Emily, still composed, continued. “I allowed you to take the reins because I believed you’d steer this family toward happiness. But now, it’s clear that you’ve gone too far, Richard. You’ve not only betrayed our marriage but also underestimated me gravely. The villa belongs to me, and should I choose, I could ask you to leave this instant.”

The weight of Emily’s words settled over Richard, making his earlier bravado seem almost laughable. He was silent, his mind racing, trying to salvage whatever dignity—or control—he still possessed.