A cruel husband shoved his wife out of a helicopter for a hefty insurance payout — and her response left everyone utterly shocked

When Richard walked in with a potential client, Sophia felt her heart skip a beat. He looked good rested happy prosperous. The stress lines that had been around his eyes during their marriage were gone.

Killing her had apparently agreed with him. She watched him throughout his lunch, noting the way he laughed, the way he gestured, the confidence in his voice. This was not a man haunted by guilt.

This was a man who had gotten exactly what he wanted. When Richard went to the restroom Sophia made her move. She walked past his table deliberately dropping her purse near his chair.

When he returned she was crouched down collecting her scattered belongings. Here let me help you, Richard said kneeling down to help her gather her things. For a moment they were face to face less than two feet apart.

Sophia looked directly into his eyes, searching for any sign of recognition. But Richard saw only a beautiful stranger who needed assistance. Thank you so much, she said letting him help her to her feet.

I’m so clumsy sometimes. No problem at all, Richard said with a smile. Beautiful women should never have to pick up their own purses.

It was a line he had used on her when they first met, and hearing it again made Sophia’s stomach turn. But she smiled back playing the part of the charmed stranger. I’m Elena Rodriguez, she said extending her hand.

Richard Martinez, he replied shaking her hand. Nice to meet you Elena. And with that simple exchange Sophia’s revenge began.

Elena Rodriguez lived in a world that Sophia Martinez had never known. She owned a penthouse apartment with a view of the city skyline, drove a Mercedes Benz, and wore designer clothes that cost more than Sophia used to make in a month. But the most important difference was the power the power that came from having money and being underestimated.

Nicole had done exceptional work creating Elena’s background. She was a successful real estate investor who had built a portfolio of properties across three states. Her husband Miguel Rodriguez had been a successful construction contractor who died in a car accident, leaving her with a substantial inheritance and a keen interest in business ventures.

The key to a good cover story is keeping it simple, Nicole had explained. Don’t get too creative with the details. The less you have to remember the less chance there is of making a mistake.

Elena’s first few weeks in her new life were spent learning to be wealthy. She hired a financial advisor to help her manage her investments, joined an exclusive gym where she could network with other successful professionals, and even took lessons in wine tasting and art appreciation. She needed to be able to move convincingly in the circles where she would encounter Richard.

The most difficult part was learning to be ruthless. Sofia had always been a people pleaser, someone who put others’ needs before her own. Elena needed to be different calculating, strategic, willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals.

Her first test came when she decided to approach Hartwell Insurance Company. She had learned that the company was indeed looking for an investor, someone who could help them expand their operations and eventually take over when Mr. Hartwell retired. It was the perfect opportunity to get close to Richard.

She spent two weeks preparing for her initial meeting with Mr. Hartwell. She studied the insurance industry, learned about the company’s competitors, and developed a comprehensive business plan for how she could help them grow. When she walked into the Hartwell offices she was ready.

Mrs. Rodriguez, Mr. Hartwell said rising from his desk to shake her hand. Thank you for coming in. I’ve heard some interesting things about your investment portfolio.

Elena smiled confidently. I’m always looking for opportunities to work with well-established companies that have good leadership and growth potential. From what I’ve researched, Hartwell Insurance fits that description perfectly.

The meeting went better than she had hoped. Mr. Hartwell was impressed by her business acumen and her willingness to invest significant capital in the company. They discussed the possibility of her buying a stake in the business, with the option to acquire the entire company when he was ready to retire.

I’d like you to meet some of our key employees, Mr. Hartwell said. Get a feel for the team you’d be working with. We have some excellent people here including our senior claims adjuster Richard Martinez.

He’s been with us for seven years and really knows the business. Elena felt her pulse quicken, but she kept her expression neutral. I’d be happy to meet your team.

Understanding the human resources is crucial to any successful investment. They scheduled a meeting for the following week. Elena would come in for a full day, meeting with department heads and getting a comprehensive overview of the company’s operations.

Richard would be one of the people she’d meet with, though he wouldn’t know she was coming. The night before the meeting, Elena stood in front of her bathroom mirror, applying makeup with steady hands. She had practiced this moment dozens of times, but now that it was here, she felt a mixture of excitement and terror.

Tomorrow she would see Richard again and this time she would be in control. She chose her outfit carefully—a navy blue business suit that was expensive but not flashy, with a silk blouse and pearl earrings. She wanted to look successful and sophisticated, but not so glamorous that she would be memorable for the wrong reasons.

The day of the meeting, Elena arrived at Hartwell Insurance at 9 a.m. sharp. Mr. Hartwell greeted her personally and began introducing her to his staff. She met the accounting manager, the customer service supervisor, and the IT director.

Each introduction was professional and brief, but Elena paid attention to every detail, filing away information that might be useful later. And this is our senior claims adjuster Richard Martinez, Mr. Hartwell said as they entered Richard’s office. Richard I’d like you to meet Elena Rodriguez.

She’s considering investing in our company. Richard looked up from his desk and for a moment, Elena saw something flicker in his eyes—a flash of recognition that was quickly replaced by confusion. He stood up and extended his hand, his professional smile firmly in place. Mrs.

Rodriguez it’s a pleasure to meet you, he said. I think we may have met before actually. At Romano’s restaurant a few weeks ago? You dropped your purse? Elena smiled and shook his hand, noting how soft his palms were.

Richard had always been proud of his soft hands, claiming they showed he was a professional not a laborer. Yes I remember. Thank you again for your help that day.

It’s funny how small the world can be. Indeed it is, Richard replied. Please have a seat. Mr. Hartwell tells me you’re interested in investing in our company.

That’s exciting news. For the next hour, Elena listened as Richard explained the claims adjustment process, the company’s success rate in handling claims, and his role in managing the department. He was articulate and knowledgeable, and Elena could see why Mr. Hartwell valued him. But she also noticed things that Mr. Hartwell probably didn’t see the way Richard’s eyes lingered on her figure, the slightly flirtatious tone he used when he thought his boss wasn’t listening.

Most importantly she noticed his computer screen. When Richard had stood up to greet her, she had caught a glimpse of what he was working on  a spreadsheet that didn’t look like official company business. The numbers and dates suggested it might be related to his embezzlement scheme.

Richard has been instrumental in streamlining our claims process, Mr. Hartwell said. He’s saved us thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims over the years. That’s impressive, Elena said looking directly at Richard.

I imagine it takes a special kind of person to detect fraud. You must have a good eye for people who aren’t what they seem. Richard’s smile faltered slightly. Well you learn to spot the signs…