Mark took the lockbox and walked out toward the grand living room.
Elena followed right behind his steps with her heels clicking fast.
The fire in the stone hearth threw long warm shadows across the floor.
Elena: If you throw me out, the family board will raise questions!
Mark: Let them ask every question they want to ask tomorrow morning.
Elena: I have rights as your wife under Texas state law!
Mark turned around quickly to face her near the open fireplace.
Mark: You scared my motherless daughter in her own home today.
Elena: I only wanted what was best for our new household!
Mark: You wanted her money and control over her trust account.
Elena reached out to take his arm, but Mark stepped back quickly.
Mark: Do not touch me again after what you did in this room.
Elena: You cannot throw away our entire marriage over one mistake!
Mark: Threatening Sarah was not a small mistake, it was a crime.
He set the metal box down on the heavy wooden coffee table.
He took out his mobile phone and dialed his divorce lawyer's direct line.
Mark: I am calling Arthur to file for an immediate annulment today.
Elena's face went completely pale as she heard the attorney's name.
Elena: Please do not bring the lawyers into this family matter!
Mark: The lawyers should have been involved the moment you arrived here.
He spoke clearly into the phone speaker for Elena to hear.
Mark: Arthur, I need you at my Dallas house within thirty minutes.