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 6: The Confrontation at the Royal ElysianDylan stood calm and unbothered, the corners of his lips curling in subtle amusement as Jane’s voice reached a fevered pitch. Her accusations were wild, her energy almost theatrical, and Bobby’s smug grin only added to the absurdity. "Cheating on you?" Dylan’s voice was low but sharp, slicing through Jane’s tirade. He sneered, folding his arms. "Jane, the only affair here is yours—with this gentleman." He tilted his head toward Bobby, his tone dripping with mockery. "And let me clear something up—for the record, Helen and I met today. Your imagination deserves an award." Jane’s face flushed an angry crimson as she jabbed a shaking finger at Dylan. She was furious; she was most afraid of being labeled as an adulterer."Don’t you dare twist this on me!" she shrieked. "Everyone knows you’re nothing but a broke fraud! And her—" She turned her fiery glare to Helen, who stood composed beside Dylan. "What is she supposed to be? Another on
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Chapter 8: Revelations and RetributionVivian’s heart sank as the weight of her actions hit her. It turned out that everything Helen had said was true. She had humiliated the wrong people, and now the consequences were staring her in the face. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed to her knees in front of Dylan and Helen. Cold sweat dripped from her forehead, and her hands trembled as she clasped them together in desperation. "Please, Helen... Young Master Dylan..." Vivian’s voice cracked, and tears streamed down her face. "I was wrong. I didn’t mean it! I didn’t know who you were! Please, forgive me. I’ll do anything to make this right!" Helen stood tall beside Dylan, her sharp gaze pinned on Vivian. Her voice was cold, yet steady, as she spoke. "You didn’t mean it? Was it ignorance or arrogance, Vivian? You didn’t bother verifying who we were before treating us like dirt. And now you’re groveling? Do you think that excuses what you’ve done?" Vivian’s sobs grew louder, and she c
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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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212Chapter 212 – Fractures at DawnThe city hadn’t fully woken up yet. Eridale slouched under the heavy gray hush of morning after rain, its streets glistening with residue from the night’s storm. Neon signs blinked over shuttered cafes, their distorted reflections swirling in rain-slicked puddles. A chill wind swept between the buildings, stirring discarded flyers and making everything feel just a little too quiet.Dylan pulled the collar of his coat higher against the cold, scanning the block as he and Lilith turned the corner onto Davlin Street. The wet asphalt whispered beneath their boots.“That’s it,” Lilith muttered beside him, nodding toward a narrow, unmarked door set between two upscale boutiques. “Veridian Bistro.”He followed her gaze. From the outside, it looked like nothing. Just another door in a city full of secrets. But Dylan knew better—Veridian was no ordinary bistro. It was a front. A meeting ground for people who didn’t like to be seen. High-end criminals, washed
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211The next morning came too quickly for Jane. The weight of the decision hung heavily over her, despite the calm façade she had tried to maintain. Her phone buzzed incessantly, messages from Lisa, Adam, and even Linda, all eager to confirm their plans to transfer their funds. The excitement from the previous night had only grown stronger with each passing hour, but Jane’s unease had deepened in equal measure.She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being led down a path she shouldn’t follow, a path paved with promises and lies. As she scrolled through the group chat, her eyes caught a message from Bobby: “It’s all set. Ready when you are, Jane. Don’t let fear dictate your future. This is your chance.”The words sent a cold shiver down her spine. There it was again—the subtle pressure, the quiet threat wrapped in a smooth, convincing tone. Bobby was a master at this. He knew exactly how to manipulate people, how to make them think they were making their own choices while all alon
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210But then, there was Jane. She had barely spoken all evening, her quiet demeanor setting her apart from the rest. She had been sitting at the edge of the group, her eyes downcast, staring into her untouched champagne. Her fingers traced the rim of her glass absentmindedly as she listened to her friends talk about their investments, their dreams. It was so easy for them, so quick to jump in. But Jane wasn’t so sure. She could feel the unease creeping in, the tug in her gut telling her that something wasn’t right. They were so eager, so willing to throw everything into Bobby’s hands. So naïve.“You’re not worried about the risks?” she asked quietly, her voice almost lost amidst the chatter. The words seemed to hang in the air for a moment before Bobby’s eyes flicked toward her, catching the subtle challenge in her tone.Bobby’s smile didn’t falter. He leaned forward just enough to catch her gaze, his eyes dark and steady, like a predator eyeing its prey. “Worried? No,” he said, his v
