Chapter 3

Seraphina POV

When Adrian came home, I was sitting in the dining room eating breakfast.

My expression was blank. On the tablet to my left was the entertainment news about him and Vivian.

"Seraphina, this is all false reporting. Don't believe what these journalists make up." A flash of panic crossed his eyes. He stepped forward quickly. "Last night, Vivian was too upset about her mother's illness. I took her out to eat. She got drunk, so I had to send her to a hotel."

I forced down my nausea, eating my fried egg while smiling coldly. "You sent her to the hotel, but forgot to leave yourself? You spent the night at the hotel with her?"

Adrian's expression stiffened. I saw guilt flash across his face. "She kept crying last night. Crying and vomiting. I had no choice but to stay and take care of her. But I really didn't touch her. Nothing happened between us."

My gaze fell on the fresh hickey barely visible beneath his collar. I felt sick.

"Adrian," I put down my fork and closed my eyes. "Send her away. Send her back to her own home, or to another city, or abroad—anywhere. I don't want to see her again."

He was silent for a few seconds. Impatience flickered across his features. "Her mother is her only family. Her mother is seriously ill and needs surgery. Sending her away now—how is that different from forcing her to her death?"

"Then let's divorce." I looked up. "Since you can't bear to send her away, let's divorce."

"Seraphina, the same trick doesn't work twice." Adrian's eyes grew darker. "The first time you threatened to break up, I was willing to humor you and let you throw your tantrum. But we're married now. Do you think the position of Mrs. Hunt is something you can take or leave as you please?"

His tall figure loomed over me with oppressive pressure. His tone was ice cold. "The Palmer family raised you for years. They won't hesitate to seek returns. Without me, you're nothing but a bargaining chip for the Palmers to trade for benefits. They can marry you off to anyone at any time."

Those words were like blades, stabbing straight into my heart.

"Wake up. Stop threatening divorce at every turn. Because this time, I might not humor you." After saying that, he announced, "Vivian needs money. She needs a job. Starting tomorrow, she'll join the company as my personal assistant."

My last shred of rationality completely collapsed. I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face.

"Adrian, you're disgusting."

He turned his face to the side, running his tongue over his cheek. When he turned back, his eyes were frozen.

"Looks like we both need to cool down. I'll stay at the office for the next few days. I won't be coming back."

With those words, he turned and left without hesitation.

My chest felt like someone had brutally carved out a gaping wound.

I suddenly laughed softly, my laughter full of mockery.

After a moment, I picked up my phone from the dining table and dialed a number. "Prepare a divorce agreement for me. I want a divorce."

For several days straight, Adrian didn't come home.

But an unfamiliar number I didn't recognize sent me various photos almost daily.

In the photos, Adrian brought Vivian to yacht parties, accompanied Vivian to the hospital to visit her seriously ill mother, and at business receptions, wrapped his arm around her waist while introducing her to everyone.

Unable to bear it any longer, I drove directly to Hunt Corporation. Ignoring the receptionist's attempts to stop me, I swiped my card and entered the CEO's private elevator.

In the office area, Vivian was talking with someone.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up. "Mrs. Hunt?"

I didn't pause. I walked up to her and slapped her across the face.

The crisp sound exploded in the silent air.

"Miss Whitmore, if Adrian wants to repay his debt and keep you by his side, I have nothing to say." My voice was cold. "But we both know what you're really after. As long as I haven't signed divorce papers, you're nothing but a mistress."

Vivian covered her rapidly swelling cheek. Tears welled in her eyes. "Mrs. Hunt, you've misunderstood me. I really haven't..."

"Seraphina!"