"Not according to the paperwork you signed." His smile is cold. "You authorized me as the sole manager of those funds."
Axel looks between us, confusion etched on his face. "Sadie, what is he talking about?"
"He's lying," I say, but my voice shakes. "He manipulated everything, the accounts, the paperwork. Made it look like I was embezzling when I was just taking back what was mine."
"The courts won't see it that way," Elliot says. "But I'm willing to forget the theft charges if you come back to Oregon. With Poppy."
"That's blackmail," Axel growls, stepping forward.
"That's negotiation." Elliot stands his ground. "I want my daughter. I'm willing to overlook certain… indiscretions… to make that happen."
"She's not going anywhere with you," Axel says, his voice rising.
"That's not your decision." Elliot's voice sharpens. "This is between me and my wife."
"Stop calling me that!" I shout, weeks of fear and tension exploding out of me. "I am not your wife! I will never be your wife again!"
"Keep your voice down," Elliot hisses, glancing around the parking lot. "Unless you want the whole town to hear about your crimes."
"The only criminal here is you," I say, stepping closer despite my fear. "You're the one who stole from me, who manipulated me, who threatened me when I got pregnant!"
"I told you to get rid of it," Elliot snaps, his composure finally cracking. "You chose to keep it. That doesn't make it my problem."
"Her," I correct, fury making my voice shake. "Not it. Her. Poppy. Your daughter, whom you now suddenly want because she's convenient for whatever game you're playing."
"Game?" Elliot laughs, the sound sharp and cold. "This isn't a game, Sadie. This is me claiming what's legally mine."
"Poppy is not property!" I'm shouting now, not caring who hears. "She's a person! A little girl who's never even met you!"
"That's your fault," he yells back.
"Get out of here. Now." Axel steps forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl as he moves between Elliot and me.
"You're not welcome here—and you're sure as hell not going anywhere near Sadie or Poppy."
Elliot's eyes narrow, his mouth curling into a sneer. "And who's going to stop me? You? The small-town brewery boy playing house with my wife?"
I see Axel's shoulders tense, his hands balling into fists at his sides. The parking lot suddenly feels too small, the air charged with violence about to erupt.
"Axel, don't." I grab his arm, pulling him back. "He's not worth it."
"Listen to her," Elliot taunts. "She knows what happens when people cross me."
Axel shakes off my hand, stepping closer to Elliot. "I don't give a fuck who you think you are. You're not taking Poppy—and you're not threatening Sadie anymore."
"Axel, please," I beg, my voice going thin with panic.
If he hits Elliot, that's assault. A police report. Evidence Elliot can use against me in court. "Stop."
"You should control your attack dog, Sadie," Elliot says, not backing down an inch. "Before he gets hurt."
Axel lunges forward, grabbing Elliot by his expensive shirt collar. "The only one getting hurt here is you if you don't get in your car and drive away. Now."
"Axel!" I shout, genuinely afraid now. I've never seen him like this, raw fury radiating off him in waves.
The apartment door bangs open behind us, and Rowan comes rushing down the stairs, phone clutched in her hand. She freezes when she sees Elliot, her face draining of color.
"You," she spits, recognition and hatred flashing in her eyes. "Get the fuck away from my sister!"
