Chapter 3

It was late when I got back to the mansion.

I didn't turn on any lights, going straight upstairs to the walk-in closet to pack.

I only took a few changes of clothes and the mementos my parents had left me.

The rest — the designer bags, couture gowns, and jewelry Ethan had bought — I didn't even glance at them.

"Well, well, well, trying to run away in the middle of the night?"

A sarcastic voice suddenly came from behind me.

I turned around to see Chloe leaning against the doorframe, wearing a burgundy silk nightgown, holding a glass of red wine.

That nightgown was my mother's favorite. It was passed down to me.

I had cherished it, barely daring to touch it.

Now, it was being worn by an ungrateful snake.

A surge of pure fury rushed to my head.

"Take it off," I stared at her, saying each word slowly and deliberately.

Chloe not only didn't take it off, but she deliberately puffed out her chest, chuckling smugly.

"What's wrong, Eleanor? Ethan said this dress was just gathering dust, so I could wear it. I think it fits perfectly."

She walked in, high heels clicking, her eyes scanning my suitcase with contempt.

"Eleanor, you don't need to overreact. Ethan said your family only gave him a little money back then, and he's repaid it all, with interest, over the last ten years."

"He doesn't love you; he was just repaying a debt. Now that he's met me, he knows what true love is."

"You've hogged him for ten years, shouldn't you be satisfied?"

I looked at her face, twisted by jealousy and triumph, and felt a sudden wave of pity.

I walked up to her, and without warning, I raised my hand.

Slap!

A loud slap landed on her face.

Chloe stumbled, the wine glass in her hand falling to the ground and shattering.

Red liquid splattered onto the expensive carpet, a stark, alarming stain.

"You... you dared to hit me?!" She clutched her face, staring at me in disbelief.

"And what if I did?" I looked at her coldly. "This dress is my mother's heirloom. Who do you think you are to wear it?"

"And also, did Ethan not tell you that the startup capital for his company was given by my father? The down payment for this mansion? I paid for it. And the CEO position he now holds? Half the shares are in my name!"

"You thought you snagged a trophy husband? Wrong. All you snagged was a dog I raised!"

Chloe was stunned by my words, her face turning green then white.

Just then, the front door was violently pushed open.

Ethan stormed in.