Chapter 281
“Even the zipper on this dress is made of solid gold,” Sharon said lightly. “If I took off all the diamonds and gold, I could make quite a bit just from selling the materials.”
Nate’s eyes burned red with rage as he took in the sight of Sharon wearing the crown jewel of the Hendricks fashion line. He knew immediately-she had done this on purpose. Deliberately chosen this dress to humiliate him.
He started to lunge forward, but Kelly quickly grabbed his arm, holding him back.
Of course she could see what Sharon was doing. The provocation was obvious.
Truth be told, Kelly felt a stab of bitterness too. How had Sharon spent so much in such a short time? Did she really think Carter’s money belonged to her?
She shot a cold glance at Sharon, the corners of her mouth lifting in a silent sneer.
‘Enjoy it while you can, Sharon. Did you think spending Carter’s money would come without a price? Once the divorce is final, your nightmare will begin. Everything you spent-you’d repay one way or another.’ Kelly sneered.
Even that violin, Shaluna… Kelly would find a way to claim it as her own.
Sharon paid no mind to Nate’s fury. Instead, she turned her gaze to Carter with a calm, amused smile.
“Mr. Biggs’s sudden generosity… it must come with a price, doesn’t it?” she said softly. “Let me guess what you want…”
She tilted her head, pretending to ponder. “There’s not much of value on me these days. The only thing that might be worth anything is my violin, Shaluna. You’d like me to lend it to Kelly, wouldn’t you?”
Carter’s lips moved slightly. “Only for a while. We’ll return it.”
“So I guessed right,” Sharon said, nodding. “But what if she damages it?”
“She won’t.”
“Nothing’s ever certain, is it? Didn’t you always tell me not to speak too confidently about anything? And now look at you-so sure of yourself.”
He replied, “Shayla McKinzie is Kelly’s idol. She’ll treasure the violin.”
“Carter, I asked you what happens if she damages it, and you’re dodging the question. No real solution. But it doesn’t matter. I won’t lend you the violin.”
Sharon lifted her gaze, stepping closer, her face near his ear as she spoke, slow and clear.
“You have no idea how happy I am to finally divorce you. Do you know why I rushed around spending so much under the title of Mrs. Biggs lately? Because I was afraid you’d pull something. I was afraid you’d find some excuse to delay the divorce again.”
Carter’s pupils contracted sharply. A strange sense of losing control rose in his chest-something unfamiliar.
And then, quickly, that unease turned into anger.
His voice turned cold. “You’ll regret this, Sharon.”
She gave a small smile. “You’ll have to divorce me first before I have the chance to regret anything. So, shall we go in?”
Without waiting for a reply, she walked into the courthouse.
Carter followed, his face expressionless, long strides carrying him forward.
They sat down at the divorce window, handing over their documents and paperwork to the clerk.
The clerk looked everything over, then raised her head.
“You both still have the chance to cancel this. If either of you chooses not to proceed, today’s appointment can be voided. Are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this?”
Sharon replied calmly, “I’m sure. Please process it as soon as possible.”
The clerk turned to Carter. “And you, Mr. Biggs?”
There was a pause.
Then he said, “Wait.”
Today’s Bonus Offer
GET IT NOW
X
2/2
Chapter 282
Sharon frowned at him. “You’re not backing out now, are you, Carter?”
Carter’s voice was cold. “After everything you just said, do you really think I’d back out?”
No man with even a shred of pride would.
Still, who knew what kind of twisted schemes Carter might be brewing in that mind of his?
When it came to calculation and control, Sharon knew she was no match for him.
Carter smiled faintly, but his eyes stayed ice cold.
“I haven’t tested your medicine yet. What if you’re handing me poison? I’d end up with nothing-money spent, marriage ended,
and no real payoff.”
There was a time he would’ve believed Sharon wouldn’t dare lie to him.
But now? That was no longer certain.
The reckless spending these past few days, the chaos she kept dragging him into-it was enough to prove she wasn’t the timid, cautious woman she used to be.
In fact, she was bold. Very bold.
Did she really not think about how easily she could be tossed aside by one of his rivals-humiliated and cast out?
“Money spent, marriage ended, and no real payoff…” Sharon repeated quietly.
