited nervously for 5:00 p.m. but my attorney called at 330 the money was in the account 10,861 312 wow I was rich Grace paid her share and transferred the rest to my checking account life went on after 8 weeks of care from friends I returned home but the house felt empty and depressing I decided to move closer to my sister at work I called Greg and may into a meeting I explained I needed a fresh start elsewhere
thanked them and handed over ownership of the business including all profits earned in my absence then I took them out to dinner next I treated Nick and cam to dinner and gave them a check for $500,000 for taking care of me they tried to refuse but I insisted it was Jimmy's employer's money not mine they finally accepted over a glass of wine I told them I was moving to New York to be near my sister Nick asked about my house and I said I'd probably rent it out he hesitated so I urged him to speak
up he mentioned his son Eric who had just graduated with an engineering degree was getting married and needed a place to live would I rent the house to him I agreed telling Nick to set the rent based on what they could afford and use the money for a college fund for their baby cam hugged me so hard I thought she broke my ribs again the next day Nick cried I called Patty to let her know I was coming to stay with her until I found a place she was thrilled and began planning activities 3 weeks
later I closed my front door for the last time shed a few tears and handed the keys to Nick I also left Emily's car title for his son as a housewarming gift we hugged and promised to stay in touch after a leisurely 2-e road trip I arrived at Patty's she hugged me until I gasped for air we going out to dinner with a friend just wear slacks and a shirt she said when we got there Emily's sister Amy was waiting we went to a casual diner with a bar and I realized I'd been set up
I was annoyed at first but I couldn't stay mad at Patty for long so I decided to go with it Amy hugged Patty as we reached the table then to my surprise hugged me too cursing Emily and wishing she'd rot in hell Amy worked in accounting at an advertising company nearby the evening went well with Amy being the first to pull me onto the Dance Floor we danced two waltes in a slow song then returned to Patty who said you two look like a perfect couple Amy blushed and I quickly headed to the restroom the
rest of the evening I danced with both Amy and Patty avoiding the slow songs at the end of the night we put Amy in a cab and called one for ourselves patty just laughed and went to bed when we got home ignoring my complaints about setting me up the next day we went house hunting I preferred a house over in a apartment imagining barbecues and having friends over despite the high prices thanks to being near New York City I decided to buy with cash after weeks of searching I found a three-bedroom home with separate living
kitchen and dining areas a decent yard and a secure Community entrance guarded 247 Patty loved it and joked about moving in with me I had to furnish the house spying all the essentials like towels pots and pans luckily it came with kitchen appliances but I still had to stock up on food and basics ammy and Patty were invaluable in helping me giving the place a homey touch rather than a man cave look I set up one area as my workspace complete with a custom motherboard a top-of-the-line computer and a fire resistant safe Patty and Amy
insisted on a housewarming party inviting their friends since I knew no one around the plan worked soon I was on multiple social media and contact lists for the next 3 weeks weekends were filled with parties and barbecues I barely thought of Emily and enjoyed my new social life Amy and I grew closer during this time more than friends but not quite lovers one evening Patty and Amy planned to go to the theater but Patty canceled last minute leaving just Amy and me during The Taming of the Shrew Amy reached over and grabbed my hand this
was a surprise since the most we'd done before was a cheek kiss after the play we took a taxi to Amy's apartment but it left before I could head home I cursed realizing there wouldn't be another cab this far out of town laughing Amy said then you'd better stay the night she kissed me deeply leading me inside as we got to her bedroom she asked what does a girl have to do to get you to sleep with her I figured it was time I made the first move it was the best night of my life
now let me return the favor I said to which she replied what did you do to me I've never felt this way before at 1: p.m. we woke up starving and went to a neighborhood Deli for lunch back at Amy's place we talked about what had happened she confessed she had liked me since we first met and after my split with Emily had turned to Patty for help in getting us together I admitted I was interested in her too but thought it would be inappropriate to approach my ex-wife's Sister Amy said she appreciated my consideration
but had run out of patience so she and Patty planned the previous night then with a laugh she texted Patty mission accomplished Amy drove me home to change unlike her sister Amy didn't pick fights over little things which made me feel at ease Patty noticed this and often commented on how happy she was for us we just seemed to fit during this time I was working on my project which I finally completed the beauty of these programs and Hardware was their versatility they could be adapted for military gaming Aviation and Automotive applications knowing that thorough
testing by Gamers would reveal any flaws I decided to reach out to a top game developer when I approached the gaming company they were skeptical believing they already had the best programmers after some negotiation they agreed to a 3-month trial I provided sealed units and tamperproof software after the trial they called a meeting I brought my sister a corporate attorney and one of her colleagues experienced in such negotiations knowing the patents could be sold for much more in global sales the company offered $120 million for the patents however I insisted on licensing rights for 10
