Chapter 3

The next morning, I drafted the divorce agreement and went straight to the company headquarters to find Olivia.

But the moment I reached the lobby, two security guards blocked my path.

I frowned. "I’m the Executive Vice President of this company..."

The guard mocked, cutting me off, "What Vice President? An official notice was sent out this morning. You’ve been terminated!"

"Furthermore, CEO Vance personally ordered that Ethan and dogs are not allowed inside."

I clenched my fists, a burning sensation of anger rising in my chest.

Just then, Julian and Olivia walked out of the elevator together.

Julian spoke in a high-pitched, sarcastic tone.

"Oh, look who it is. Former VP Ethan. Why are you standing outside?"

Before I could answer, he gasped, feigning shock, "Oh, I forgot! You’ve been fired by Olivia. You’re literally nobody now."

The security guards laughed along servilely.

Olivia stood beside him, her lips curled in a disdainful smirk.

I took a deep, heavy breath, ignored Julian entirely, and locked my eyes on her. "I’m here to finalize the divorce."

A glint of greed flashed in Julian’s eyes.

Olivia sneered and slid a document out of her designer bag, handing it to me.

"I’ve already had my lawyers draft the paperwork. Sign it."

I took it, and my brow furrowed as I skimmed the terms.

"You expect me to leave with absolutely nothing?"

According to the agreement, Olivia wasn't leaving me a single dime.

How did she have the audacity?

Olivia sneered, "What else did you expect?"

Julian crossed his arms. "Isn't that obvious? This is Vance Group. Everything you used, wore, and drove belonged to Olivia’s wealth. What right do you have to take her money?"

"Honestly, if you want to keep whatever dignity you have left, just sign it."

Seeing me hesitate, Olivia mocked, "I knew you couldn't bear to let go of this luxurious lifestyle. Why act so tough last night? Ethan, if you apologize right now, agree to split my pregnancy costs, and schedule your vasectomy, I might consider letting you keep your job. Otherwise..."

"No need. I’ll sign."

I cut her off sharply. I pulled out my pen and rapidly signed my name on the dotted line.

Olivia’s expression hardened, clearly not expecting me to be so decisive. "Ethan, you actually..."

"Olivia!"

Before she could finish her sentence, Julian grabbed her hand.

"Everything he has on him was paid for by you. Look at that custom-tailored suit he’s wearing, and that sports car he drove here. They cost a fortune! Those are your assets. You can't let him leave with them!"

I snapped my gaze to her.

Olivia was taken aback for a second, but then a look of cruel satisfaction washed over her face.

"Julian is right. The car and your clothes were bought with my money. Since you’re leaving with nothing, you don't get to take them."

"However, if you get down on your knees, beg Julian and me for forgiveness, and sign the commitment letter Julian drafted, I’ll give you one last chance."

"Otherwise, don't blame me for leaving you out on the street in your underwear."

My heart grew completely cold.

"Fine."

I let out a harsh laugh. Ignoring the mocking whispers and stares of the employees gathering in the lobby, I took off my designer blazer, unbuttoned my shirt, stepped out of my trousers, and kicked off my leather shoes.

I threw my car keys directly at Olivia’s face.

"Are you satisfied now? I bought the underwear and the undershirt myself. I don't need to strip those off for you, do I?"

The keys struck Olivia’s face, leaving a red mark before clattering to the floor. She froze, completely stunned.

I didn't give her another glance. With a straight back and head held high, I walked out of the building in my plain undershirt and boxers, completely ignoring the whispering crowd.

Behind me, Olivia was shaking with sheer embarrassment and rage.

"Ethan! You want to play this game with me?! Fine! You’ll regret this!"

For nine long years, I was always the one to cave in. I was the one who coddled her.

She couldn't understand why, this time, I refused to bow my head.

I ignored her completely, hailed a taxi under the shocked stares of onlookers, and left.

Since she wanted to play dirty, I was going to ruin her.

Using the last of my cash, I took the cab to my parents' house.

My parents and my sister, Chloe, who had married a few years ago, were all gathered in the living room.

The atmosphere was incredibly tense.

Seeing me walk in wearing nothing but my underwear, my mother’s eyes instantly turned red. "Ethan... what happened? Did Olivia do this to you?"

My father immediately grabbed me and pushed me toward the guest room. "Go, put on some dry clothes before you catch a cold."

Before I could say anything, Chloe let out an annoyed, loud sigh.

"Ethan, seriously? Why did you have to pick a fight with Olivia? Are you not satisfied until you drag this entire family into the mud with you?"

"Chloe! Shut your mouth!" my mother warned her sharply.

But Chloe only grew more agitated, jumping up from the sofa. "Am I wrong? Why are you protecting him? If it weren't for his stupid ego, would our lives be falling apart right now?"

My mother’s face paled as she tried to stop her.

I realized something was terribly wrong. "What happened? Tell me."