So that’s how he saw their marriage: a transaction, a deal to be weighed and measured, discarded when no longer of use.
Maybe, just maybe, he had felt something for her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have survived in such a cold, loveless marriage for so long. But whatever he felt, it had never been more important than Kelly.
A faint smile touched her lips, laced with mockery.
“You’re worried it’s fake or poisoned? That’s easy to solve.”
She stood, walking toward the door, where Kelly had been peeking in, trying to gauge what was going on inside.
The moment Kelly saw the two hadn’t divorced yet, and that Sharon was now walking toward her, her heart sank.
Could Sharon be regretting it now?
Sharon had already made Nate suffer a great deal. If Kelly hadn’t kept him in check, warning him not to act impulsively in case Sharon changed her mind last minute, Nate would’ve taken revenge a long time ago.
Catching the flicker of panic in Kelly’s face, Sharon smiled.
“Carter is worried I’d give you fake medicine,” she said. “Wouldn’t want to end up with nothing-money spent, marriage ended, and no real payoff.”
She pulled a few pill bottles from her bag.
“Kelly, feel free to pick a few pills from each bottle and run your tests. If there’s no issue, we’ll go ahead and finalize the paperwork. If there is a problem… well, then we’ll have to take a step back and think things through.”
Kelly’s eyes flickered. “Fine.”
She casually picked a few pills from each bottle and turned to leave.
1/2
Chapter 282
+25 BONUS
“Wait,” Sharon said.
Kelly froze, then turned back stiffly. “Is… is something wrong?”
She didn’t dare raise her voice. Not now. Not when a single bad mood could make Sharon change her mind about the divorce.
Of course Sharon saw right through her.
She smiled. “Mr. Biggs and I will wait here for your results. I hope you’ll get back to us quickly. Otherwise… this whole cooling- off period will have been a waste. We’ll have to wait another full month to reschedule.”
Kelly’s gaze flicked uneasily. She glanced at Carter, then said, “Carter, I’ll run the tests.”
Then she quickly left.
Sharon sat back down and closed her eyes, resting with an air of calm detachment. Not the slightest trace of anxiety showed on her face-only confidence.
After all, the “life-saving medicine” she’d brought was more or less the same as last time, specially made.
And she had no fear that Kelly would find anything wrong.
Even if the pills were poisoned, Kelly would lie for her.
She’d say they were real.
Today’s Bonus Offer
GET IT NOW
2/2
Chapter 283
The morning passed quickly.
After leaving the courthouse, Sharon and Wendy went to lunch.
But Wendy couldn’t relax. Her heart was still hanging by a thread.
“Sharon, you don’t think anything’s going to change last minute, do you?”
Sharon replied calmly, “It shouldn’t. Kelly’s not stupid. She knows better than to rush back too quickly.”
Testing the medicine took time. If Kelly submitted it one minute and returned the next with results, no one would believe it was
real.
Around two in the afternoon, Kelly finally came back, report in hand.
She was clearly impatient, desperate for Sharon and Carter to finalize the divorce then and there. But she wasn’t so reckless as to let her excitement get the better of her.
Until the signatures were down and the seal was stamped, nothing was certain.
It seemed Carter had cleared his whole day for this. Though he answered a few phone calls, he never stepped out, not once.
Seeing both Sharon and Carter still there, Kelly finally let out a breath of relief.
She handed the test report to Carter. “Carter, there’s no problem with the medicine. They even found several rare herbal ingredients-precious ones, the kind you can’t even buy on the market…”
She praised the prescription like it was a miracle cure, going on and on about the value of Uriah’s concoction. From the way she described it, you’d think it could cure anything, maybe even raise the dead.
If Sharon had said all that, no one would’ve taken it seriously. But coming from Kelly, it carried a different weight. 1
By the time she finished talking, it was almost like she believed it too.
“Carter, the doctor said this might really have some miraculous effect. It could even cure me.”
Carter nodded slowly. “All right. Got it.”
Then he turned and spotted Sharon, sitting a few feet away, watching like she was enjoying a particularly amusing play.
His eyes darkened. “It’s done,” he said to her.
Sharon stood and walked over, pausing to flash Kelly a brief smile.
