Chapter 4

Ten years ago, my heroics in fighting off armed robbers to save her had made local headlines.

The tragic hero crippled in the line of duty, winning the heart of the beauty he saved.

Back then, she had clung to my arm on local television, tearfully confessing her eternal love. Now, out of her mouth, it was reduced to mere "pity."

I didn't know how long she had been sleeping with him, but on paper, she was still my wife.

I couldn't just swallow this insult.

"Chloe, you realize this is adultery, right?"

I glared at her. She couldn't hold my gaze and looked away.

Brock immediately pulled her closer, playing the role of the protective white knight.

"Adultery? Who cares? You just think the payout isn't big enough, don't you?"

"Name a figure. I've got more money than you'll ever see in your miserable life!"

I looked at this arrogant, bloated trust-fund kid as if he were a circus clown.

"Actually, I changed my mind. If you take her through that door tonight, it won't just cost you a leg."

"Give me an hour, and I'll make sure you lose everything you own."

The moment the words left my mouth, Chloe snapped.

"Stop bluffing, Sean! Who do you think you are? Bankrupt Brock? We've been married ten years—if you had that kind of power, would you be limping around in a cheap security uniform?"

The room erupted into laughter.

"Right? You marry at your own level! A broke, crippled loser like him was bound to get cheated on eventually."

"Mr. Sterling is the real deal here. Look at his wealth, his connections!"

Everyone scrambled to flatter Brock. Not a single person spoke up for me.

Ignoring their sneers, I turned to walk toward the door.

Before I could take two steps, a heavy hand clamped down on my shoulder.

"Leaving so soon? Did I say you could go?"

Brock stood over me, his smirk dripping with condescension.

"Sean, I'll give you two choices. Either take the money, sign the divorce papers, and walk out of here... or I snap your other leg."

Chloe leaned into his chest, whining playfully, "Oh, Brock, don't be so violent, you're scaring me."

Brock laughed. "Fine. Then how about this? Crawl between my legs, or take the payout and sign. Pick one, Sean. Think carefully."

Suppressing the fire raging in my veins, I spoke evenly.

"I'll sign the divorce papers. And I won't take a dime of your money. But..."

I paused, letting the silence hang.

"...I need to call my father first. I can't finalize a divorce without his approval."

Brock threw his head back and roared with laughter.

"Did you hear this guy? A grown-ass man in his thirties needs daddy's permission to get divorced!"

"What, do you need him to wipe your nose for you, too?"

Chloe sneered. "Let him call, Brock. His father abandoned him before he was even born. He's a bastard with no family. I want to see which imaginary daddy he pulls out of thin air."

"Fine," I said, staring at her. "Once I make this call, don't regret it."

Chloe tossed her hair smugly. "The only one regretting anything tonight is you."

I pulled out my phone and dialed the private number.