Chapter 20
“And your child is already one! Do you really want him to grow up in a broken family?“”
She was clearly siding with Brandon.
I glanced at her with a half–smile. “And what’s it to you? Why so worked up? Don’t tell me you…“}
Before I could finish, Bella cut me off, her tone turning even more arrogant. “Anyone with a conscience would be disgusted by how ungrateful you are. You came from nothing and yet Brandon never looked down on you. He even arranged for you to work at his company. If it weren’t for his family, do you think you’d be living the life you are now? That you’d be sitting in the CEO chair?“\
I slapped her across the face without hesitation. “You’re just an assistant. Know your place.“”
Brandon immediately panicked. “Claire, are you crazy? What gives you the right to hit Bella?”
He shoved me aside and hurried
“She deserved it!” I snapped.
help Bella up
help Bella up from the ground, his eyes filled with worry–for her.
I clenched my fists, standing my ground without the slightest hint of quilt.
Immediately, the mood shifted–everyone’s impression of me soured.
They all began to think that my usual gentle demeanor had just been an act. That underneath it all, I was fake, short–tempered and always looking to stir up trouble.<
Bella rushed to Brandon and said tearfully, “I’m sorry, Brandon. This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn. I upset
her. Please don’t blame her.”
She lowered her head slightly, her voice full of remorse.
“It’s not your fault,” Brandon said gently, “It’s me who dragged you into this.”
Then he turned to me, speaking humbly, “Honey, this is between us. There’s no need to take it out on someone else. Today is our son’s first birthday. Can we not do this? Please–I’m begging you.“}
As he spoke, tears welled in his eyes.<
His calm and compromise…
My recklessness and defiance…
The contrast couldn’t have been more stark.
And just like that, the guests all stood firmly on Brandon’s side.”
His father, Edward, took a deep breath, trying once more to speak kindly.
“Claire, all these years you’ve been diligent, devoted to the family and very respectful to us. There’s no need for things to escalate like this. If you can provide solid proof that you’ve been wronged, I promise–I’ll stand up for you.“}
He was offering me a way out. But I didn’t take it.”
Instead, I remained just as cold and resolute as ever. “I’m ending this marriage. No doubt about it.”
Edward’s face darkened instantly, his expression stormy.”
Tears streamed down Brandon’s face as he looked at me. “Honey… is there someone else?”
“Say whatever you want. If that’s what you want to believe, fine.” I answered flatly.
“Enough!” Edward finally lost his patience and roared. “Claire, don’t think we’re that easy to push around. I’m giving you three days to think this over. Either you go back to living properly as husband and wife… or we’ll see you in court. And don’t expect to walk away with anything. Don’t forget–everything you have today was given by me.”
His words landed heavy.
Everyone thought that would be the moment I gave in. But I turned and walked away without looking back.
Outside, my junior, Ethan, had already been waiting for a while.”
I’ve sent someone to Endora,” he said with a smile. “The answers you’re looking for should be coming soon.”
“Thank you, I’ll be facing Brandon in court in three days, I’ll need you there as my lawyer.“@
Exhausted in both body and mind, I slumped into the back seat and pulled out my phone, opening a saved surveillance video.
On the screen, Brandon’s beloved teddy bear could be seen swaggering out of the side bedroom.&
Then, unbelievably, it started dancing right in front of the living room camera.
Three days. That was all the time I needed to prepare and bring everything to light.
I had planned to stay at a hotel, but my card was declined–every account frozen.
That’s when it hit me: over the past year, control over the finances had quietly returned to the Shaw family’s hands.
