Chapter 10
“What child? Alex, let’s talk this through. Just don’t make a scene with others.”
“If you don’t like Holly, I’ll fire her and kick her out of the house immediately. Can we go back to the way things used to be?”
My patience was nearing its limit, and the frustration in my eyes was evident. This was supposed to be a simple business discussion, yet it was spiraling out of control.
“You‘ re not listening, Darrell. I‘ m serious about divorcing you. In three days, you‘ 11 hear from the court.”
Darrell’s brow furrowed deeply, his anxiety intensifying with every word. He never expected me to go through with it. His mind raced, convinced that someone had influenced me to leave him.
Yes, it had to be like that.
25% 11:36
(1/6)
Chapter 10
A surge of anger washed over him, clouding his thoughts. He looked down at Colin with disdain, sneering quietly.
“You fell for Alex? She’s just a worn–out trophy I’ve had for eight years. Do you want her? What‘ s so special about her? She can’t even have children–she’s just a pretty face stuck at home.”
“I’ll be honest, Alex. If you leave me, no one else will want you as a housewife. Only I’ve treated you well. It’s not too late for you to change your mind and come back
now.”
He looked at me with a smug expression, but a flicker of unease flickered in his proud eyes.
The moment I heard Darrell insult me so openly, it felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over me. My entire body grew cold.
I managed a pale smile, doing my best to mask the slight tremor in my voice.
265 11 36
2/6
Chapter 10
“So that’s how you see me.”
He pursed his lips, his eyes conflicted.
“If you hadn’t betrayed me, I wouldn‘ t…”
“Security! Get out!”
I shouted sharply, cutting him off.
Once the dust had settled, I turned my attention to Colin, gently tending to the scratch on his arm with an apologetic expression.
“Sorry, I lost my composure.”
Colin shook his head silently, his eyes filled
with a strange intensity.
“Some people say you, Mr. Wood, are useless. It’s hard to know what‘ s true
anymore…”
“I took a wrong path before. Marrying him. for years only led me to this point. It’s fine.”
I exhaled softly, releasing the weight I had carried for so long.
- REM 11:30OC
3/6
Chapter 10
With my mistakes no longer hidden, a sense of liberation washed over me.
Soon after, Butler Group agreed to cooperate smoothly. I showed no mercy as I hired a lawyer to take Darrell to court.
At the business dinner, I wore a sleek, moon–white high–end gown with a flowing train, holding a glass of champagne.
Having attended such high–end events with my mother in the past, I moved through them with ease.
At one point, I was content being the woman behind Darrell. He rarely took me to parties, and when he did, he left me to stand quietly while he mingled with the powerful.
Now, I am the powerful one.
One by one, people approached me, offering their courtesy and respect. I nodded to each of them.
“Mr. Wood! Oh, it’s been a long time. I
25% 11:36
4/6
Chapter 10
heard from Mr. Wood that you went abroad for training. You have a bright future ahead.”
“Hey,
y, doesn‘ t this young Mr. Wood look a bit like the former wife of the Thornton family in Buffalo?”
“What are you talking about? They’re not related at all. The Thornton family? They’re nothing compared to little Mr. Wood.”
These remarks reached my ears lightly.
I smiled, not hiding my past.
“Darrell is my ex–husband, and yes, he cheated on me. I’m currently in the process of divorce with him.”
“What? The Thornton family is too shortsighted! They dared to-”
“Exactly. Everyone knows the Wood family has only one daughter. The heir to the Wood Group is undoubtedly Mr. Wood. No one has the right to cheat here. It’s a
2514 11:36
5/6
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
“Little Mr. Wood, don‘ t worry. I’ll make sure we never cooperate with the Thornton family again in the future!”
“Same here.”
“Yes, count me in too.”
Compared to the powerful Wood family in New York, the smaller Thornton family seemed much weaker.
Meanwhile, Darrell, who was on a business trip in New York, had been incredibly busy lately. His wife had run away from home. and was now filing for divorce. On top of that, business projects that had previously been finalized were suddenly unraveling one after another, causing the company to suffer significant losses.
Rubbing his throbbing temples, Darrell felt as though his head was about to explode.
Holly walked in, carrying a cup of coffee.
25% 11:36
1/6
Chapter 11
Her delicate hands began to massage his shoulders skillfully, and Darrell closed his eyes, letting the tension ease slightly.
“The assistant found out the reason,” he said. “Apparently, it’s because of the Wood family. But I just can’t figure it out–I’ve never had any dealings with them, let alone offended them.”
Hearing the mention of the Wood family,
Holly suddenly stiffened in panic.
The Wood family… Alex? No, that‘ s impossible!
How could a housewife be connected to the Wood family? I must be overthinking.
“Tomorrow,” Darrell continued, “you‘ 11 accompany me to the Wood family. We’ll apologize and see if this is all just a misunderstanding.”
