Chapter 180: The Man's Arrogant Shouts Echoed Through the Hallway

"Dr. Alice Monroe, get out here right now! If you don't, I'll kick this door down and see who ends up more humiliated!" The man's arrogant shouts echoed through the hallway. Elena Ward peered through the peephole to see several neighbors poke their heads out before quickly retreating into their homes.

This wasn't the first time this scene had played out.

"Hiding won't solve anything," Elena turned to face Alice. The usually decisive doctor now looked like a helpless child. "He's taking advantage of your fear for your daughter to escalate his demands."

Elena couldn't help but think of her sister, Rose Jackson. If she hadn't left the Lewis family with her children back then, she might have ended up just like...

The Lewis family should have received her "special gift" by now.

"Either fight for custody or let go completely," Elena said bluntly. "What you're doing now is supporting his entire family."

Twenty dollars was no small sum in 1985. With Alice's monthly salary barely reaching seventy or eighty, her ex-husband was clearly extorting her.

"I'm afraid..." Alice clutched the hem of her shirt. "I'm afraid he'll take it out on Paige when he gets home."

"But your daughter doesn't know your sacrifices," Elena shook her head. "All she sees is her father and grandmother treating her well while her own mother..."

The phone rang abruptly.

"Security? There's a disturbance at the specialists' building..." Elena reported the incident calmly.

"Don't!" Alice panicked. "This will only make things worse..."

"Worse for him!" Elena scoffed. "The more you retreat, the more he pushes. If it were me, I'd tell him he won't get another cent from now on!"

Alice paled. Only then did Elena learn that the man's family was still living in Alice's house.

"You..." Elena was speechless. This was practically inviting abuse.

The banging on the door grew louder. Elena yanked it open.

"Security is on their way," she said coldly. "Will you leave on your own, or should they escort you out?"

Colin Fowler froze. He hadn't expected anyone to actually interfere.

"I'm her husband!" he blustered.

"Ex-husband," Elena corrected sharply. "And an ex-husband who's trespassing."

The sound of hurried footsteps came from the stairwell. Colin's face twisted, and he tried to bolt.

"Stop him!" Elena ordered. "This man is attempting extortion!"

Security officers rushed forward, cornering Colin in the hallway. His face cycled through shades of red and white.

"You wouldn't dare!" he roared weakly. "My daughter is waiting for me at home!"

Alice finally stepped out, pale but resolute. "Colin Fowler, as of today, you and your family will vacate my house immediately."

A faint smile touched Elena's lips. The real drama was just beginning.