2025-01-14 23:19:56The crash of dishes had finally stopped. Jane stormed to her room, slamming the door behind her with a thunderous bang. She grabbed her phone with trembling hands and dialed a number.
The person answered on the second ring, their voice smooth and confident. “Jane, darling, what’s wrong? You sound furious.”
It was Lisa Powell, her best friend and a sharp-tongued lawyer.
“It’s Dylan!” Jane hissed. “He asked for a divorce tonight!”
"Dylan? That useless guy?" Lisa was a bit surprised, "Tell me what happened!"
Jane recounted the evening, her voice thick with frustration. “Can you believe it? He sat there with his pathetic little dinner, pretending like everything was fine! And when I told him the truth—that he’s been dragging me down—he suddenly wants to walk away!”
Hearing Jane's words, Lisa laughed, "Don't worry, Jane, I know exactly what he's up to! He's just trying to use this as an opportunity to threaten you!"
"Threaten me?" Jane was a little confused.
"Yes, he thinks you can't live without him, so he believes you'll beg him not to divorce! He's so stupid!" Lisa laughed. "I've told you from the start, you deserve better! Now isn’t this the perfect opportunity?"
Lisa’s tone turned sharp. “He wants a divorce now? How convenient. Right when your company is about to sign with the Nelson family. I bet he’s after your money.”
Jane froze, her grip tightening on the phone. “You think so?”
“Think about it,” Lisa said smoothly. “You’ve worked your fingers to the bone to build your company. And now that it’s about to become a powerhouse, Dylan, the so-called ‘househusband,’ suddenly decides to leave? It’s too suspicious. But don’t worry, Jane. I’ll handle him. He won’t get a penny.”
"You have to divorce him! I can't wait to see the look on his face when he regrets it!" Lisa laughed cruelly.
Jane’s face hardened. “You’re right. He’s trying to take what I’ve earned. Tomorrow’s deal with the Nelson family will double my company’s value. I won’t let him touch it. Not a cent.”
“Good,” Lisa said with a satisfied tone. “I’ll have the divorce papers ready in the morning. Trust me, Jane, I’ll make him regret even thinking about taking your money.”
Jane nodded, though Lisa couldn’t see her. “Thanks, Lisa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Lisa said, a sly smile evident in her voice. “Just focus on that Nelson deal tomorrow. Leave Dylan to me.”
---
In another part of the house, Dylan sat alone in the darkened guest room, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. Once, he had been the greatest talent in history—a man whose name was revered in every corner of the world. Dylan had mastered everything he touched: finance, business, medicine, martial arts. He was a super genius, unmatched and unstoppable. Years ago, he had built the Dragonia Alliance, an elite group of 36 individuals who were the wealthiest and most powerful figures in their respective countries. Together, they controlled the economy and politics of the entire world. And Dylan had been their leader. But that life seemed like another world now. One fateful night, an unexpected event changed everything. He had accidentally slept with Jane Cooper, and she had become pregnant. Though their union was unplanned, Dylan couldn’t walk away. His life, filled with enemies and danger, wasn’t a safe place for a family. Fearing for Jane and their unborn daughter, he had made a decision that shocked even his closest allies: he retired. To protect Jane and Molly, Dylan hid his identity and stepped away from the world he once ruled. In secret, he had helped Jane’s company flourish, ensuring its meteoric rise in the business world. Every key deal, every sudden influx of resources, had been orchestrated by him. Yet Jane believed it was all her doing, never suspecting the man she dismissed as a "househusband" was her silent guardian. Tonight, her accusations stung. Dylan clenched his fists, the humiliation of being looked down upon gnawing at his pride. But he didn’t regret his choices. Protecting Molly was worth every sacrifice. The sound of shattering dishes earlier echoed in his mind, stirring a new concern. Molly had always been a light sleeper, and the chaos might have woken her. Rising from the bed, Dylan headed quietly to her room. Pushing the door open, he found Molly sitting upright in her bed, her wide, tear-streaked eyes fixed on him. “Daddy,” she whimpered, her voice trembling with fear. “Are you going to leave us? I heard you and Mommy yelling.” Dylan’s heart broke at her words. He sat on the edge of her bed and pulled her into his arms. “Molly, listen to me. No matter what happens, I will always love you. You’re the most important thing in the world to me.” Molly sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “But Mommy doesn’t love me. She’s always mad at you and doesn’t talk to me.” Dylan stroked her hair, his voice filled with emotion. “Your mommy is just busy, sweetheart. But I promise, I’ll always be here for you.” Molly hugged him tightly. “I love you, Daddy.” “I love you too,” Dylan said, his voice thick. He stayed with her until she drifted off, her small hand clutching his shirt. Once she was asleep, Dylan left the room quietly. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The voice on the other end answered immediately, filled with excitement. “Young master! Is that really you?” “It’s me, John,” Dylan said calmly. “I need a place to stay for now.” The man he had just called was John Nelson, the head of the Nelson family. John Nelson’s voice cracked with emotion. “Master Dylan, we’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Please, come back to us. The Nelson family will be honored to welcome you home.” “Keep it low-key,” Dylan said. “I don’t want any unnecessary attention.” But John had other plans. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he struck the family’s alarm bell, summoning every member of the Nelson household. “The young master is returning!” he announced, his voice echoing through the mansion. “Tomorrow, we will go and welcome him personally!” A young man hesitated. “But Sir, tomorrow is the day we sign the contract with Jane Cooper’s company.” John’s expression turned icy. “Nothing is more important than the young master. Cancel the meeting. Those who fail to show up tomorrow will no longer be part of the Nelson family.” ---The next morning, Lisa arrived at Jane’s home, clutching a thick stack of divorce papers. She smirked as she placed them on the dining table.