“Thank you, Kelly, for having such faith in Mr. Malcolm’s medicine.”
Kelly clenched her teeth at the remark.
Those pills were nothing more than protein supplements dressed up as rare herbal medicine. Whether Sharon had figured out Uriah was a fraud, Kelly didn’t know. But at this point, it didn’t really matter.
She’d gotten what she wanted. That was enough.
Even if it cost her a little-so what? It was worth it.
The clerk ran through the formalities one more time, asking both Sharon and Carter if they had any intention of canceling the divorce.
They both answered no.
1/2
And just like that, the papers were signed, the seal stamped.
When the divorce certificate was finally handed over, Sharon felt a strange sense of disorientation
She was really out. Out of a marriage that had never been right, that had been more suffocating than anything else.
She didn’t feel sad, nor did she feel regret. Only a deep, weightless sense of relief.
When Wendy saw Sharon walk out with the certificate in hand, her voice trembled with excitement. “Sharon, you really did it?”
Off to the side, Nate scoffed with a sneer. “Wow, some ‘best friend’ you are. Rooting for your friend to get divorced? That’s what you call loyalty? Guess trash really does find its own kind.”
Wendy laughed. “You describing yourself now? Nobody wanted that divorce more than you. Seriously, the way you obsess over Carter-anyone would think you’re in love with him. Why else would you keep sticking your nose in his marriage like it’s your
own?” (1)
2/2
Chapter 284
Wendy let the silence hang for a dramatic beat, a sly smile playing at her lips.
“Kelly, let me give you a word of advice. Don’t always aim your suspicion at other women. Sometimes…” Her gaze flicked toward Carter. “Men can be just as dangerous.”
Then, deliberately, she added, “Carter has such a catch… he should be careful, hmm?”
Nate didn’t miss the implication. His face flushed red with rage, and he lurched forward.
Now that Sharon and Carter were officially divorced, he had nothing holding him back.
But Carter’s voice cut through the tension like a splash of cold water.
“Nate, what do you think you’re doing?”
Nate jabbed a finger toward Wendy. “This foul-mouthed woman needs to be taught a lesson!”
Carter frowned, expression clouded with disgust. “And you think hitting a woman makes you more of a gentleman?”
Nate froze. He glanced around and saw people beginning to stare, some already holding up their phones, recording. After all, a commotion at the entrance of the courthouse could spark all kinds of assumptions.
Realizing that, Nate didn’t dare make another move.
Carter turned back to Sharon and walked toward her. “Theo has a fever. Aren’t you going to check on him?”
Sharon looked at him. “No. I’m not going back.”
Carter’s voice tightened. “We’re divorced, and now you’re abandoning your child too?”
She held his gaze. “If you want me to take care of him, then give me full custody. If he’s mine, I’ll raise him. Simple as that.”
He didn’t respond. Just stared at her, his eyes dark and difficult to read.
Wendy nudged Sharon gently and whispered, “Sharon, the money. Don’t forget.”
Sharon nodded slightly, signaling she hadn’t.
She turned back to Carter. “As per our agreement, you owe me the remaining 90 million. Time to settle up.”
The moment she said it, Kelly’s eyes blazed red with fury.
100 million, over some cheap supplements? He was really going to give her that?
Kelly couldn’t believe the audacity.
Beside her, Nate leaned in and muttered, “Don’t worry, Kelly. Even if the money goes through, she won’t get to enjoy it. Carter always has ways of clawing it back.”
Kelly narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure?”
Nate’s smile was cold, almost gleeful. “Sure as hell. She might have the guts to take it, but she won’t have the luck to spend it. Dealing with someone like Sharon-someone who knows nothing about business or finance? Please, Child’s play.”
Still, Kelly hesitated. “But they have a kid. Do you really think Carter could go through with it?”
Nate replied, “If Sharon hadn’t pulled that stunt a while back, maybe Carter would’ve let it go. But after what she did… She really
crossed the line.
1/2
Chapter 284
“Some of our partners thought Carter’s wife was colluding with our competitors. They suspected the Biggs Group was trying to play both sides. That kind of thing? It’s taboo in our industry. It took Carter a long time to clean up the fallout.
“Some of the more paranoid CEOs even pulled out of their deals with us altogether.”
