“But you never fit in. You don’t know how to dress, how to speak to investors… you’re just…”
He paused, shrugging.
“Forgettable.”
Vanessa didn’t even look up from her phone.
“She really is. And those meals she cooked? Embarrassing.”
Ethan laughed.
“My company is going public next month,” he continued. “My team says it’s better if I’m single. A cleaner image than being married to someone like you.”
Emily met his gaze.
“So now I’m bad for your stock value?”
“It’s business. Don’t take it personally.”
He tapped the papers.
“The prenup says you get nothing. But I’m generous.”
He flicked the black card toward her.
“There’s money on it. Enough to survive. And you can keep the old car.”
The lawyer beside him hesitated.
“The car technically—”
“Let her keep it,” Ethan cut in. “I’m being kind.”
He smiled again.
“Go ahead. Sign it. I have lunch plans.”
Emily looked at the documents… then at the card.
Two years ago, he wasn’t like this.
Back then, he was struggling to keep his startup alive. She had supported him, organized everything, believed in him when no one else did. She had even used her own savings to help his company survive.
Now, none of that mattered.
“Do you really think I want your money?” she asked quietly.
“Everyone wants money. Especially people who have nothing.”
He scoffed.
“Sign.”
Emily reached into her bag.
Ethan stiffened.
But she simply pulled out a cheap pen.
“I don’t want your money,” she said softly. “And I don’t want the car.”
She signed carefully:
Emily Reed Carter.
The sound of the pen against paper felt louder than it should have.
She placed it down and pushed the documents forward.
“It’s done. You’re free.”
Ethan smiled, satisfied.
“Good. At least you know your place.”
Vanessa clapped lightly.
“Well, that was almost dramatic.”
Emily didn’t respond. She stood, picked up her bag—
And then a chair scraped behind them.
Everyone turned.
The man in the charcoal suit rose.
Calm. Commanding. Unshakable.
The lawyer recognized him first.
“Mr… Reed?”
Vanessa frowned.
Ethan blinked. “Who are you?”
The man stepped forward, stopping just behind Emily. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Are you finished, sweetheart?”
The word echoed through the room.
Ethan froze.
Vanessa dropped her phone.
Emily nodded.
“Yes, Dad.”
Silence.
The name hit.
Alexander Reed.
Owner of the building. Head of Reed Financial. A man powerful enough to make or break entire companies.
Ethan’s face drained of color.
“Wait… what?”
Alexander picked up the signed papers, flipping through them calmly before looking at Ethan.
