After the Divorce, I Took My Three Daughters and Moved to California. While My Ex-Mother-in-Law Was Busy Treating My Husband’s Son With Another Woman Like the Heir to Her Fortune, the Housekeeper Suddenly Walked Into a Family Dinner With an Envelope—and One Sentence Left Everyone at the Table Completely Stunned.

And because I had been offered a senior position with a healthcare company in Santa Barbara, California, the relocation was approved subject to the custody arrangement we negotiated.

Graham hated it.

His mother hated it more.

Vivian called me the evening the agreement was finalized.

“You’re taking my granddaughters three thousand miles away because your feelings were hurt.”

“No, Vivian. Your son created another household while married to me. I’m accepting a job and rebuilding mine.”

“You’ve always been vindictive.”

I almost laughed.

“Then perhaps we’re fortunate I waited seventeen years to show it.”

I hung up.

But Graham still had one final strategy.

Audrey.

I returned from grocery shopping one afternoon and heard voices in the living room.

Graham was sitting across from our oldest daughter.

He had stopped by supposedly to collect several documents.

Instead, he was recruiting her.

“You wouldn’t have to change schools,” he told Audrey. “Your friends are here. Your soccer team is here. Grandma’s here.”