Something colder.
Something stronger.
I stood up slowly.
Walked to the kitchen.
Poured myself a glass of water.
My hands didn’t shake.
That surprised me the most.
When I came back, I placed the glass gently on the table.
Then I looked at them and spoke—calmly, clearly, every word deliberate.
“If everyone is finished,” I said, “then I have something to say.”
They leaned in slightly.
Waiting.
“Please,” I continued, “all six of you… get out of my house.”
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Mrs. Diane’s face drained of color.
Emily froze mid-breath.
Daniel looked up sharply.
Lucas blinked like he hadn’t heard me correctly.
“What… what did you just say?” he stammered.
I met his eyes.
“You cheated on me,” I said evenly. “You betrayed our marriage. And now you bring another woman here—into my home—to claim a place.”
My voice didn’t rise.
“But let me remind you of something,” I added. “This house belongs to me. It is in my name. No one here has the right to ask me to leave.”
No one spoke.
Not one word.
“If you think she deserves to be your wife,” I continued, “that’s your decision. But you won’t build that life here.”
Chloe lowered her gaze.
For the first time, she looked uncertain.
I looked at each of them, one by one.