Chapter 1

Six months ago, I signed the divorce papers.

I wanted the money, not the son.

My ex-husband Sebastian Quinn sneered, "I'm the best you'll ever get."

"After the divorce, I can find someone new anytime, but you? You'll just be a divorced woman no one wants!"

Our son Liam Quinn rolled his eyes at me, "Good riddance. I want Aunt Scarlett to be my mom. You're not worthy!"

Half a year later, both father and son begged me to come back.

They were certain I'd eventually soften and agree.

Until I showed them my engagement ring: "Sorry, gentlemen, I'm getting married."

Not far away, a little girl ran into my arms.

She called out sweetly, "Mommy!"

I never expected to see Sebastian Quinn again.

After the divorce, I returned to my hometown, while Sebastian and our son stayed in New York.

The distance between us was a three-hour flight.

Enough to never cross paths again in this lifetime.

Until a business dinner, where the manager introduced me to a Mr. Quinn, supposedly one of the top 100 investors in the Northeast.

I had imagined many possibilities.

But I never thought that the always proud and arrogant Sebastian Quinn would stoop to discuss a project worth less than a million dollars.

After we sat down, his inquiring gaze remained fixed on me.

I calmly picked up my wine glass, smiling and cooperating with the manager's negotiations.

Sebastian didn't say a word throughout.

Until several business partners started pressuring me to drink:

"Miss Hart, you're full of hidden talents. You've only been in this industry for less than six months, and you're already making a name for yourself."

"You won't refuse this toast, will you?"

...

One glass after another, the liquor burned down my throat, making my stomach ache.

Even the manager noticed something was wrong.

He tried to intercept the drinks for me, but was skillfully brushed aside by the partners, leaving him helplessly worried.

Until I could barely stand.

I heard Sebastian's displeased rebuke: "Enough! A bunch of grown men forcing drinks on a young woman, what does that look like?"

"Are we still discussing this deal or not?"

The middle-aged balding men finally put down their glasses, exchanging awkward glances and forced smiles.

A wave of nausea hit me. I excused myself and hurried to the restroom.

After throwing up violently in the stall, my stomach still cramping, I managed to support myself and walk out.

A pack of tissues appeared from my left.

I looked up to see Sebastian's handsome profile hidden in the shadows, his eyes unreadable.

His tone was concerned: "Amelia, after divorcing me, it seems you're not doing well at all."

"If I hadn't stepped in earlier, were you going to drink until you threw up?"

At first glance, he seemed genuinely worried about me.

I pushed his hand away, sneering, "Cut the act, Sebastian. Who do you think you're fooling?"

"I've dined with these partners before."

"One has high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, another has fatty liver, and the third just had surgery. They rarely touch alcohol. Without your instructions, why would they suddenly force drinks on me?"

"Swooping in to help after seeing me in distress, Sebastian, does this satisfy your male ego every time you do it?"

It's not that I'm being paranoid, but Sebastian had done exactly the same thing before.

Before marrying him, I planned to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

After getting married, on my mentor's recommendation, I got an interview opportunity for a job position.

If things went well, I could even join a research institute in the future.

At the time, I immediately shared this good news with Sebastian.

However, after the interview, I heard nothing back.

Not only that, but my usually caring mentor suddenly became very cold towards me.

He wouldn't answer my calls or reply to my messages.

I was devastated and began to doubt myself. Had I messed up some part of the interview? Had the company not liked me, disappointing my mentor?

Sebastian, on the other hand, comforted me: "Honey, they're the ones without vision. They can't appreciate your talents."

"If it doesn't work out, you don't need to work. I can support you."