Chapter 5

When his detention period ends, Francis is released.

He immediately rushes back to the villa, only to find the gate locked.

Through the windows, he sees the place is completely empty—even the floors have been pried up.

He frantically calls me.

"Chloe! What did you do to the house? Where are my things?"

I sit on the sofa in my large flat, drinking bird's nest soup.

"Garbage naturally goes to the dump."

"I've already sold the house. The money is in my account."

The sound of things being smashed comes from the other end of the phone.

"You dare sell my house? That's robbery!"

"Give me the money back immediately! Otherwise I'll call the police and have you arrested!"

I laugh lightly.

"Go ahead and report it."

"I have half ownership of the house. My sale was legal."

"You'd better worry about your company's stock price first."

I hang up.

Carter Group's stock price has hit the daily limit down for three consecutive days due to news about Francis's prostitution and drug use.

Market capitalization has evaporated by nearly ten billion.

Half an hour later, Francis finds my large flat and kicks the door.

"Chloe! Open up!"

I open the door. He charges in like an enraged lion.

"What the hell do you want?"

"Playing hard to get has limits!"

"You think making a big scene will make me look at you more?"

I throw the divorce agreement I prepared earlier in his face.

"Sign it."

Francis sees the words clearly, his face turning ashen.

He tears up the agreement. Paper scraps scatter everywhere.

"Divorce? Dream on!"

"You haven't finished your duties as a stand-in. What right do you have to ask for divorce?"

"You think after leaving me, you can still live this kind of luxurious life?"

Just then, his phone rings.

The screen flashes with "Austin."

Francis's expression instantly becomes incredibly tender.

He answers the phone, his voice so gentle it could drip water.

"Austin, you've landed?"

"Okay, I'll send a car to pick you up right away."

"Don't be afraid. With me here, no one can bully you."

After hanging up, Francis looks at me, his eyes cold again.

"Did you hear? Austin is back."

"Your job as a stand-in is over."

"After the child is born, hand it directly to Austin to raise."

"She's in poor health and can't bear children. Consider this child your compensation to her."

I look at his matter-of-fact expression and feel utterly disgusted.

"My child—why should I give it to her?"

Francis snorts coldly.

"Why? Because you're a waste living off the Carter family!"

"You're just a breeding tool."

"Being able to raise a child for Austin is your honor."

I point at the door. "Get out."

Francis straightens his suit and arrogantly raises his chin.

"You'd better behave."

"There's a charity gala tomorrow night. You must attend with me."

"To prove to the public that rumors of our marital discord are false."

"Otherwise, I have a hundred ways to make your life worse than death."

I watch his departing back.

A charity gala?

Fine. I'll prepare a gift you'll never forget.