The Quiet Supremacy

Chapter 2

"I'm not here to argue, Irwin. So, let's not drag this out." Isabella said, setting the papers down again.

Her facial expression was stern. It was an easy guess that she had made up her mind. Irwin had asked that she come because he wanted to see at least an iota of affection left in her, but this young woman was as icy as an icicle.

She brought out a cheque and scribbled on it for a moment before sliding it towards Irwin.

"That's a five million dollars cheque." Isabella said. "That's enough compensation for being a house husband."

"So, you think this is about money?" Irwin's first words to her were sharp and emotional.

"You don't have to gaslight me, Irwin." She replied coldly. "We are world's apart and you know that."

Her words cut into Irwin's heart like a dagger. He couldn't believe that he has slaved his life away for this woman for three years.

"This marriage has been nothing but a trouble." She continued. "I've never for once benefited anything from you. You have no value to my career path. You only want to clean and do the dishes while I want to climb the world. We don't align in ideologies." She paused.

"I tried to ignore all these for a while but now, I can't help it anymore." There was finality in her tone. "You are now a convict. Not only can you not help my career, but with your current status, you will only drag me down."

She heaved a sigh.

"It is better to part ways than be an inconvenience to each other." She added.

Irwin just couldn't come to stomach everything that she had said. He couldn't believe that the sacrifice that he had done for their marriage was ordinary 'cleaning duties' to her.

It was in that moment that for the first time he saw himself clearly through her eyes. To her, he was a useless janitor. How sad.

Earlier, he had asked to see her because he thought she was mistaking, but right now, he has seen enough. He pulled the papers closer and signed them.

"I don't need your money." He tossed the cheque back at her.

Isabella was surprised that he would refuse such a whooping sum of money.

"Return the pendant I gave to you. That's all I need." He added firmly. "It's my family heirloom and belongs to a family, not someone like you."

His eyes were cold as he stared into hers.

"From now on, we go our separate ways!" After that, he stood up and walked away.

"On my next visit, I'll bring back the pendant." She called at him.

Feeling slightly guilty that Irwin would not take any money from her,

"I am open to any other terms that you may add tomorrow." She added to ease her guilt. After this, she turned and left.

Outside the prison, she saw her secretary waiting by the car as she approached.

"Do you think I'm making the right decision by divorcing Irwin?" Isabella asked, still unable to totally get rid of the guilt.

"Of course, you are." Jessica snapped. "No one in their right mind will want to be associated with a deadbeat like Irwin. You were in fact too generous to keep him for this long. Henceforth, you will be a global phenomenon with no convict dragging you down."

Isabella nodded, finding reassurance in the words of her secretary.

Irwin had stopped in his tracks and watched her back as she walked away. He was still staring as though he could still see her. A bitter smile tugged at his lower lip.

In truth, he was in prison to carry out a secret mission. Bound by orders, he could not tell her the truth. He had thought that after all their years together, she would believe in his character. But clearly, he had overestimated his place in her heart.

Hardly had he taken a few steps when a stunning lady with enchanting features rushed up to him. Although warm and polite, there was an air of curiosity about her..

“It’s great to finally meet you, sir.” She had a warm smile, reaching out her palm.

"Who are you?" Irwin asked, ignoring the gesture.

"I’m here to pick you." The lady replied warmly. “My father sent me.”

She was Bethany Colwill, the only child of the renowned John Colwill, the wild rich eagle, and the subordinate of Irwin. She was also the current CEO of Rathclif Groups.

Her father had only told her that Irwin was an important person, but didn’t go into the details. Upon arrival, she had thought that she would meet an elderly man about the age of her father, but seeing how young Irwin, she was indeed moved.

This made her curiosity about him even more keen. The way her father had talked about him was elevating.

"Who is your father?." Irwin asked sternly, "And you haven’t answered my initial question.”

Seeing that Irwin was truly the person he was said to be, Bethany tightened up. She couldn’t afford to offend a man her father hold in high regard

"My name is Bethany Colwill. CEO of Rathclif." She answered.

"Colwill?" The name rang a note in Irwin's mind. "Do you mean John?"

"Yes, John is my father." She replied, glad that Irwin remembered her father. “And he sent me to come pick you.”