Three days later, the visitor room at the state correctional facility was cold and sterile. A thick plexiglass divider separated the inmates from their visitors, with small metal handsets on either side.
Julian sat on the metal chair wearing a navy jumpsuit. His face was pale, his dark hair uncombed, and his arrogant posture completely crushed. On the other side of the glass sat Maya, looking immaculate in a cream coat.
Julian: You think you're so smart, don't you?
Maya: Pick up the phone, Julian. I'm not going to shout through the glass.
Julian reluctantly lifted the black plastic handset, pressing it to his ear with trembling fingers.
Julian: Why are you here, Maya? To laugh at me?
Maya: I'm here to bring you your divorce papers.
She slid a thin manila envelope through the metal slot at the bottom of the divider.
Julian: I'm not signing anything! I'm going to contest the divorce! I have rights!
Maya: Your lawyer already reviewed the terms, Julian. If you sign, I agree not to pursue civil damages for the twelve million dollars you stole from the company.
Julian: You... you wouldn't prosecute me for that...
Maya: I already gave the evidence to the District Attorney. The grand jury indicted you yesterday morning on wire fraud charges. If you fight this divorce, you will serve twenty years instead of five.
Julian stared at the envelope through the glass, his jaw shaking as he realized he had no leverage left.
Julian: What about my mother? Where is she staying?
Maya: Evelyn has moved into a small apartment in town. Her personal allowance has been set to a modest monthly stipend from the estate trust.
Julian: You stripped my family of everything...
Maya: No, Julian. You stripped your family of everything the moment you threw that plate across the room. You just finally have to face the consequences.
Julian took the pen attached to the clipboard inside the slot and signed his name on the bottom line of the divorce settlement. He pushed the papers back through the divider without looking at her.
Julian: Are you happy now?
Maya: I'm free, Julian. That's much better than happy.
She hung up her handset, stood up from her chair, and walked out of the visitor room without looking back once.