Chapter 3

Charlotte parted her lips as if to say something, but held back.

Irritated, Julian escorted Charlotte down the grand staircase, stepping right up to my face with an arrogant posture.

"A freeloader who dares to talk back? Who gave you the right? Without Charlotte, you wouldn't even be allowed past the front lawn of a place like this."

Charlotte pressed her lips together and said coolly, "Name your number. How much?"

Then, turning to Julian, she softened her tone. "Julian, I'm hungry."

Julian pecked her cheek, shooting me another patronizing look.

"A peasant like you probably never tasted real luxury. Lucky for you, breakfast is served."

"We can spare you a small bowl from the table. Get some real nutrients in your system."

During those four years, that broken girl's favorite meal had been the homemade pasta I cooked for her every single morning.

I could still picture every smile and laugh she gave me over those years.

Now, she was clear-headed, had tossed me aside, and stood as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire.

There was no point in humiliating myself further. All I wanted was my quiet, ordinary life back.

Charlotte glanced at me and nodded slightly.

"Logan, you might as well join us."

I looked her dead in the eye and answered coldly,

"No need. I'm only here to hand you the divorce agreement."

"Sign it, we're done, and we go our separate ways."

Charlotte froze. A flicker of genuine panic flashed across her eyes.

Julian chuckled. "Logan, you really planned this out, didn't you?"

"Knowing Charlotte runs Hayes Corp now, you demand a divorce just to cash in on half the marital estate, don't you?"

Charlotte's face darkened, anger sparking in her gaze.

"Logan... you want a divorce just to climb the social ladder through my family's wealth?"

Julian looked at me with mock pity.

"Logan, you can't honestly believe wiping her drool for four years entitles you to half of Hayes Corp, do you?"

I sneered, staring straight at Julian.

"Not everyone sells their dignity to play the homewrecker for cash."

Julian's face twisted into an ugly scowl. Charlotte glanced at him, her temper flaring.

"Logan! Apologize to Julian right now!"

Her demand made me laugh out of sheer exasperation. "Did I lie? Charlotte, stop putting on a show."

Charlotte's eyes blazed with fury.

"Logan Evans, who do you think you're talking to with that tone?"

Julian sneered, his tone dripping with malice.

"Know your place, Logan. There is an ocean of class between you and us."

"Getting to touch Charlotte for four years was a miracle your ancestors prayed for."

"Even standing in the same room as us right now is a privilege you don't deserve."

I let out another cold laugh.

"What are you bragging about? You're just another pet on her leash—"

Before I could finish, Charlotte lunged forward and slapped me hard across the face.

*SMACK!*

"Logan! Get on your knees and apologize to Julian!"

Four years ago, when I first brought her back to my hometown, some neighborhood gossips whispered nasty things about me. Back then, that girl threw herself in front of me to shield me.

Now, the tables had turned. She slapped me just to protect Julian.

Charlotte's devotion to Julian was truly touching.