Chapter 5
As expected, my words angered Anson.
“After all these years, you still can’t let go of Oakley? Is it really worth redividing just a few shares?”
Seeing Anson defend Oakley like that made it seem like I was the wicked stepmother, undeserving of any consideration.
“Chloe is your daughter too, but she doesn’t have any shares.”
My simple statement of fact caused Anson to fall silent.
Soon after, the lawyer arrived. The
entanglement between Anson and me was too deep, and by the time we received our
1/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
divorce certificate, it was already close to evening.
I didn’t want the house. Since Chloe was in the hospital, I figured I could buy a new place and start fresh with her. As for the company shares, I sold them all to Anson. Since we were parting ways, I didn’t want any more connections with him. Any further entanglements would only disgust me.
Two weeks later, I was at a flower
arrangement class with some other women I knew, discussing business, when I overheard some gossip about Anson.
Mrs. Adele, who was arranging flowers next to me, leaned over and whispered:
“Oh, you wouldn’t believe it. Your ex–husband just got a huge chunk of shares, and now he’s all high and mighty. My Noel wanted to
Chapter 5
+5 Points
work with him, but he acted like he couldn’t care less. It wasn’t anything like how he was when you were around.”
I couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. That was Anson for you, always used to being pampered.
“Oh, Mrs. Adele, I’ve been thinking about doing something myself lately. Relying on old resources just doesn’t cut it. How about we have a meal together sometime?”
Smart people know when to stop, and I could tell Mrs. Adele was hinting at the same thing, so I made the suggestion.
As expected, Mrs. Adele eagerly agreed.
When it comes to making money, no one can afford to delay. We reached out to several investors, and a month later, my own
Chapter 5
I to jdtues
+5 Points
company was officially established.
Just as my career was flourishing, Chloe visibly became much more cheerful. Every time I saw her come home from school, smiling as she rushed toward me, I couldn’t help but feel like life was finally becoming brighter.
Just when I thought everything was on track, I received a call from Oakley’s university counselor.
Since Oakley was already in college, it wasn’t common for a counselor to contact the parents unless something significant happened. I was about to ask for more details when the counselor abruptly hung up the phone.
I was having lunch with Chloe at the time. Noticing my pause after the call, Chloe
Chapter 5
so you
+ 5 Points
curiously asked:
“What happened, Mom? Does Oakley need you? You should go, I’ll go to school on my own after I finish eating.”
My daughter had always been more sensible than Oakley, and even though Anson and I were divorced, she still placed Oakley ahead of herself.
Watching Chloe eat, I had just started feeling anxious about Oakley, but in an instant, that feeling disappeared.
“Mom isn’t going anywhere. Your dad is with your brother, and if he’s busy, he has his secretary. I just want to take you to school this afternoon.”
Seeing Chloe smile with her dimples after hearing my words, I felt that my decision had
5/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
been the right one.
In the afternoon, just after dropping Chloe off at school, my phone rang again. It was still Oakley’s university counselor.
I answered the call and immediately heard a cacophony of noise from the other end.
“Hello, Mrs. Gates, why haven’t you arrived yet? Luna’s parents have been waiting for quite some time.”
Luna? The name took me by surprise. It took me a moment to recall that Oakley’s girlfriend, whom he’d introduced during the recent Christmas, was named Luna.
“Hello, I’m dealing with something and won’t be coming. Not just today, but going forward, please direct all matters related to Oakley to his father.”
6/8
Chapter 5
+5 Points
I was about to hang up, but before I could press the button, a frantic, hysterical cry pierced through the line.
“What kind of man is the heir of Gates Group, forcing his own girlfriend to have an abortion? Is this how your family teaches you to treat women? Poor Lulu… she’ll never be able to have children again!”
The final words were laced with such piercing sorrow that it sent a chill down my spine, even through the phone.
The counselor, sensing I hadn’t ended the call, spoke again in a near pleading tone.
“Mrs. Gates, please, you have to come. At first, Oakley asked me to contact your husband, but when I called, his secretary answered. After hearing the whole story, he
7/8
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
said Oakley’s father didn’t have time and told me to reach out to you instead.”
I couldn’t help but furrow my brow at those words. What did he mean by hearing the entire story and still not coming, leaving the counselor to call me instead?
So, after the divorce, Anson still expected me to clean up after his son?
8/8
