Chapter 14
“Translation: total control.” She made a note. “What about your accounts from before the marriage?”
“I had a savings account. About eight thousand dollars. He convinced me to close it and put the money toward our honeymoon. He said we were a team now — no need for separate finances.”
“So he isolated you financially within the first month.” Rebecca looked up. “Did he ever threaten you explicitly?”
“Not with violence. But he made it clear what would happen if I left. He’d destroy my father’s business — what’s left of it. He’d make sure no one in Chicago would hire me. He’d tell everyone I was unstable. That I tried to hurt myself. That I was an embarrassment to his name.” Elena’s voice dropped. “And I believed him. Because Marcus doesn’t make empty threats.”
Rebecca’s phone buzzed on the desk. She glanced at it, and her expression changed.
“Dominic’s here.”
Elena’s pulse jumped.
“Here? Why?”
“Because he wants to meet with you officially. He’s been helping behind the scenes, but now we’re moving into active strategy — which means you need to understand exactly what you’re getting into.”
Before Elena could answer, the door opened.
Dominic walked in looking different in daylight. Sharper. More dangerous. He wore a dark suit that probably cost more than Elena’s monthly allowance, his hair still slightly damp like he’d just showered, and he moved through the room like he owned the building — which, Elena realized, he might.
“Elena.” He nodded to her, then to Rebecca. “Has she been briefed?”
“We’re building the foundation. Financial control, emotional abuse, affairs.”
“Good.” He sat in the chair beside Elena — close enough that she caught his cologne, something expensive and understated. “Elena. I need to be direct with you. Marcus has already started his counterattack.”
Her stomach clenched.
“What do you mean?”
“This morning he gave an interview to the Tribune.” Dominic pulled out his phone and set it on the desk between them. “Said you’ve been struggling with depression for years. That he’s been trying to get you help but you refuse treatment. That you’ve become increasingly paranoid and erratic.”
Elena looked down at the screen.
REAL ESTATE MOGUL PLEADS FOR MISSING WIFE’S SAFE RETURN.
The photo showed Marcus looking haggard, hand pressed to his forehead, eyes down. The article quoted him extensively. Elena is the love of my life. But she’s been battling demons I can’t fight for her. I just want her to come home so we can get her the help she needs.