Jane grabbed her briefcase, barely glancing at the documents. “I’m counting on you, Lisa. I have to leave now—the Nelson family is waiting.”
Lisa waved her off. “Go on, Jane. I’ve got this covered.”
Dylan walked into the room just as Jane left. Lisa smirked, tapping the papers. “Sign these, Dylan. Jane wants a clean break, and don’t even think about asking for money. You’ll leave with nothing.”
Dylan sat down and picked up the pen, his face calm. “I only have one condition,” he said.
Lisa leaned forward, her expression smug. “Let me guess—money? Too bad. You’re not getting a dime.”
Dylan shook his head. “I don’t want her money. I want custody of Molly.”
Lisa blinked, stunned for a moment, before her smile widened. “Fine by me. Jane doesn’t want her anyway. Go ahead, sign.”
Dylan didn’t hesitate. He signed the papers and pushed them back to Lisa.
Looking at Dylan, who showed no hesitation, Lisa was a bit surprised.
Could it be that he wasn’t just bluffing, and really wanted to divorce Jane?
But soon, Lisa sneered sarcastically.
That would be even better—Dylan was such a big fool!
"To turn away from a rich wife and insist on fighting for custody of that bast.. child! Dylan, you really surprise me. I thought you were just a useless man, but turns out you're also a fool!"
Lisa mocked with a cruel laugh.
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"Say that again?" Dylan was furious. He hadn’t expected Lisa to speak so disrespectfully about his daughter."Hah! You useless man, all you do is puff yourself up in front of women, huh? You don’t have a penny to your name—what do you think you can provide for your daughter?" Lisa continued mocking him without a care.Dylan’s gaze remained as cold as steel, locking onto Lisa’s smug expression. “How I raise Molly is none of your concern,” he said, his voice low but firm.Lisa let out a dry laugh, crossing her arms. “Oh, please, Dylan. Let’s not pretend you’re doing her any favors. You’re a broke, useless man with no future. Molly deserves better than being dragged down by you.”Dylan opened his mouth to reply, but a small voice interrupted from the doorway. “You’re a bad woman!”Both heads turned toward Molly, who stood clutching her stuffed bunny as though it were her only shield. Her innocent face was streaked with tears, her big eyes glistening with hurt.Lisa’s eyes narrowed in irr
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Chapter 4: The Shift of Power Lisa was frozen in place, her face pale as Dylan’s piercing gaze locked onto her. “If I ever hear you insult Molly again,” Dylan said coldly, his voice steady and sharp, “I’ll make you regret it in ways you can’t even imagine.” Lisa’s confidence wavered, her mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. For the first time, she was truly afraid of the man she had belittled for years. Dylan didn’t wait for her response; he bent down to pick up Molly, who clutched his neck tightly, her tears slowly drying. “Let’s go,” he said softly to his daughter. Molly nodded, her voice small but steady. “Okay, Daddy.” Without another glance at Lisa, Dylan walked out of the house. Outside, the convoy of luxury cars awaited. A chauffeur opened the door of a sleek black Rolls-Royce, bowing slightly as Dylan and Molly got in. Lisa stood by the window, watching as the convoy disappeared down the street. Her shock gradually turned into indignation. “Th
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The atmosphere in the Rolls-Royce was tense. Dylan sat in silence, his jaw clenched as the weight of his recent phone call with Jane lingered. Sensing his unease, John Nelson leaned forward, his face dark with anger.“Young Master,” John said, his voice low and serious, “after hearing how your ex-wife treated you and Molly, I have to ask—should we reconsider this cooperation with her company? People like her don’t deserve your help.”Dylan’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at John. “John, I'm always happy to help my wife's company. But now...Jane is not my wife anymore.” His voice was calm, but his words carried a firm edge.John nodded in understanding, his expression thoughtful. “I see.”The convoy arrived at the grand entrance of the Royal Elysian Hotel, where a red carpet had been rolled out. Luxury cars lined the driveway, with elegantly dressed guests mingling outside.John glanced at his granddaughter Helen, who had remained quiet the entire ride. Her shyness was evident,