Nate’s gaze locked on Sharon in the distance, sharp and hateful. “Thanks to her, the Biggs Group suffered heavy losses. Carter is furious. Before, for Theo’s sake, he was willing to give her one last chance. But after this… she burned the bridge completely.”
He sneered. “Sharon’s playing with fire. She doesn’t even realize that the only reason she’s still breathing easy is because Carter hasn’t struck yet. When he does… she’ll be begging for death, and it still won’t come.”
That thought finally calmed Kelly’s indignation.
Meanwhile, Carter didn’t waste any more words. He made a call to Simon, instructing him to transfer the final payment to
Sharon.
Moments later, her bank account lit up with a massive deposit.
Sharon checked the notification, then gave a satisfied nod.
“Wendy, let’s go.”
Wendy beamed, more excited than Sharon herself. “Let’s go. Time to celebrate with a feast.”
Today’s Bonus Offer
GET IT NOW
212
X
Chapter 285
Just as Sharon and Wendy were about to leave, a sleek luxury car rolled to a stop beside them.
The door opened, and a tall, lean figure stepped out. His strikingly handsome face, laced with a touch of roguish charm, immediately drew the crowd’s attention.
“Sharon, Wendy, it’s been a while.”
Wendy’s face lit up with surprise. “Xavier? I haven’t seen you in forever! What have you been up to lately?”
“Been busy handling some family business. Took a while, but it’s finally all sorted,” Xavier said, raising an eyebrow with a lazy smile. “Why? Did you and Sharon miss me?”
Wendy laughed. “Of course we did! Without you around, no one’s taken us out for a good meal.”
“Say no more. Tell me what you’re craving, and it’s on me. Oh, right-” Xavier seemed to remember something and reached into the front seat of his car. He pulled out a bouquet of vivid, dewy flowers. “Almost forgot. Congratulations on your divorce, Sharon. Welcome back to freedom.”
Sharon accepted the bouquet calmly and gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”
She hadn’t told Xavier about the divorce, but with Matty living at her place and her chats with Wendy never particularly private, she wasn’t surprised he knew.
Just then, Nate’s sharp, mocking voice cut through the air.
“Well, not even trying to be discreet anymore, huh? No wonder you rushed to get divorced. Your lover couldn’t wait.”
Wendy shot back without hesitation. “Only someone with a filthy mind sees filth in everything. You cheat, and now you assume every man and woman you see together are doing the same. Shameless.”
Nate gave a cold snort. “A man gives a woman flowers, and that’s supposed to be innocent? Why don’t we ask the bystanders what they think?”
Wendy moved forward, ready to argue, but Sharon gently pulled her back.
“Nate,” she said, “I’m divorced now. Whoever I choose to be with, or accept flowers from, is entirely my business. No one has the right to interfere.”
“Divorced?” Nate raised his voice, practically yelling so everyone could hear. “As if! You were messing around even before the divorce! That’s called cheating. Do you even know what that means?!”
“Oh, so you do know cheating’s a bad thing?” Sharon arched her brow. “If you have time to judge others, maybe pay attention to your good buddy. Parading his mistress around town, practically making it public. Even brought her along to the divorce. No shame at all. He acts like he’s proud of it.”
Nate nearly exploded. “Don’t change the subject! The shameless one here is you! You’re the one who cheated! There’s nothing going on between Carter and Kelly—”
Before he could finish, Sharon cut in.
“I take a bouquet of flowers, and you call it cheating. But Carter and Kelly even held a wedding, and you call that nothing? Sure.”
Nate pointed at her, furious. “You-!”
But words failed him.
People nearby had been suspicious earlier. Hearing Nate’s accusations while seeing Sharon accept flowers had stirred doubts. But after hearing her retort and watching Nate flounder, the crowd began casting strange looks at Carter and Kelly.
1/2
A wedding?
That was brazen.
And judging from Nate’s sudden silence, it was probably true.
Sharon didn’t waste another breath on him. She motioned to Wendy and Xavier, and the three of them left together.
Just then, Nate’s phone rang.
