Chapter 2

On the drive back, Jax didn't stop cursing.

"That heartless bitch! When Miller Enterprises was about to go under, you stood outside the senator's office in the freezing rain for three days and nights just to get them a federal bailout."

"Without the billions of dollars you poured in later, the entire Miller family would be sitting in a federal prison right now!"

"If it weren't for you, that woman would be wearing a prison jumpsuit!"

I patted Jax on the shoulder, signaling him to calm down.

"We've known each other for so long, and you're still this impulsive?"

Jax gripped the steering wheel tightly. "Impulsive? If you hadn't stopped me, I would have had my boys drag her out by her hair."

"It's a good thing we live in a civilized society now. Ten years ago, I would have personally broken her legs."

Ten years ago, because of some family issues, Jax and his father were heavily involved in the underground docks.

Later, his father cleaned up his act and started a legitimate logistics business.

And the person who helped his father get clean was my mother.

Once Jax finally calmed down, he glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

"What's the plan? From the look on Chloe's face, she wants to completely devour whatever is left of the Sterling legacy."

I didn't answer right away. As a wife, Chloe was a monster.

But as a businesswoman, she was incredibly ruthless and efficient.

She had played the long game, hiding in the shadows, just to give me this grand surprise.

"Let's go to the office first. I need to pick up a few things."

When Jax and I arrived at the Sterling Building, we couldn't even get past the turnstiles. My keycard flashed red.

The receptionist saw me and hurried over, but she made no move to open the gate.

"Mr. Sterling, I'm so sorry. The board of directors announced this morning that we've merged with Miller Enterprises."

"You've been officially terminated. I can't let you inside."

Jax stepped up, his face darkening.

"Are you out of your mind? Have you forgotten who paid your salary all these years?"

"You've been here for a decade! Your benefits are five times higher than any other company in this city! Who do you think gave you that?"

The receptionist lowered her head, but she didn't budge.

"The new Chairman said our benefits will remain the same under the new management. Please, Mr. Mercer, don't make this difficult for us."

I held Jax back, keeping my expression perfectly calm.

"It's fine, Jax. I don't need to go in. I'm just here for my personal belongings."

Hearing this, the receptionist pointed toward the large trash bin near the curb outside.

"The transition team cleared out your office earlier. Your things... should be out there."

I nodded slowly and walked out.

Standing by the trash bin, I sifted through the discarded files and found a silver frame.

It was the only photo I had left of my mother and me.

"These ungrateful bastards. I hope they rot," Jax muttered under his breath.

I carefully wiped the dust off the glass frame and put it in my coat pocket.

Then, I hailed a cab and headed straight to the city hospital.

I pushed open the door to the luxury VIP suite. Chloe's mother, Eleanor, was sitting up in bed. When she saw me, a flash of guilt crossed her face.

She forced a tight, artificial smile.

"Ethan, dear... is the wedding over?"

I nodded, sat down on the chair beside her bed, and picked up an apple, slowly peeling it with a pocket knife.

"My wedding is over. But hers... seems to be just starting."

Eleanor's eyes darted around nervously. "Sweetheart, what are you talking about?"

I ignored her question. I didn't offer her the peeled apple like I usually did.

Instead, I took a slow, deliberate bite out of it.

"Do you know the most important lesson my mother ever taught me?"

"Integrity. Whether dealing with business or relationships, you must be absolutely genuine."

"Too bad Chloe doesn't deserve it."

As I chewed the apple, Eleanor finally realized I knew everything. Her fake smile vanished.

"Ethan, I know Chloe's methods were a bit harsh, but she did it to protect our family's assets."

"Once she gets back, I'll make sure she gives you a proper explanation."

Hearing how eager she was to distance herself from me, I couldn't help but chuckle.

"An explanation? You're even faster than Chloe at drawing a line between us."

"Like mother, like daughter."

Staring at my cold, unblinking smile, Eleanor began to panic.

"Ethan, I know what Chloe did was wrong, but it's a fact that she doesn't love you."

"You two had a few years of marriage, and that should be enough. Don't do anything stupid."

I stood up, tossing the half-eaten apple onto the sterile white nightstand.

"Stupid? Of course not. Please tell Chloe that I've prepared her wedding gifts. I'll be delivering them one by one."

Leaving the hospital, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in years.

"Hey, Dad. I ran into some trouble."