I felt grateful that she had chosen me.
The Sweetest Revenge
Three months later, Michael made his biggest mistake.
He assumed Karen was still the woman who would quietly accept whatever he decided was fair.
The final settlement negotiations had been difficult, but Karen’s attorney had documented the relevant accounts, property valuations, and business expenses. The agreement protected Karen’s share of the marital assets and left Second Chapter entirely under her control.
Michael had spent months trying to pressure her into accepting less.
Now, with the divorce finalized, he wanted something else.
He wanted to buy the bookstore.
Not because he loved books.
Not because he believed in Karen’s dream.
Because the neighborhood was changing, and a commercial development company had begun acquiring properties nearby.
Michael had recently invested in a project connected to the area. If he could acquire the storefront and several neighboring properties, he stood to make a substantial profit.