“Mr. Hendricks,” the voice on the line said, “we’ve just received news that the livestream you pushed for Sharon? It’s blowing up everywhere. The platform wants to fast-track her as their next flagship creator. Since it originated through your channel, they’re assuming you represent her. Their partnership team is asking when we want to launch official monetization.”
Nate’s grip tightened around the phone, his earlier fury boiling over. Every word poured gasoline on his rage.
“Promote her?” he spat, voice vibrating with malice. “I want her scrubbed from every algorithm. Full platform ban-no appeals, no exceptions. Make sure she never gets so much as a fucking view again.”
2/2
Chapter 286
The Hendricks family held considerable sway in the entertainment industry, so much so that they practically owned half of it. It had been their foundation, the very thing that built their empire from the ground up.
Nate had no particular talent in most areas, but when it came to entertainment, his word still carried weight. Silencing someone like Sharon–a newcomer–was nothing to him. Even banning a top-tier celebrity would take little more than a single
command.
So when the person on the other end of the call heard Nate’s order, they froze.
“Ban her? You’re saying you want Sharon blacklisted?”
The person had done their homework-asking around, digging into the origin of Sharon’s sudden popularity. The initial video had, after all, been uploaded from Nate’s own account. And the livestream had cut off just when Sharon was at her most captivating.
A perfect bait-and-hook strategy.
The less people could see, the more they wanted to. The mystery only fed their curiosity. It was an expertly placed smokescreen.
Anyone outside the industry would never guess it was manufactured. But this was clearly a calculated campaign-designed to launch an in-house artist into stardom.
Nate’s voice turned ice cold. “That’s right. Blacklist her. Then leak her ban to the public.”
In the entertainment world, who would dare go against the Hendricks family?
The man was stunned. “Understood… I’ll take care of it right away.”
After hanging up, Nate sat frozen, his face twitching with barely contained rage. The better Sharon did, the angrier he became. Her suffering, on the other hand, would bring him joy. 1
Inside a private room at a restaurant, Nate had arranged a quiet get-together to “celebrate” Carter’s divorce. It wasn’t the kind of news one could openly announce, so only a few people were present.
Julliard was one of them. And of course, Kelly was there too.
“Carter,” Julliard asked, “you and Sharon are really divorced?”
Nate answered before Carter could. “Of course. Kelly and I saw it with our own eyes.”
Julliard looked at Carter, his gaze calm but searching. “I still don’t get it. How did things fall apart between you two?”
Carter poured himself a drink. His voice was emotionless. “She brought it on herself.”
Nate jumped in, eager to add fuel to the fire. “What else could it be? She couldn’t stand Kelly. You saw what she was like after Kelly came back-completely unhinged. She deliberately targeted Kelly. Even pushed Kelly into the water. Kelly nearly died. And she still had the nerve to deny it.”
As he spoke, Nate’s voice grew more heated.
“If she hadn’t been Carter’s wife, do you think we would’ve let it go so easily?”
Julliard didn’t respond right away. He turned his head and looked at Kelly, his expression unreadable.
Kelly’s hand trembled slightly. The glass in her grip tilted, splashing a bit of water onto the table.
1/2
Truth be told, she had never been able to figure Julliard out.
He was mild-mannered and gracious. A gentleman, popular with women. No, with everyone.
She had assumed he’d be the easiest to sway in Carter’s circle.
She was wrong
He treated everyone kindly on the surface, but he was the hardest one to actually reach. To this day, she hadn’t managed to get
close to him.
Any time she casually-or not so casually-spoke ill of Sharon in front of him, he would simply smile and say, “I think, Kelly, you might be misunderstanding Sharon.”
Every time the others stood by her side and criticized Sharon, Julliard would quietly say, “Carter, I don’t think Sharon is like that. Maybe it’s worth looking into again?”
He never blindly took her side. He’d never been moved by her charm, either.
She had once arranged a performance, planning every detail meticulously. She’d invited Carter, Nate, and Julliard to attend.
Chapter 287
Carter and Nate had been completely absorbed in the performance. Only Julliard sat with that faint, ever-present smile on his face, his eyes clear and untouched.
Afterward, Nate looked over proudly. “Julliard, how was Kelly’s violin?”
Julliard’s smile was warm and courteous. “It sounded beautiful.”
They had been friends since childhood, so Nate knew him well.