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Chapter 10: Illusions Crumble Jane’s face turned pale as Carter Reed’s words sank in. She forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor, but her hands trembled as she clutched the edge of the podium. With a strained smile, she said, “Mr. Reed, you must be joking. Surely, you realize this is a public event. Journalists are here covering the success of this collaboration.” Carter’s expression remained cold, devoid of the respect he had shown her earlier. His voice was flat, almost mechanical, as he repeated, “The Nelson family has decided to cancel their cooperation with your company. This is final, Ms. Jane.” The room froze. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and all eyes turned to Jane. Jane’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her entire body trembled, and she stumbled slightly, nearly collapsing. Bobby was at her side in an instant, gripping her arm and helping her stay upright. “Jane, calm down,” he murmured nervously. Jane ignored him, her voice rising in panic. “Mr. Reed,
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204Dylan Grenville’s eyes flicked to the vibrating phone on the edge of his glass desk. The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number—no caller ID, just an empty sequence of digits that seemed to hum with menace.He hesitated.The air in his office felt heavier now, as if it were thickening with some unseen pressure. Outside the bulletproof glass windows of the high-rise, the city of Eridale glistened under the midnight rain, the skyline cut with static lightning. His pulse quickened, jaw tightening. Then—he hit accept.“Yeah?” he said, voice flat, cautious.For a moment, there was nothing—just static. A hiss, like radio silence stretched too thin. And then it came.A voice.Low. Gravelly. Mechanically distorted, as if dragged through sand and soaked in tar. Filtered, twisted—inhuman.“Mr. Grenville.”Dylan sat upright, every vertebrae snapping to attention as his spine stiffened. His fingers twitched toward the panic button under the desk, but he held off. His voice came out sharper,
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203“I am right,” Lisa replied, sounding pleased with herself. “You need to stop second-guessing everything. You’re not Helen from twenty years ago, struggling to prove herself. You’re Jane White. CEO. Boss. And Bobby? He’s not just your business partner. He’s your partner, period. In every sense.”Jane exhaled through her nose, gripping her phone a little tighter as she leaned against the elevator’s mirrored wall. The ride up to the penthouse was smooth, soundless, too quiet for her thoughts. Lisa’s voice echoed even after she hung up, bouncing around the corners of her mind like a song on repeat.She stepped out onto the twelfth floor of the luxurious Westside tower and moved down the hallway, heels clicking sharply against polished marble. Her steps slowed as she reached her door—unit 12A. The keypad glowed soft blue under her fingertips as she punched in her code. With a soft hiss, the door unlocked.Inside, the apartment was dim, bathed in the amber hues of city lights filtering
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202Back at Jane’s ApartmentThe hallway outside her apartment was quiet, but Jane’s heart wasn’t. It thudded like a warning drum inside her chest as she reached her door and fumbled for her keys. Her fingers, usually so precise, felt clumsy against the cool metal. She finally slid the key into the lock and twisted, pushing the door open with a soft creak.The moment she stepped inside, she exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her heels clicked on the hardwood as she moved forward, slowly closing the door behind her with a quiet click, then rested her forehead against the wood. It was cold, smooth, and grounding.The silence inside her apartment was eerie—thick, like a pause before something broke. The familiar lavender scent of the reed diffuser in the corner greeted her, but even that felt distant tonight. She slipped off her heels by the door, nudging them aside with the edge of her foot. The relief was immediate. Her toes ached, but her mind hurt more.She glanced
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201Back to HelenHelen sat still, frozen in the middle of the conference room. The emptiness of the space around her seemed to echo her growing realization.Everything she had worked for. Everything she thought she knew.Had it all been a lie?The sinking feeling in her stomach spread like cold fire. She couldn’t ignore the dread anymore. It was a feeling that would stay with her—forever.The door clicked shut behind her, but the sound of the finality echoed in her mind.“God, what have I done?” she whispered to herself, the weight of her decisions pressing down on her chest. “How could I have been so blind?”She stared at the documents on the table. The ink seemed to mock her, the signatures binding her to something she didn’t fully understand. The deal had seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime—until it wasn’t. Now it was a trap, and she was the prey.Her phone buzzed on the table in front of her, but she didn’t pick it up immediately. Her hands were shaking too much. When she f
