Chapter 3

The next morning, I drove to Cindy Group.

The receptionist saw me and looked flustered, quickly bowing respectfully.

"Good morning, Mr. Terry."

I nodded slightly and took the private elevator straight to the executive floor.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw a man in a tailored designer suit exiting Cindy's office.

He was tall and slender, radiating smug satisfaction.

Antoine was the personal assistant Cindy had hired six months ago.

On his wrist was an extremely rare Patek Philippe full-diamond celestial watch.

That was the unique piece Cindy had bought for twelve million at Christie's spring auction last month.

The media had widely reported it as a third anniversary gift from Ms. Cindy to her husband.

I'd thought she would personally put it on my wrist at next week's anniversary. I never expected it to already be on someone else's arm.

Antoine saw me and instinctively touched his watch, a challenge flashing in his eyes.

"Mr. Terry, Ms. Cindy was just taking care of the child..."

"I mean, she was just reviewing documents and got tired, so she took a nap. Should I announce you?"

The smugness in his tone was practically overflowing.

I ignored him and pushed open the office door directly.

Cindy was sitting in her executive chair. Seeing me enter, she quickly shoved a jewelry box on her desk into a drawer.

"Terry? Why aren't you resting at home? What brings you to the office?"

I sat on the sofa across from her, my tone calm.

"I came to get my old design drafts."

Cindy paused, then looked relieved.

"Why do you suddenly want to look at those?"

"I want to find something to do, pass the time."

She didn't suspect anything and walked to the safe to enter the password.

"Next week is our anniversary. I've reserved a yacht and invited all your friends. Let's celebrate properly."

I took the portfolio of drafts she handed me, watching her fake affection.

"Sounds good."

I opened the door and walked out, but instead of leaving immediately, I deliberately softened my footsteps and stood outside the door.

A few seconds later, Antoine pushed the door open and went in. His voice carried through.

"Cindy, Mr. Terry was staring at my wrist just now. Did he recognize the watch?"

Cindy's cold voice came through the door crack.

"So what if he recognized it?"

"He has health issues and can't have children. The Cindy family business needs an heir."

"You gave me a son. This ring is what you deserve."

"In a couple of years, I'll find an excuse to divorce him and give you and the child proper status."

I closed my eyes, gripping the edge of the portfolio until it warped, took a deep breath, and walked toward the elevator without looking back.

Back home, I started packing my clothes.

Opening the study drawer to find my passport, I accidentally came across a birth certificate.

The mother's name was printed in black and white: Cindy.

And the newborn's date of birth was exactly one month ago.

A bitter ache rose in my chest. I instinctively wanted to tear up the certificate.

Just as I was about to apply force, I lost the will.

I put everything back exactly where it was and packed my passport in my bag.

That evening, Cindy came home and, for once, personally made soup.

"Drink more. You haven't been looking well lately. You need to build yourself up."

If it were before, I would have been moved enough to drink two large bowls.

But today, I just stared coldly at the soup.

Just as I was about to speak, her phone vibrated.

Glancing at the screen, her expression changed, and she grabbed her phone and quickly walked to the balcony.

"The baby has a fever? Don't cry, I'll contact a pediatric specialist right away."

The sliding door wasn't completely closed, and her anxious voice came through clearly.

I stood up and took the soup she'd personally made, pouring it all down the drain.