Chapter 4

I went home first thing the next morning.

Mother held my hand, tears streaming:

"My daughter... but that's Sterling Group. After just one year you want a divorce? What will people think of you? Where does that leave the West family's reputation?"

Father's face was stern, displeased:

"Natalie, it's not that Mom and Dad aren't on your side, but a divorced woman—her reputation is ruined."

"Adrian may have his faults, but what man can be considerate in every way? You need to understand him. Once you have another child and Adrian becomes a father, naturally he'll be more family-oriented."

"Listen to Dad—go back and talk properly with Adrian. If necessary, tell Adrian that for Sterling's new development project, Dad will give him an extra percentage point."

I interrupted them:

"Mom, Dad, I didn't come home to throw a tantrum or have you talk me out of it. I've already sent over the divorce papers. My divorce from Adrian is final."

Father angrily grabbed the teacup from the table and smashed it on the floor:

"You! How can you be so willful!"

Mother sat on the sofa covering her face and crying:

"You're going to be the death of us! Your sister is coming back from abroad soon. If you make this scene in our circle, how will she marry into a good family in the future?"

In the middle of this standoff, a steady voice rang out from the doorway:

"If Natalie wants to come home, let her come home."

Ethan walked in, wearing an impeccably tailored suit, his posture upright, his features handsome.

This was the brother my family had adopted since he was young.

"Ethan..." I looked at him.

He gave me a reassuring look, then turned to my parents, his tone carrying an unquestionable strength:

"This house will always have a place for Natalie."

"The Sterling family bullied her and didn't value her. That's their heartlessness, not her fault."

"Whatever gossip is out there, if anyone dares bring it to the West family's doorstep, I'll handle it."

My parents were momentarily speechless.

Mother's crying quieted down. Father sighed and said:

"Natalie, go upstairs and rest for now."

I nodded, got up, and went upstairs.

Ethan followed behind me. At the stairway landing, I took out a pill bottle and handed it to him:

"Ethan, I need to ask you for a favor."

Ethan sat down, his gaze falling on the pill bottle.

I opened it and poured out one pill:

"These are the folic acid and vitamins I took every day before this miscarriage."

"I suspect my miscarriage wasn't an accident. These pills might be the problem."

Ethan picked up the bottle, examined it carefully, then looked up at me:

"You suspect someone tampered with them?"

"Exactly." I met his gaze.

"I don't believe my body would just miscarry like that."

The pain of three miscarriages in my previous life had already seared into my bones. This lifetime, I would never endure it again.

Ethan was silent for a long while, then put the bottle away:

"Alright."

"I have some business and need to go to the capital for a few days. I'll take these pills with me and have an authoritative institution test them."

He looked at me, his gaze complex yet gentle:

"You just rest at home and take care of yourself. I'll arrange for someone to watch the West house. The Sterling family won't come harass you."

He slowly stood up, walked to the door, but his steps suddenly stopped.

"Natalie, you must wait for me to come back."

"Whatever you want, whatever you want to do, I'll help you."

I froze.

He seemed to see through my confusion but didn't explain, only giving me a reassuring smile:

"Rest well. Don't overthink."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he pushed the door open and walked out.

I sat alone in the gradually darkening room, staring at the closed door, my emotions churning.

I stayed home for two days, adjusting my state of mind.

Then I simply went to the company to take over the family business.

Occasional glances from longtime employees carried a trace of curiosity and sympathy.

On the third day at noon.

I was leaning by the window looking at the new quarterly reports.

Emma ran in hurriedly, her face pale:

"Miss West! This is bad! The Sterling family sent people!"

"So many people! Damian, Adrian, Lila... and several lawyers! They've blocked the whole building entrance! The chairman has already gone down!"

I put down the report and took a deep breath.

So they finally came.

I straightened my suit jacket and walked out.