Chapter 6

Charlotte POV

Early the next morning, I didn't go to the police station.

Because I knew that the moment I stepped through that door, Ethan would be notified.

With his power and influence, there were ninety-nine ways I could disappear.

So I went back to the villa.

Ethan was sitting at the dining table eating breakfast. Seeing me return, a trace of expected mockery flashed in his eyes.

"What, figured it out so quickly?"

"I knew it. Without me, you can't even afford breakfast."

He put down his coffee, his tone resuming that condescending sense of charity.

I placed my suitcase in the entryway, changed into slippers, and even smiled at him:

"I have figured it out, Mr. Walker."

"Yesterday I was impulsive. After all, we're married—no need to make things too ugly."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, obviously satisfied with my sensibility.

"Tear up that divorce agreement. Tonight Sophie has a gala. Come with me."

I nodded obediently, then walked into the kitchen and heated him a glass of milk as usual.

Just when my back was turned to him, I crushed a sleeping pill and mixed it into the milk.

Ethan drank it without suspicion.

Half an hour later, he fell into a deep sleep on the study sofa.

Using his fingerprint, I opened the safe that only he could access.

Inside were not only Walker Group's core secrets but also the original ledgers of Sophie's money laundering through charity projects over the years, as well as Ethan's stock market manipulation records done secretly to promote her.

Once these things were exposed, they would be enough to bring down the entire Walker empire.

I copied all the data onto a hard drive I'd prepared in advance.

And set a timed send.

The send time was set for the climax of Sophie's party.

After finishing all this, I restored everything to its original state and even thoughtfully covered Ethan with a blanket.

Looking at his face that appeared cold even in sleep, I felt only deathly silence in my heart.

At two in the afternoon, Ethan woke up.

He rubbed his temples, only feeling that he'd slept unusually deeply, but didn't think much of it.

Seeing I was still home, he was in a good mood and casually tossed me a black card:

"Go buy an outfit. Tonight's gala is very important."

"Sophie is announcing her promotion to deputy director tonight. Remember to congratulate her."

He truly perfected humiliation.

I took the card and responded meekly:

"Okay, I'll give her an unforgettable gift."

Ethan smiled, thinking I genuinely wanted to please Sophie.

"Charlotte, as long as you're sensible, the position of Mrs. Walker will always be yours."

With that, he got up to handle company matters.

Watching his car leave the villa.

I turned around, cut that black card in half, and threw it in the trash.

Then, pulling my already prepared suitcase, I left without looking back.

Afternoon.

Terminal 3.

I sat in a corner of the departure hall, watching planes take off and land through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The boarding announcement came through the speakers.

My phone screen lit up. It was a video call from Ethan.

I hesitated for a second, then answered anyway.

I wanted one last look at him celebrating at hell's gate.

The video connected. The screen showed a magnificent ballroom.

Ethan wore a perfectly tailored black suit, holding champagne, with Sophie in a red dress looking stunning on his arm.

The background was full of flattering voices and camera flashes.

"Charlotte, why aren't you here yet?"

Ethan frowned slightly. Even through the screen I could feel his displeasure.

"Sophie's speech is about to start. All the city's media are here. As my ex-wife, your absence makes me look bad."

Sophie also leaned over and smiled fakely at the camera:

"That's right. Everyone's waiting for you. Tonight is my highlight moment. It won't be perfect without your blessing."

Looking at them, I felt like I was watching two clowns.

"Ethan."

I spoke.

"I'm not coming."

"But the big gift I prepared for you will arrive in ten minutes."

Ethan paused, then laughed mockingly.

He obviously thought I meant an actual gift, even teasing somewhat:

"Okay, looks like you really have learned to behave."

"As long as the gift is substantial enough, I'm not unwilling to forgive your previous tantrums."

"If you want to go out and clear your head, that's fine too. When you figure things out and come back, the Walker family will still have a place for you."

Even now.

He still thought my so-called leaving was just throwing a tantrum.

Still thought I, Charlotte Harper, couldn't leave him, Ethan Walker.

"Ethan."

I called his name again.

"Enjoy these last two minutes."

"Because after tonight, you'll never have another chance to talk to me like this."

The smile on Ethan's face froze. He seemed to finally sense something was wrong.

"Charlotte, what do you mean?"

"What are you doing?!"

I didn't answer again.

I hung up directly.

Then, in front of the security cameras, I pulled out my SIM card.

With two fingers I snapped it in half.

I casually threw both the phone and broken card into the nearby recycling bin.

The announcement came through again:

"The flight to London is about to depart. Passengers who have not yet boarded, please hurry..."

I pulled my suitcase and turned toward the gate.

On the big screen behind me, the live broadcast of Sophie's party had just switched on.