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209 Adam looked up, his face a mask of calm. “I mean, what’s not to consider? Bobby’s offering us a seat at the table. You know how rare that is.” His words were matter-of-fact, but there was a certain eagerness in his eyes, a glimmer of excitement that he couldn’t hide. He was already sold. Linda, ever the practical one, nodded, her fingers tapping on the edge of her glass. “I don’t know. It sounds like a solid opportunity. Bobby’s track record speaks for itself.” The table was buzzing now, the tension thickening with every passing second. Jane felt herself shrinking in her seat. Everyone else was on board, their minds already made up. She was the only one left holding back, and she hated the feeling. But no matter how she tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Bobby was pulling the strings, drawing them all in like moths to a flame. She leaned back, rubbing her temples, trying to quiet the storm inside her head. The words kept swirling around, crashing into one another. “I
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208 “Wait,” Jane said slowly, her brow furrowing. “Didn’t you pitch something like this to ForwardTech last year? I remember the prototype.”Bobby blinked—just a fraction too long. His eyes darted around the table, landing on her for a beat longer than necessary. “That was… similar, but flawed. This one’s new. Better team. Better model.”Jane could sense the words slipping from his mouth too smoothly. It wasn’t the first time he’d said something that didn’t quite sit right with her, but this time there was something sharper in the air. A fine thread of doubt, like static crackling on the edge of a storm.Adam, who had been staring at the screen of his phone, looked up with a casual air that masked his curiosity. “What happened with ForwardTech, though? I remember the buzz last year. They were practically salivating over this.”Bobby shrugged, the motion too careful, too rehearsed. “They weren’t ready,” he said smoothly. “And frankly, their ethics were sketchy. I don’t want to work w
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207Jane’s breath hitched as Bobby reached into his pocket again.The room, already hushed, seemed to freeze entirely. All eyes were locked on him—some mouths slightly agape, others tight with expectation. Lisa had both hands clasped under her chin like she was praying. Even the jazz from the corner speakers had faded out, as if the room itself held its breath.And then, slowly, deliberately, Bobby pulled something out.Not a ring box.A folded piece of paper.Lisa blinked, then narrowed her eyes. “Wait. That’s… not velvet.”The mood cracked like porcelain. A collective gasp followed by awkward chuckles and confused glances circled the table like ripples on a lake.Bobby didn’t seem fazed. He smiled that polished, camera-ready smile. “This one,” he said smoothly, waving the paper slightly, “isn’t for right now. I’ll ask it while we eat.”Lisa leaned toward Jane, her mouth close to her ear. “Did we just get emotionally blue-balled?”Jane tried to smile, but a pit had opened in her stom
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206The night deepened, wrapping the penthouse in a velvet hush, broken only by the soft clinking of glasses and the low hum of jazz playing in the background. From the corner of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a glittering skyline, the lights of the city twinkling like a thousand secrets waiting to be whispered.Jane stood by the minibar, swirling her champagne gently as she stared out the window. Behind her, the soft thrum of voices filled the space—laughter, banter, and just the right level of intoxicated excitement to make the room buzz without spinning out of control.Lisa appeared beside her like a ghost in heels, sipping her wine and smirking. “So… he’s pulling out all the stops. Private penthouse? Classy guest list? Jazz that sounds like it was handpicked by a man who owns three turtlenecks?”Jane gave her a look. “He doesn’t own a single turtleneck.”Lisa waved dismissively. “He feels like a man who could. Come on, Jane. Is this just a ‘you crushed the quarter’ pa
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205Jane’s apartment,The phone buzzed against the marble countertop, its soft vibration cutting through the heavy silence of the apartment. Jane turned from the window, where the city skyline glinted under the sinking sun, and eyed the screen with reluctant curiosity.Bobby.She hesitated only a second before swiping to answer.“Hey,” she said, her voice a little more tired than she intended.“Jane,” Bobby’s voice poured through, smooth, steady, and warm like whiskey on a winter night. “You home?”“Just walked in,” she replied, tugging her heels off one at a time. “What’s up?”“I was thinking…” he began, then paused. There was a quiet thud in the background. “No. Actually, I decided. We’re celebrating tonight.”Jane blinked, tossing her shoes aside. “Celebrating what?”“You,” he said simply. “You pulled off the impossible this quarter. The board knows it, I know it, and frankly, the city should know it too. So—champagne, skyline, music. My place. I want your mom and Adam there, too.
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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,