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200Helen tried to return the smile, but it came out more strained than she intended. Her stomach churned, and her skin prickled with an ominous sense of foreboding that she couldn’t shake.Something was wrong. Her instincts, always so sharp when it came to business, were screaming at her. This wasn’t right.She glanced at the man who had spoken, trying to find some sign of warmth or sincerity. But there was none. Just cold professionalism. He didn’t seem to care that she’d just signed away a chunk of her life.The words echoed in her mind: “It’s a done deal. Congratulations.”Her hand trembled as she reached for the pen, signing the contract without hesitation. Was it a mistake? She couldn’t tell. She’d been briefed, she’d weighed the pros and cons, but now that it was done—now that the deal was final—she wasn’t sure she could even trust her own judgment anymore.“Thank you,” she said, her voice coming out softer than she had intended. Her eyes were on the paper in front of her, but
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199 Pages and pages of dense legal language. Terms like “full legal responsibility,” “personal liability,” “unlimited financial exposure.” Helen’s stomach twisted. “This is…” she trailed off. “Standard,” the thickset man said shortly. Helen looked up sharply. “It doesn’t look standard.” The man with the scar leaned forward, voice low and threatening. “You want in or not?” Helen tried to laugh, but it came out thin and shaky. “I’m just… not used to moving this fast, I guess. Big deals usually involve—” “Lawyers?” the young man sneered. “Mediators? Delays?” He leaned forward, eyes cold. “That’s why most people never make it, sweetheart. They hesitate. They waste time. Opportunities vanish.” Helen’s heart hammered painfully against her ribs. “But—” “Bobby said you were serious,” the man with the scar interrupted, his voice like gravel. “That you had guts. Were we wrong?” Helen’s cheeks flamed. “No,” she snapped. The man shoved the pen across the table toward her. “The
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198The Next Morning,Helen stood in front of the mirror in her luxury apartment, smoothing the front of her navy sheath dress for the fifth time. Her heels clicked restlessly against the marble floor as she checked her appearance from every angle.She looked perfect. Sharp. Professional. Unstoppable.Today was the day.She had barely slept, tossing and turning with excitement, replaying Bobby’s words over and over in her head:“Big money, Helen. Billions.”“You’re going to crush them all.”Lisa had practically screamed when Helen called her after midnight.“You’re going to OWN this city!” Lisa had cried. “They won’t even know what hit them!”Helen had laughed, giddy and breathless.Finally.Finally she would be more than the woman they whispered about behind champagne glasses. She would be a force.She stared at her reflection, brushing an imaginary speck off her dress.“No mistakes,” she whispered to herself. “You’re ready.”Her phone buzzed. A text from Bobby:Car’s waiting downsta
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197 Bobby clapped his hands together, almost giddy. “That’s what I’m talking about.” “But,” Helen said, cutting him off again, “if you even think about crossing me—” He held up his hands. “Scout’s honor.” Helen laughed humorlessly. “You were never a scout, Bobby.” “No,” he admitted, “but I was always good at surviving.” Helen smirked. “Survival’s not enough anymore.” Bobby lifted his coffee in a mock toast. “To the queen of the city.” Helen hesitated, just for a second, before clinking her mug against his. She could almost taste the victory already—sweet, rich, and long overdue. ⸻ Last night, she had told Lisa everything, practically bouncing on her designer heels. Lisa had squealed and shrieked, “YES! This is it! You’re finally going to crush them all!” Helen had believed it. She had seen herself rising—higher than the Nelsons, higher than all those self-important bastards who had sneered at her. But what Helen didn’t know—what Lisa didn’t know—was that Bobby had never
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196“How soon do they want to move?” Helen asked, swirling the spoon idly around her coffee.“Fast,” Bobby said, leaning forward, lowering his voice like it was some great secret. “Two weeks, tops. They want to announce before the next fiscal quarter.”Helen tapped her manicured nails against the mug, deep in thought, her sunglasses slipping slightly down her nose. She pushed them back up with one finger. Her mind was already working angles, risks, escape routes.“And what’s your cut in all this?” she asked, her tone sharp, suspicious.Bobby chuckled, an easy, practiced sound. “Straight to business. I like that about you.”Helen didn’t crack a smile. “Answer the question.”He took a slow sip of his coffee, deliberately dragging out the moment. Helen’s foot started tapping under the table, a tell she couldn’t help.Finally, he said, “Finder’s fee. Minor stake. I’ll be consulting behind the scenes. You’ll be the face.”Helen narrowed her eyes. “Consulting,” she repeated. “Meaning you ge
