Chapter 3

At the city police station, I sit in the mediation room drinking warm water.

The door is suddenly pushed open.

Francis's mother, Aurora, storms in on high heels with an imposing air.

Her well-maintained face is full of fury.

Seeing me, she pulls out a check from her bag and throws it in my face.

"Chloe, haven't you caused enough trouble?"

"One million. Go tell the police right now it was a misunderstanding."

"Francis is the heir to Carter Group. He can't have a criminal record!"

The check floats lightly to the ground. I don't even glance at it.

"Aurora, soliciting prostitutes is illegal."

"The police caught him in the act. How do you expect me to change my statement?"

Aurora crosses her arms, her eyes full of contempt.

"Stop acting high and mighty.

If you didn't look somewhat like Austin, would Francis have married you?"

"You're just a poor girl from an orphanage. Being able to marry Francis is incredible luck."

"What's wrong with men having a few lovers? Don't you have any tolerance?"

I stand up and look directly into her eyes.

"He brought a call girl to my marital bed and had sex with her in front of my eight-month pregnant belly.

This is your Carter family upbringing?"

Aurora chokes on her words and becomes furious with embarrassment.

"Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!"

"I've investigated you. That grandmother of yours with kidney failure is still lying in the hospital, right?"

"Believe it or not, with one word from me, I can have the hospital stop her medication and throw her out on the street to die?"

I look at her condescending face and suddenly laugh.

I take out my phone and open a video.

In the video, my grandmother is lying in a VIP room at a top private hospital with a dedicated caregiver.

"I'm very sorry, Aurora."

"Just an hour ago, I transferred my grandmother to another hospital."

"That hospital is foreign-controlled. Your Carter family's reach doesn't extend that far."

Aurora's face stiffens.

"Where did you get the money?"

I put away my phone.

"That's none of your concern."

"I'm officially notifying you now that I want a divorce from Francis."

"Have him prepare the property division agreement."

Aurora acts like she's heard the biggest joke and bursts out laughing.

"Divorce? Divide property?"

"Chloe, are you still asleep?"

"Francis did a prenuptial property notarization. Even if you divorce, you'll leave with nothing!"

"The child in your belly won't be recognized by the Carter family either!"

I nod.

"Perfect if you don't recognize it. I also find your Carter family genes dirty.

As for property, I'll see you in court."

I walk past her and head straight out.

Passing the detention room, I see Francis behind the iron bars.

He's wearing a prison uniform, his hair disheveled, no longer showing any trace of the dignity of a wealthy young master.

Seeing me, he rushes to the iron railing with a twisted expression.

"Chloe! Get my mom to bail me out!"

"The food in here isn't fit for humans!"

"If you just get me out, I'll forgive your unreasonable behavior!"

Unreasonable behavior?

I stop and look at him coldly.

"Francis, soliciting prostitutes carries a detention of ten to fifteen days."

"Enjoy your stay."

"Oh, and remember to exercise more so Lester on the outside won't think you're weak."

Francis curses furiously.

"Bitch! You dare curse me!"

"When Austin comes back, I'm divorcing you immediately!"

"You won't get a single penny!"

I ignore his ranting and leave the police station.

The sunlight outside is somewhat blinding.

I touch the child in my belly.

Baby, Mommy will take you away from this cesspool.