Chapter 5: Exposed: Lies, Threats, and Reckoning

In my last life, the company’s cash flow collapsed, projects stalled, and we lost a fortune in penalties. The company went bankrupt. My world unraveled, one thread at a time.

This time, I was prepared. Everything seemed to be going better. I’d cut out the rot, focused on what mattered, and for once, I felt hopeful.

But then, my assistant messaged me—I was being attacked online. The ping of her text was like a siren, warning me of another storm.

In the video, Miranda appeared haggard, no makeup, a bloody bandage on her wrist, muffled sobs in the background:

“He used our daughter to force me out with nothing. He hit me when I wouldn’t give him money...”

“He must have someone else outside...”

#AbusiveScumbagEvan trended on Twitter.

The comments section was a bloodbath:

[Find this monster!]

[That poor little girl, it’s not safe with a psycho like him!]

[Ladies, here’s his company address...]

People online dug up my phone number, and my inbox was flooded with curses and threats. The mob wanted blood, and facts didn’t matter.

Tyler spread even more lies:

“My brother-in-law is inhuman. My sister worked herself to the bone for our family, and he beat her and wants a divorce.”

The internet mob didn’t care about the truth—they just wanted drama. Every time I tried to explain, the tide of hate just grew stronger.

Friends tried to explain in the comments, but every clarification was instantly drowned out by insults. Screenshots, doctored photos, wild rumors—my reputation was shredded in hours.

The company legal team worked through the night. I barely slept, pacing the living room as they drafted statements and flagged abusive posts.

Early the next morning, I headed straight to Tyler’s place. I was done hiding. I needed to hear it from them, face-to-face.

Miranda answered the door, wearing an apron, looking a bit tired. Her hair was pulled back, eyes rimmed red, but I knew better than to trust the act.

She’d never done housework when we lived together. The sight of her holding a dishtowel was almost laughable. I had to stop myself from snorting.

Her brother’s whole family lounged on the couch, glued to their phones, looking smug. Empty soda cans littered the coffee table, and the TV blared some reality show in the background. It was like a scene from a bad sitcom.

When they saw me at the door, they assumed I’d come to beg. I could see it in their eyes—the gloating, the anticipation.

Miranda shot her brother a triumphant look:

“See? I told you he’d show up.”

Tyler sneered:

“What’s the matter, Evan? Last time you stormed out, and now you’re back?”

Looking at their arrogant faces, I wanted to turn and leave, but I couldn’t—not yet. I needed them to show their true colors, to push them into the open.

I put on a worried face:

“Miranda, we’re still husband and wife. Can’t we part on good terms? Why slander me online?”

Miranda scoffed:

“Who’s to say if you hit me or not? It’s my word that counts.”

“A hundred grand for my brother, and I’ll clear your name. Otherwise, my word stands—no one will know what’s true.”

Their true colors finally showed. The mask slipped, and all that was left was greed.

But before I could reply, Tyler upped the ante:

“No way. You wouldn’t give me a hundred grand before, so now the price has gone up.”

His eyes darted, scheming:

“Transfer your company to me. I’ll be the boss, and you can work for us. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you a few hundred a month.”

So they were after my company all along. No wonder they’d stalled on the divorce. I almost laughed at the audacity.

“As for your daughter, just send her off to some foster home out in the sticks—keep her out of sight.”

I’d wanted to hear just how ruthless they could be, but when they mentioned my daughter, my rage boiled over. My hands shook with fury. I could barely see straight.

I slapped Tyler hard across the face. His left cheek instantly turned bright red. The crack echoed through the apartment, silencing everyone for a heartbeat.

“You animal! Are you even human? Willing to get rid of your own niece—I should never have come here.”

Tyler clutched his face and lunged at me, but I dodged and he hit the floor. His pride was hurt more than anything else.

Ignoring the pain, he pointed at me and shouted:

“If you don’t give us the money, I’ll get rid of your daughter for good!”

I stared him down, cold as ice:

“That alone could get you ten years.”

With that, I left. I didn’t look back.

I’d done what I came for. And I’d picked up a little extra along the way. The truth, finally out in the open, was all the ammo I needed. Now, it was time to protect my daughter—and myself—for good.

Next, I’d make sure the truth hit harder than their lies.