He glanced down at his phone, frustrated building as he noticed the glaring exclamation marks on every message. He tried sending a few more, but they
25% 11:36
2/6
Chapter 11
remained blocked.
Regret surged through him. Yesterday, in a moment of anger, he said things he deeply wished he could take back.
As long as I find an opportunity to explain everything, Alex will surely forgive me.
Darrell sighed heavily and glanced at Holly with a look of growing displeasure.
“When Alex calms down, you’ll need to find somewhere else to live. I’ll give you enough money to ensure you can live comfortably for half your life.”
Holly’s eyes widened in horror. She collapsed to the ground as if all strength had left her, clutching Darrell’s legs and sobbing.
“But I’m carrying your child! How can you be so heartless?”
Darrell pulled away from her grip, standing tall and unyielding, his face devoid of
emotion.
25% 11:36
3/6
Chapter 11
“I never agreed to this pregnancy. It was something my mother pushed for. Only Alex is worthy of having my child.”
He stared down at her coldly. “Do you even know your place? You‘ re nothing more than a stand–in for Alex, someone to fill her role while she’s unwell. How dare you provoke her, make her angry enough to want a divorce?”
His voice hardened further. “I’ve already scheduled an appointment with the doctor. This pregnancy will be terminated as soon as my business trip is over.”
Without sparing her another glance, he walked away, his expression icy and
distant.
He didn’t notice the flicker of malice that
crossed Holly‘ s once–innocent face.
The next day, Darrell arrived at the Wood. family estate with his secretary, Holly, in
tow.
When the housekeeper delivered the news,
+25% 11:36
4/6
Chapter 11
my mother’s brow furrowed in
displeasure. She was ready to have him. thrown out without hesitation.
“Mom, let them in. Don’t worry about.
me.”
“Some things are better out in the open. It’s best to tell him directly and let him give up.”
I sat on the sofa on the second floor, casually flipping through a magazine.
Hearing Darrell’s name no longer stirred any emotion in me.
When he stepped inside, Darrell lowered the head he once held so high.
Here in New York, even he had no choice
but to humble himself before the Wood
family.
Addressing my mother politely and cautiously, he said,
“Mr. Wood, I’ve recently heard some troubling rumors. I came here today to
25% 11.36
5/6
Chapter 11
confirm the truth and to ask if you could step forward and help clear my name.”
Holly quickly chimed in, her tone eager and ingratiating. After all, if the Thornton family went bankrupt, her plan to use the child to secure a share of the family assets. would fall apart.
“Yes, Mr. Wood, we‘ ve done nothing wrong. It’s unfair to be accused and insulted without cause.”
My mother lifted her gaze slightly, her expression icy as she sneered,
“I’m speaking to your master. Who gave you the right to interrupt? Get out!”
Holly’s face went pale. Embarrassed and humiliated, she shrank behind Darrell, trying to hide her discomfort.
25% 11:36
6/6
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Darrell was about to speak again when his mother cut him off sharply, “There’s no misunderstanding here. Yes, I told other companies to turn down their
partnerships. And it’s all because my daughter is worth far more than you.”
“Daughter? What daughter? Wood…”
Darrell’s expression shifted dramatically” as he noticed me coming downstairs to grab a glass of water.
“Alex! You‘ re here! I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Please, just hear me
out.”
He rushed forward, his voice desperate. “It was my fault last time. I let my anger get the better of me and said things I didn’t mean. I wasn’t thinking. Let’s not take this to court, okay? I’ll fix everything- I’ll fire Holly the moment I get home! No, forget that I’ll fire her right now! She has
25% -11:36
1/5
Chapter 12
nothing to do with me anymore. Alex, please say something.”
He left Holly trembling in his shadow and. came toward me, pleading like a dog. wagging its tail for forgiveness.
I stepped back, my face calm and composed. “She destroyed our
relationship? You‘ re good at rewriting the narrative. Did she hold a knife to your throat and force you into bed with her?”
Darrell stammered, his voice faltering. “I… I admit I had a moment of weakness, but
she seduced me first! She even said you. sent her to take care of me. I thought you. didn’t love me anymore–you were always busy with treatments, always at the hospital. We hadn’t been close for so
long, and I got angry… But I swear, I never wanted her to take your place! I never
intended that!”
Darrell’s eyes were bloodshot as he stared at me with unwavering determination, as if trying to prove something.
25% TL 36 11:36
2/5
Chapter 12
For a moment, I was caught off guard.
Eight years ago, he had looked at me the
same way, swearing at the heavens, “I will never let you down in this life.”
I sighed softly, shaking my head. “The moment you chose to touch her, our future ended.”
Darrell’s fists clenched, and his jaw tightened. He wanted to say more, but my cold gaze rendered his words hollow and meaningless.