years instead my goal was $50 million plus a 1% royalty on all applications using my hardware and software for the same period after hours of negotiation we settled on $65 million and a 5% royalty for 10 years contracts were signed and a handshake sealed the deal I was suddenly very wealthy even after taxes similar negotiations followed with the military's aeronautical Department a top aircraft supplier and a major automaker my post tax cash assets were valued at over $250 million with a 10-year potential worth more than $3.5 billion unsure of what to do with such wealth
I sought investment advice knowing even basic interest would earn me over $12 million annually before taxes my sister was renting her apartment dating another attorney and Amy and I had moved in together things were getting serious A year had passed since I started my new life and I decided it was time for some payback against those who had hurt me I sat down with Amy and said I still want to get back at your sister are you okay with that she replied burn the witch I'll help if you need it we discussed various plans but
decided to wait before taking action just after dinner the phone rang an assistant DA from Freestone Texas asked if I would testify in 3 weeks they had caught the people who attacked me I agreed and Amy insisted on coming with me we decided to make a quick trip arriving a week before the trial we flew to Texas where Nick picked us up and dropped us off at our Motel as a thank you we took Nick and cam to dinner at The Regency Club the women looked stunning in cocktail dresses while I wore a $2,000 Italian
suit and Nick dawned his best Church outfit none of us had been to this restaurant before so it was a special night a uniform doorman opened the car doors then the restaurant door the head waiter guided us to our table as Cam and Nick admired the pianists playing soft music we enjoyed a light appetizer of thinly sliced melon and parah ham followed by our choice of Entre and fruit salad accompanied by red and dessert wines while savoring the wine I noticed Emily and her husband Jimmy seated nearby with another couple Amy excused herself to use
the powder room with Cam following they had to pass by Emily's table I watched as Emily froze covering her mouth in shock Amy greeted her pointed to me and said something that made cam laugh Emily rushed out of the restaurant with Jimmy in toe when Amy and cam returned I asked what Amy had said Amy explained after Cam said hi hi Emily asked who I was with I replied I'm with another millionaire sitting over there thanks for divorcing him we were meant to be together you obviously traded down then I added I don't see what
you ever saw in that stuffed monkey and walked away we danced and laughed about Amy's encounter late into the night the next day while Nick and cam worked Amy and I played tourists even spending a day at a weapon range where Amy proved to be a surprisingly good shot the day before the trial we had dinner at Nick and Cam's house home-cooked food tasted so much better than restaurant Fair we toasted their upcoming wedding and Nick shared that his son was getting married in the spring when we met with the assistant DA he called the
case a slam dunk my providing the DNA of the Trio's leader had helped identify him he was prepared to testify against his accompli the trial concluded with the leader receiving a 15-year sentence in exchange for testifying the one I struck in the throat got two years since he didn't actively participate in the attack while the other received 5 years for his first offense after Nick and cam dropped us off at the airport I handed Nick an envelope and told him not to open it until after we had taken off inside were the Deeds to my
old house a wedding gift for his son I had shown it only to his son understanding the importance of wedding vows after settling it at home I called my sister inviting her and her partner to dinner on Friday without telling Amy when Friday arrived I finally let Amy in on the dinner plans and she was thrilled that evening we took a limo to a restaurant I had booked 3 weeks in advance after a hearty meal a man in a gypsy costume approached our table and played a love ballad on his violin then to Amy's surprise
he got down on one knee and proposed to her through tears of joy and Applause from the whole restaurant she said yes her expression was priceless my sister walked over hugged Amy and said welcome to the family we danced for the rest of the evening before the limo took us home our wedding was set for early spring and invitations went out I stayed out of the planning leaving it to Amy and my sister the ceremony took place at a nearby church and I covered lodging for all outof town guests reserving a full floor at the
Hilton for their 3-day stay the wedding was a grand event and everyone had a fantastic time Nick and Cam said they hadn't had so much fun in years they invited us to their son's wedding planned for 2 months later complete with daily excursions and evening dances Amy and I spent two weeks sailing the Caribbean we needed another break after our wedding and returned completely exhausted by then I had a troubleshooting team in place to handle any issues with my program and Hardware allowing me to take things slow while planning my next steps for Retribution 9
