"On Her Wedding Night, The Bride Screamed, and Her Mother-in-Law Burst Into the Room. She Found Her Shaking on the Floor While Her Son Whispered, “She Had to Pay.”

While Julian confronted Richard downstairs, Madeline was upstairs, frantically packing a designer duffel bag.

Eleanor stood in the doorway, watching her.

“You’re leaving?” Eleanor asked.

“My father is here. This psycho game is over,” Madeline spat, shoving a pair of heels into the bag. “Julian is going to rot in a cell for holding me against my will.”

“He didn't hold you,” Eleanor pointed out calmly. “The door wasn't locked from the outside. You just were too terrified to leave.”

Madeline glared at her. “You think you’re so smart. You think your son is a hero. He’s a psychopath. Clara was a weak, pathetic little girl who couldn't handle the pressure of medical school. I did her a favor.”

Eleanor’s blood ran cold. The sheer malice in Madeline’s voice was inhumane. Without thinking, Eleanor stepped into the room and slapped Madeline across the face. The sound cracked like a whip.

Madeline gasped, dropping her bag and clutching her cheek. “You crazy old bat! I’ll have you arrested for assault!”

“Call the police, Madeline,” Eleanor challenged, her maternal fury finally boiling over. “Call them right now. Let’s see what happens when Julian gives them the evidence of your hit-and-run.”

Before Madeline could respond, Richard appeared in the doorway, looking pale and defeated.

“Dad!” Madeline cried, running to him. “Arrest them! Arrest all of them!”

Richard looked at his daughter, then looked away. “Get your bag, Maddie. We’re going home.”