The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY novel Chapter 36

Chapter 5

Hanging above the stage–suspended by four ropes–was Vivienne.

Gagged. Thrashing like a trapped animal.

“Oh my God–that’s Vivienne Hart!”

Panic tore through the hall.

Cade’s face twisted. “Get her the fuck down! Move!”

No one moved.

He spun around–and froze.

Every face around him was unfamiliar. His men were gone.

At the exits, my crew stood guard, trapping the panicked crowd inside.

A spotlight slammed onto center stage.

There I was–black dress, hands on the keys.

I started playing. Chopin’s Funeral March.

Cade’s face went slack. “You–how the fuck are you here?”

The final note echoed. I looked up. Smiled.

“Brought you a wedding gift.”

He ground his teeth. “So this whole time–you were playing me?”

I laughed. A short, mocking laugh.

“You really thought your little schemes could take me down After everything I taught you?”

“What do you want?!”

I glanced up at Vivienne, dangling above us, muffled screams escaping the gag.

“Let’s play a game. Russian roulette.”

I pulled out a revolver and held it out.

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

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Chapter 5

“Five shots to your hand. You live? She lives.”

Cade stared at the gun. Then at me. His face hardened.

“Why? San, you loved me-”

I leaned forward. “Loved? I didn’t just love you, Cade. I saved you. Raised you. Made you into someone people feared. We were supposed to be partners–lovers, equals. And you threw it all away for some cheap piece of ass.”

The crowd murmured. Cade had always called me his “mentor.” No one knew we’d been lovers.

Gasps rippled through the audience.

His hands balled into fists. He looked like he wanted to rip my throat out.“You need to stop.”

I ignored him. Stopped smiling. Started counting.

“Ten.”

Vivienne spat out the gag, shrieking.

“Cade, don’t–she’s bluffing!”

“Nine.”

“I’ll kill you for this!”

“Eight.”

“The baby–think about the baby!”

“Seven.”

“San! Please–just let her go!”

“Six.”

“I can’t breathe–Cade, I can’t-”

“Five.”

“You’ll pay for this!”

“Four.”

“Save me!”

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Chapter 5

“Three.”

“Shut up!”

“Two.”

Click.

Cade grabbed the gun. Fired.

Click. Click. Click.

Four empty chambers.

One bullet left.

His hand wouldn’t stop shaking. The gun rattled in his grip.

Above him, Vivienne screamed.

He looked at me. Then at her.

I raised my hand.

One rope snapped at once.

She dropped a foot, swinging wildly.

Cade’s head jerked up. “Vivienne!”

I smiled.

“Better hurry. Next time, I cut them all.”

He took a deep breath. Jammed the gun against his palm.

Squeezed his eyes shut.

BANG.

Blood exploded across the stage–hot, thick, everywhere.

A drop landed on my shoe.

I frowned. Vincent instantly stepped forward and wiped it clean.

“Let her down.” I waved my hand.

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The Verdict on My Husband the Judge: GUILTY

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Chapter 5

Vivienne was lowered slowly.

Cade didn’t even look at his ruined hand. He ran to her, pulling her into his arms.

“You’re okay. I’ve got you.”

Vivienne’s eyes locked on me. Pure hatred.

Before Cade could stop her, she ripped the knife from his belt.

Charged straight at me, screaming.

I didn’t move. Just smiled.

CLANG.

The knife clattered to the floor.

Vivienne stared at her hand.

“АНННН-”

Cade’s face went white.