Chapter 3 - The Cold Queen's Counterattack
The morning sun pierced through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Richard’s private study, casting harsh geometric light across the mahogany desk. Richard sat staring at his laptop screen, reviewing financial statements and corporate assets, when his phone buzzed violently against the wood. He picked it up to find an email notification from his private bank—a frozen asset alert. Every joint account he shared with Catherine had been temporarily restricted pending an emergency legal review. A sharp knock echoed at the study door before it pushed open without invitation, revealing Catherine dressed in a tailored crimson suit that commanded the room. She walked in with measured, predatory steps, placing a thick stack of legal documents right over the financial reports on his desk. Her diamond necklace caught the morning light, glittering like ice against her throat. “You didn't really think you could threaten me in my own home and walk away unscathed, did you?” Catherine asked, her tone chillingly calm as she leaned over the desk, invading his space. “My family's legal team has already filed for a temporary emergency injunction. Until the custody hearing next month, Lily remains under my supervision during business hours, and your access to corporate liquidity has been paused.” Richard stood up so fast his leather chair crashed backward against the wall, his eyes blazing with fury. “You touch my daughter again, Catherine, and I won't just break furniture—I will dismantle everything you’ve ever built,” he snarled, leaning close enough that she could feel the heat of his rage. Catherine merely smiled, unfazed by his threats, and tapped the top document with a manicured fingernail. “Try it, darling. But remember, the courts in this state heavily favor the primary caregiver, and legally speaking, I have all the receipts.” As she turned on her heel and glided out of the room, her phone buzzed in her hand; she glanced at the screen and smiled wider, turning back at the doorway to drop one final sentence. “Oh, and by the way, your corporate board just called an emergency meeting ten minutes ago.”