months later our son James was born followed by his sister Sarah a year later we moved into a larger house but stayed within our Safe Community by this point I was quite wealthy and even became somewhat of a celebrity frequently attending charitable events some Society magazines began calling Amy and me the ideal couple however I never let go of my desire for Revenge the pain of what had been done to me lingered over the past 5 years I had hired a pi to gather information on Emily Jimmy and everyone connected to them including her former
boss Troy Simmons I wanted to know if Troy was the father of Emily's twins the pi confirmed my suspicions the Twins were Troy's additionally Emily was still seeing Troy and two other men while Jimmy was occupied with his father's business and a string of escorts the first phase of my plan began with a revelation I sent Jimmy the twins DNA results along with Troy's adding a note that read do the math this confirmed the Twins were not his and revealed Emily's ongoing Affairs I also included evidence of her current infidelities then stepped back to let
the chaos unfold two months later Nick called to inform me that Jimmy had kicked Emily out using their prenup to keep the kids he had adopted she was left with nothing and no one knew where she had gone Amy called Emily's parents to see if they had any information but her father replied don't contact us again and mentioned he had only wired her a couple of thousand Emily was now feeling the sting of betrayal and loss phase one was complete her email account was still active so I sent her the Pi's report on Jimmy including
photos of him with various women I thought this should stir things up a few days later as Amy and I watched an old movie the security gates intercom chimed Miss Prescott wants to visit I told Amy shall we let her in Amy Shrugged letun hear what she has to say I instructed the guard to let her in a short while later there was a knock at the door when Amy opened it Emily stood there looking disheveled hair unkempt clothes wrinkled no makeup Amy gestured for her to come inside and as she walked in I noticed
she avoided making eye contact with me Amy handed her a cup of coffee which she accepted gratefully before sitting down though part of me felt pity I also recalled the pain she had caused you look like a wreck what happened to you I asked Emily broke down unable to speak for 10 minutes then through tears she explained he found out I was seeing Troy all along he figured out the twins weren't his then after our marriage he discovered I was still seeing Troy he went wild and threw me out in the clothes I was wearing
I checked into a motel I had my laptop in my car and a couple thousand in my account no one would speak to me after what I did to you my family disowned me she glanced up eyes red and puffy I called his father Barry who told me he didn't need me anymore since he now had an air to the family fortune my dad finally agreed to talk to me wired me a few thousand and told me never to call again she looked at Amy adding I had nowhere else to go so I came here
hoping you might pity me I didn't expect any help from you she nodded at me I know you wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire I'm sorry for everything I was cruel and selfish and deserved this but I miss my children I was a terrible wife but I was a good mother she paused looking defeated and stopped her rehears speech while I knew she had practiced it most of what she said was true I felt some pity for her but I still wanted to deal with Jimmy though that could wait he had caused
me suffering and his time was coming Emily mentioned she hadn't eaten in 2 days when Amy asked if she was hungry Emily nodded Amy made bacon eggs hash browns and pancakes Emily asked for more coffee which Amy provided and she quickly devoured the meal afterward Amy showed her to the guest bedroom and left some clothes on the bed for her while Emily showered Amy and I discussed our next steps as much as I hate her she's still my sister we should help Amy admitted I agreed partly to annoy Jimmy by showing her recovery for now
we decided to let her stay in the guest room until we found other options I'll take her shopping for Basics tomorrow Amy said Emily came back downstairs looking more rested we told her the plan for the next few days and she started crying again later we all went to bed the next morning Emily prepared breakfast coffee and buttered toast I joined Amy at the table Dan I'm so lucky I didn't expect this kindness Emily said you took my family from me I replied what you did was unforgivable but with amyk love I can finally forgive
you I won't dwell on it anymore no more apologies this chapter ends here I added you're going shopping withi today but just to Walmart she nodded later that day I looked for housing options for Emily fortunately a one-bedroom house two streets away was available it was movein ready fully equipped and the owner was posted overseas for 3 years after inspecting it I paid a year's rent and a security deposit when the girls returned from shopping I shared the news Emily hugged me thanking me through tears ammy grinned and blew a kiss Emily turned to me
and whispered I don't know what I was thinking when I messed up our marriage I should never have let you go Amy take good care of him he's the best man you'll ever find then she hurried upstairs hiding her emotions alone with Amy I explained my plans to help Emily and take down Jimmy and his father we loaded Amy's van and arranged for the rest to be delivered the next day as Emily shopped for Essentials the girls found a place for everything in the new house it was like magic fitting it all in we chose
to support Emily financially giving her a credit card with a $1,000 monthly limit and $10,000 for her checking account more hugs and tears followed that night in bed Amy said I'm glad you didn't kick Emily when she was down I replied that I hoped she learned her lesson and would treat her next partner better the next day we helped Emily settle into her new house though she insisted on doing most of the work herself she even invited us over for dinner that night we left the kids with a sitter and headed over Emily prepared a