“But… you don’t look that impressed.”
Julliard gave a wistful smile. “Maybe it’s because… I’ve seen something even more beautiful.”
“Something more beautiful? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Nate’s curiosity was instantly piqued. “Come on, Julliard, all those heiresses in the industry like you, but you haven’t picked a single one. Just tell me, do you already have someone you like?”
Julliard didn’t dodge the question. He answered calmly, with no hesitation. “I do.”
Nate lit up like he’d discovered buried treasure. “Who? Seriously, who is it? Bring her around sometime. Anyone who’s caught your eye has got to be something else.”
Like Carter, Julliard had been raised under strict, elite education. The difference was, his family had been more harmonious and his nature gentler, not like Carter-cold, distant, impossible to charm.
Julliard smiled again. “She is. She’s more extraordinary than any girl I’ve ever met.”
Even Carter, who rarely engaged in small talk, looked up, intrigued. “Which family is she from?”
Julliard shook his head. “She’s not from any prominent family. Just… an ordinary person.”
“If you like her, go for it. Background doesn’t matter,” Carter said, his voice even. He liked Kelly too, and she had no background. To him, status was hardly an obstacle.
But Julliard let out a quiet sigh. “I can’t. She’s already married. She has a child.”
“What?” Nate was stunned. “You’re into married women now? Damn, Julliard, that’s a bit much.”
Carter turned to him, his eyes darkening. “Boy or girl?”
Julliard met his gaze without flinching. “A boy. He’s five this year.”
Nate didn’t catch the subtle tension in the room. He kept joking as usual, completely unaware.
“What a coincidence. Carter’s kid is five too. Julliard, don’t tell me the one you like is Sharon. Hah!”
The moment the words left his mouth, the atmosphere shifted.
Carter’s eyes locked onto Julliard’s. There was not a flicker of emotion on his face, but the air between them cooled noticeably.
Nate’s heart skipped.
No way… Could it really be?
But how was that even possible?
Julliard suddenly chuckled. “Nate, no matter what you think of Sharon, she’s still Carter’s wife. Joking like that isn’t very respectful. The girl I like-I met her eight years ago, in Marcentine. She was studying at university then and hadn’t gotten
1/2
Carter looked away, his expression neutral again.
Sharon had never gone to university. Maybe she’d never even been abroad.
Nate perked up again. “Hey, does she play the violin too?”
Julliard nodded. “She does. And more than that—she plays several instruments, but she’s best at the violin. She also paints,
dances…. She was the star of her university. And her singing voice-” He paused. “It’s beautiful.”
Chapter 288
Chapter 288
Nate couldn’t help but let out a low whistle. “Seriously? That talented? She’s like a one-woman orchestra.”
Julliard let out a soft sigh. “She really is a genius when it comes to the arts. It’s just a shame…”
“A shame what?” Nate asked.
“She got married too young. Her husband treats her poorly-he keeps other women on the side. And for the sake of her family and her son, she gave up everything she once loved.”
Nate frowned. “Julliard, there are so many amazing women in the world. She’s married, has a kid-she’s not right for you anymore. Time to move on.”
“No.” Julliard cut him off, and for once, his face turned serious. “She’s not the one who doesn’t deserve me. I’m the one who doesn’t deserve her.”
Nate blinked. “Wait-Julliard… don’t tell me you’re still hung up on her?”
Julliard said quietly, “I used to think that as long as she was happy, it didn’t matter if she wasn’t with me. But now… I see she’s worse off than before she got married. If her husband can’t give her happiness, then maybe… maybe I can.”
Nate stared at him, wide-eyed. “Damn, Julliard. Didn’t think you had it in you to be the sentimental type. What are you planning? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of taking her back.”
“Why not?”
Nate let out a low laugh and raised a thumbs-up. “Well, if after all these years you still haven’t let her go, then I’m behind you. Go for it, man. Chase what you love.”
From that point on, Nate and Julliard kept talking, but Carter had lost interest. He didn’t bother listening anymore.
The moment Kelly heard the woman in question was married with a child, she tuned out too. Not once did she think the woman Julliard mentioned might be Sharon.
Neither did Nate or Carter.
