After years trapped in a toxic marriage consumed by Mike’s obsession with status, Nicole shocked him by agreeing to give him everything in their divorce—house, car, and money. Mike thought he’d won, but Nicole’s sly laughter revealed a twist he never saw coming.

Leaving the lawyer’s office, Nicole appeared defeated. But once alone in the elevator, she burst into uncontrollable laughter—everything was falling into place. Mike could keep his material possessions; Nicole had her own plan.

Weeks earlier, when Mike demanded a divorce, Nicole didn’t argue. She let him take it all, playing along as if she didn’t care. What Mike forgot, though, was the contract her mother, Barbara, had on the house. Barbara’s investment gave her the right to live there indefinitely. The day after the move, Mike called, furious. Nicole sipped her coffee, smirking as Barbara scolded him in the background.

Freedom never tasted so sweet for Nicole.