delicious meal roast beef baked potatoes mixed veggies with garlic butter and honey and for dessert baked apples stuffed with raisins and topped with ice cream we left completely full Emily adjusted well and in the following weeks Amy and I agreed to help with her divorce I arranged a meeting with an attorney at Patty's recommendation we met with Brian Scott although he didn't approve of Emily's past actions he agreed to take on the case our main goal was getting her children back money was secondary I have an idea I said during the meeting I allowed Jimmy
to adopt the kids when Brian mentioned this would be a challenge I asked what if the children aren't biologically mine I explained that I had received $2 million for the kids but refused letting Jimmy adopt them without financial gain however I was considering seeking $10 million for alienation of affection against Jimmy and XYZ advertising I had signed a non-disclosure agreement with them to keep XYZ out of the divorce proceedings if I violated it I'd have to repay the money I gave Brian the DNA reports proving that Troy Simmons was the father showing that the children
weren't mine therefore Jimmy had no claim and the adoption was unofficial this meant Emily could reclaim them I clarified this isn't just for Emily it's to mess with Jimmy and his father Brian nodded leave it to me and I'll get back to you that evening I told Amy what I had done and she fully supported it we then invited Emily over she seemed nervous at first until I explained my plan grateful she threw her arms around me then quickly pulled back embarrassed and apologizing don't worry about it Amy and I said in unison letun leave
it at that a few days later Brian contacted us and requested a meeting with Emily and me he would now be representing her instead of me during the meeting he laid out his plan first he began wek file a motion to anull the adoption he paused looking at us before continuing second I'll report to the state that Jimmy Prescott and his father Barry attempted to purchase children violating the anti-slavery Act of 1865 he let that sink in third will pursue charges for this offense they coerced Mr Dan Colton into allowing the adoption since the children
weren't his biologically the adoption is void he showed us the DNA results to prove this Emily will demand the return of her children currently being kept at 218 fifth will sue Mr Troy Simmons for sexual maltreatment as he forced the then Mrs Colton into an affair to keep her job six will pursue legal action against Jimmy Prescott for coercing Emily into a relationship that destroyed her marriage he continued seventh will file a lawsuit against XYZ advertising for enabling the maltreatment and promoting the affair both CEO Jimmy Prescott and chairman Barry Prescott knew about the affair
and supported it causing the marriage breakdown eighth will charge Troy Simmons with alienation of affection contributing to the end of Emily's marriage ninth will charge Jimmy Prescott for the same reason 10th we'll go after XYZ advertising for failing to include a morality clause in staff contracts despite knowing about the affair and lastly 11th will sue XYZ for supporting the affair between Jimmy and Mrs Colton which led to the marriage's dissolution Brian then looked at me and added finally Mr Colton acknowledges he signed an NDA for $10 million and is prepared to repay the amount if
he breaks the agreement we stood there stunned by Brian's comprehensive plan Emily though shaken seemed ready I'll handle the Fallout she said I brought this on myself move now I told Brian and XYZ will face a media attack targeting Troy Simmons Jimmy Prescott Barry Prescott and the company Brian nodded saying he'd be ready in two weeks I was to launch my attack a week later leaving Brian's office I felt Justice was Within Reach though Jimmy and Barry put up a legal fight Brian pressed on a week later as planned I sent all the gathered evidence
to every media Outlet the Media pounced Camping outside the courthouse and homes of those involved as expected xyz's clients began threatening to cut ties the board fired Troy Simmons without Severance and to stop the bleeding Jimmy and Barry Prescott stepped down XYZ also paid Emily a seven figure settlement with my own compensation I would easily cover the $10 million NDA repayment The Fallout continued Congressman Barry Prescott known for his family values campaign resigned citing illness soon after the FBI found Financial anomalies including payments to escorts and misuse of campaign funds he was called before a
select committee less than a month later Emily regained custody of her children shortly after Amy and I drove Emily and the kids to her parents house for a Reconciliation I told her parents I forgiven her while we may not be close friends we're at least civil I hope you can forgive her too seeing their grandchildren for the first time helps smooth things over and the aftermath Barry Prescott was sentenced to 3 years for campaign fund misuse Jimmy was found guilty of attempted human trafficking and embezzling company funds receiving a 5-year sentence his sentence was longer
because he refused to reveal where some of the missing money came from money I had set him up to take for my final Revenge I bribed the prison allocator to place Jimmy with a particularly dangerous inmate meanwhile Emily moved into a larger home retook her bar exams and started working at the same law firm as Patty though we didn't socialize much we occasionally babysat for each other Emily hasn't dated since she's focused on her career in children [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]