4. Becoming Someone New
I spent the next week in a whirlwind of meetings, reports, and document signings. I learned that:
The card was called a Vault Access Credential.
The program was designed for people whose work had contributed to the national security infrastructure.
My father had decided to leave everything to me.
Agent Pierce arranged a small apartment in Cherry Creek as a temporary residence until I “adjusted to my new socio-financial reality,” as he put it. It was surreal: living under discreet protection while lawyers handled my separation.
Then came the day Ryan reached out. He sent a text message. Ryan: We need to talk. I overreacted. Come home. I stared at my phone. Then I blocked his number.
Two days later, he showed up outside the Treasury Field Office, waiting by the entrance. My stomach dropped when I saw him pacing back and forth, confused and angry. “Emily!” “What the hell is going on?” he shouted as he stormed out with Agent Pierce at my side. “Where have you been? Why is the government involved?” I didn’t answer. Pierce took a step forward. “Mr. Holt, this is a restricted area. Please step back.”
Ryan’s eyes flicked between us, suspicion hardening into something darker. “What’s she doing with a federal agent? Emily, you owe me an explanation!” “I don’t owe you anything,” I said quietly. His face tightened. “You’re my wife!” “No,” I corrected, “I’m your soon-to-be ex-wife.” He lunged forward, grabbing my arm, but two security officers intercepted him instantly. His voice cracked as they restrained him. “What happened? Who the hell are you, really? Emily, answer me!” I turned away. Agent Pierce whispered, “Good. Stay out of this.” That man sees you as property, not as a person. He was right.
5. The Divorce War
The divorce proceedings, however, were complicated. Ryan assumed I had run off with another man. He alleged abandonment, emotional manipulation, even secretly diverting funds from our joint accounts. All lies. But then, his lawyer made a chilling statement during mediation: “My client is concerned that Ms. Holt is hiding financial assets.” I almost laughed. Ryan glared at me. “You think you can just walk away and keep whatever it is you ran off with? I’ll find out.”
