Chapter 3

Once the matter was out in the open, Julian stopped hiding. He began openly showing affection for Seraphina.

When the private investigator sent me the information and photos, my hands trembled, and I had to muster all my courage to open them.

September 11th, 12 PM: Julian made chicken soup for Seraphina and delivered it to her CEO's office. They stayed there until 1:30 PM.

That evening, Julian waited at the hotel entrance. At 11 PM, he picked up Seraphina, drove her home, and didn't return that night.

September 12th, 8 AM: Julian spent two hours making seafood porridge and delivered it to Seraphina's office. They spent an hour together.

September 13th: They went shopping. Julian bought Seraphina a gown and personally selected a Cartier diamond bracelet.

September 14th, ...

Julian, who never posted on social media, shared a romantic photo from a fancy restaurant for the first time.

Vibrant roses were presented to a pair of slender, fair hands, and the caption was overflowing with happiness:

"Destiny, rekindled."

The clinking wine glasses stung my eyes.

After thinking for a long time, I commented below:

"Rekindling romance with another woman? What does that make your wife?"

Almost instantly, the comment was deleted. Immediately after, Julian sent me several sixty-second voice messages.

"What are you commenting on my Ins for? How is Seraphina supposed to feel?"

"You're getting so petty these days, jealous over every little thing. I'm only saying this to win over Seraphina so we can have a child quickly!"

Mrs. Sterling was also furious. She stormed into the house, pointing at me and screaming insults.

"Julian is younger than you, and he understands the bigger picture! You've lived thirty years for nothing; no wonder you're just a freeloader!"

"My Sterling family supported you as Vice President, gave you reputation and status, and you're still not satisfied? You want to sabotage Julian's grand plan?"

"I'm telling you, if Seraphina refuses to have a child with Julian because of you, I'll never forgive you!"

I stared at Mrs. Sterling in shock. This was the family member I had treated as a mother, now humiliating and scolding me with the most vicious words.

I finally gave up completely, slowly handing her the divorce agreement.

"Since I'm so worthless, have Julian sign it. I won't hinder his grand plan to revitalize Sterling Corp."

Seeing that I not only refused to admit fault but dared to threaten them with divorce, Mrs. Sterling immediately exploded in anger. She picked up a vase from the coffee table and threw it at my head.

"Your low-class parents must have been trash to raise such an ill-mannered wretch like you! Today, I'm going to teach you some proper manners!"

Then she grabbed an ashtray and slammed it onto my head with a loud bang.

She glared at me fiercely, spitting on my face.

"You look like a pauper. Julian must have been blind to ever look your way."

I clutched my head and coldly looked at Mrs. Sterling. Ever since Sterling Corp. escaped crisis and got back on track, she had always looked at me with more disdain than warmth.

She always felt I had climbed above my station by marrying Julian. Otherwise, her second son could have married a wealthy heiress, a second-richest successor, just like her eldest.

But she forgot. It was she who had once taken my hand and thanked me for my hard work. It was she who said I was the Sterling family's lucky star, that I had saved Sterling Corp. from crisis with my selfless dedication.

I had knelt in the bank manager's office to secure loans. I had nursed a business partner's father in the hospital, saving lost orders...

I finally understood: some people only see profit, no affection.

Turns out, selfishness is hereditary.

My heart suddenly grew calm. There was no more sadness.

I ignored Mrs. Sterling's ranting, grabbed my car keys, and rushed to the hospital.

As I reached the second floor, I saw Julian walking towards me, arm-in-arm with a coy Seraphina.

The moment our eyes met, Julian's face flashed with panic and embarrassment. He quickly turned away, coughing.

"What happened to your head?"

Then he said, with disgust, "Look at you. What can you even do? A grown woman manages to get her head bloody. If you had even a fraction of Seraphina's capability, I wouldn't have to work so hard."

My gaze, sharp as ice, fell on Seraphina beside him. Her expression was serene, her eyes enigmatic. In that moment, I admitted that I couldn't compare to her; she truly was unfathomable.

"Alright, go get yourself checked out. Don't cause any more trouble in the future."

He said, as if afraid of touching something dirty, and walked away with Seraphina, not looking back.

As they turned the corner of the stairs, Julian's message arrived:

"Seraphina is pregnant. I'm organizing a celebration for her this Wednesday. You absolutely must attend."

"Seraphina wants everyone to believe this child is Dominic's, and she's already three months along. Remember not to say anything out of line."