Chapter 2

Ethan froze.

He looked down at the documents on the floor, then up at me, as if he'd heard the funniest joke in the world.

"Divorce?"

He pulled at the corner of his mouth, his voice full of certainty and contempt.

"Eleanor, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. You've been married to me for ten years, never worked a day. You probably don't even know how to ride the subway anymore."

"Who are you kidding? Everyone knows you're nothing without me."

Looking at his arrogant face, my stomach churned.

Ten years ago, Ethan was just a poor kid. My father saw his potential and gave him his first startup capital.

When his company was struggling the most, I was there, eating instant noodles with him, pulling all-nighters.

Later, when the company grew, he said the world outside was too harsh, and told me to stay home and live comfortably, his 'lady of leisure.'

I believed him.

And what did I get in return?

His dismissive line: "You're nothing without me."

"Ethan, I've already signed the papers." I stood up, smoothing my dress. "My lawyer will contact you tomorrow."

With that, I walked out without hesitation.

"Eleanor Vance!" He called out sharply from behind me. "If you walk out that door today, don't even think about coming back! I'd like to see how you'll survive without me!"

I didn't stop, only leaving him my back.

"Just you wait."

Stepping out of the hotel, the night air was cool.

I pulled my shawl tighter and called Martin, my driver.

"Martin, bring the car to section C in the underground parking."

He stammered on the other end, "Ms. Vance, uh... the car's having some trouble. I sent it for repairs. Maybe you could call a taxi?"

I frowned.

The car was perfectly fine this afternoon — how could it suddenly break down?

Just then, a black SUV pulled up in front of me.

The door slid open, and Chloe poked her head out, smiling innocently.

"Eleanor, can't find a cab this late? Ethan told me to give you a ride home."

I looked at her, then at the familiar figure in the driver's seat.

Martin.

My father's most trusted driver, who had watched me grow up, was now looking down, avoiding my eyes.

I understood instantly.

"Martin, what is the meaning of this?" I asked coldly.

He rubbed his hands, his voice thin, "Ms. Vance, Ms. Miller said... she said she was going that way anyway, and she helped my son get into that private school..."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

So that's how it was.

Even the people closest to me could be bought by her with such tactics.

"No, thanks." I opened my eyes, my gaze chilling as it swept over Chloe's triumphant face. "I find it dirty."

With that, I walked to the roadside and hailed a taxi.

Through the rearview mirror, I saw Chloe's smile freeze, and she stomped her foot in frustration.