“Alex,” my mom said calmly, taking a sip of her hot tea, “get ready. This afternoon, I’ll officially announce that you‘ re the heir to the Wood Group.”
She looked at me with quiet approval. “I believe you‘ ve earned it now.”
Holly’s head snapped toward me, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. She pointed a trembling finger at me and shrieked,
*25% 11:36
3/5
Chapter 12
“You? The heir of the Wood family? That’s impossible!”
She scoffed, her voice rising. “You‘ re just a housewife! If you were really part of the Wood family, why would you marry Darrell, who built himself up from nothing?”
My gaze darkened momentarily. Then, after a brief pause, I let out a faint, helpless smile.
“Yes,” I said quietly, “why did I ever marry you, Darrell?”
“I ran away with you, risking complete. estrangement from my family. I poured all my savings into helping you start a business, and for eight years after we married, I cooked for you every day… and you still betrayed me.”
“But thank you, too. If you hadn‘ t cheated, I might have stayed trapped under the title of Mrs. Thornton, quietly wasting away for the rest of my life.”
25% 11:37
4/5
Chapter 12
Darrell was suddenly consumed by an unbearable sense of helplessness. He could feel Alex slipping further and further out of his grasp.
“Alex, I don’t care who you are! You‘ re my wife! Whether you‘ re from the Wood family or not, my feelings for you haven’t changed!”
He stepped closer, his voice desperate. “Come home with me, please. I swear this will never happen again! I’ll never touch another woman, and I don’t care about having children anymore! Just come back- nothing else matters if you come back!”
“…I can’t live without you. You‘ ve been by my side for eight years, and I don‘ t know how to exist without you. It’s more painful than dying.”
At the mention of children, I paused. My tone softened, almost imperceptibly.
25% 11:37
5/5
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
“Darrell, I did have your child.”
To Darrell, those gentle words felt like a knife, slicing through his heart again and again.
“On the very day you brought her home, I wanted to tell you I was already a month pregnant.”
“But you forced me to abort our child.”
“From this moment on, we have nothing left to do with each other.”
After becoming the heir, my workload doubled. I was buried in tasks all day, and when I finally looked up to catch my breath, a month had already passed.
So much had happened at that time.
Darrell was thrown out of the Wood family estate that day, utterly dazed. He dropped the lawsuit and agreed to sign the divorce.
papers.
25% 11:37
1/5
Chapter 13
My assistant informed me that his company wasn’t doing well. Rumors of him cheating on his secretary and abandoning his wife spread everywhere, tarnishing his reputation.
The company, already struggling with lost partnerships, plunged further into crisis.
Thornton’s mother, furious and
heartbroken, spent her days crying at home, berating Darrell for divorcing me- the heir to the Wood family.
She clung desperately to the idea of staying in my good graces, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Holly’s plan to use her child to secure part of the family fortune fell apart. She aborted the baby herself, manipulated Thornton’s mother into trusting her, and fled abroad with most of the family’s remaining assets.
The furious Thornton family pulled every string they could and tracked Holly down
within a week.
25% 11:37
2/5
Chapter 13
She’s now on trial and almost certain to
face prison. It’s a foregone conclusion.
Darrell, meanwhile, wandered through his days in a drunken haze, drinking heavily to escape his reality.
I’ve seen him a few times.
Every time, he stayed hidden in the shadows, too ashamed to face me.
And rightly so–how could Darrell ever be worthy of standing before me now?
There are many well–off people around me who try to win my heart. Even Colin proposed to me.
But I’ve turned them all down. Depending on a man will only lead me back to the same mistakes.
Instead of hoping someone will love you. forever, it’s better to love yourself forever.
After work, I saw him again, this time in the parking lot.
25% 11:37
3/5
Chapter 13
The aura of pride he once carried was completely gone.
Now he stood there, disheveled and soaked. His lashes and hair were damp,
and his shirt clung to him, wet and crumpled.
His lips moved, as though he wanted to speak, but no words came out.
He just stared at me, unblinking.
Somewhere nearby, I heard the soft drip of water–click.
It sounded like the echo of falling tears.
Finally, his hoarse voice broke the silence.
“Alex… I’m sorry.”
He lowered his head slowly, his figure fading into the darkness.
I paused for a moment, but didn‘ t look back. Instead, I gave the faintest nod.
Starting the car, I kept my gaze fixed ahead.
- 25% 11:37
4/5
Chapter 13
What lay before me was a bright, brilliant
world.
You might also like
Ten Years of Lies One Final Goodbye
Ten Years of Lies, One Final Goodbye
Regina
ACCEPTED THE ARRANGED Marriage Planned for Me
After My Boyfriend Neglected Me, I A…
Morning Dew
The Lie of Marriage
Leave H
The Lie of
Marriage: Leave…
Bubblepuff
25% 11:37
5/5