After all, in their eyes, aside from her looks, Sharon had no real merits. To them, she was nothing like the woman Julliard
described.
Nate’s voice cut through Kelly’s drifting thoughts.
“Since Carter and Sharon are already divorced, I don’t need to tiptoe around his feelings anymore.”
Carter’s brows drew together. “What are you planning?”
“That old doctor-I’ve had enough of him. You saw it too, how he kept making things hard for Kelly. She’s ended up in the hospital more than once because of him.”
Nate knew that even though Sharon and Carter were divorced, she was still Theo’s mother. If anything happened to her, and Theo ever found out, it would plant resentment deep in the boy’s heart.
Nate continued, “I’m thinking of having someone wreck the guy’s clinic. Just the clinic, don’t worry-no one will get hurt. As for Sharon…
“That pre-marriage apartment of hers? It’s under Hendricks Properties. All we need is a reason to evict her, and she won’t be able to get back in for at least a year or two. She won’t have a place to live, and with no job to support herself, eventually, she’ll come crawling back to you.”
Kelly suddenly spoke up. “But Sharon’s got money. Even if you lock her out of that place, she can always buy a new one. Nate, I
1/2
Hats tunded ampormely confident Held ready fights
We can pin a charge on her and hese heyet we them head to the Money Cathy Eats fell she
Kelly gave him a lords hat you can’t just step charges on waves, you’ll get ou
Hate emited coolly “tot if we’re smart dan
Pemende burn shed the rates to all those big punctures
hayot dring hurts.
a white hark? How that the divorce is finalized, we can report her
“hay she knew the divorce was coming and tried to cash in while she still could. Battare que, ma can claim she was scheming trum the start colluding with the Biggs Group’s competitors and stading Carter’s tavsiness sarIMES”
Chapter 289
“If she still refuses to give in, then let her rot in jail. By then, she’ll be the one crying and begging to get back together. Carter can do whatever he wants with her after that, can’t he?”
Nate felt like a genius-who else could come up with something so perfect?
A faint smile touched Kelly’s lips.
Once Sharon had a criminal record, her life would be ruined. Even joining the Amstern Music Association would be pointless. Who would ever want a woman with a record?
Julliard turned to Carter. “Carter, don’t you think this is a bit… much?”
“A bit much” was putting it lightly-it was downright vicious.
Carter stared into the wine in his glass, his voice calm and detached. “She’s been too arrogant lately. Maybe it’s time she learned the taste of failure.”
Julliard’s tone darkened. “Carter, if you go through with this… you’ll regret it.”
“The one who’ll regret it is her.” Carter’s eyes stayed fixed on the glass. “I’ve let her get away with too much. That’s why she keeps testing my limits. I’ll make sure she understands-without me, she’s nothing.
Nate chimed in, “Exactly. You don’t know how out of line Sharon’s been. She cost Carter nearly a billion in a single deal. If we don’t show her what happens when you challenge capital, she’ll really think she can take us on.”
He turned to Julliard. “Come on, don’t play the good guy here. This is all for Theo’s sake-so he can have a whole, proper family. You’ve heard the saying, right? A starving dog always comes back.”
Julliard said nothing.
His gaze dropped. The light in his eyes dimmed to a low, haunted flicker.
“What?!” Wendy’s face twisted the moment she answered the call. “Why are you shutting down our account? We haven’t violated any platform rules-neither our videos nor our livestreams!”
She, Sharon, and Xavier had just sat down to eat when the call came in.
“Uh… well, the system detected some unusual activity-abnormal follower growth-so we’re suspending the account for now…”
“That’s ridiculous! We didn’t fake anything!” Wendy’s voice rose. “Hello? Hello-?”
But the call had already been cut off.
Moments later, Wendy’s phone rang again-then again and again. Different platforms, same reason. Some vague excuse or another, all ending in temporary bans.
Her expression darkened with each call.
Xavier, who’d heard enough from her side of the conversation, looked up. “Want me to look into it?”
Sharon didn’t answer right away. She stared at a message on her phone screen. “No need. I already know who did it.”
Hearing that, Wendy’s anger only deepened. She could tell-they were being targeted.
“Only one kind of person would stoop this low. We all know who. Sharon was married to Carter for five years. She gave the Biggs family an heir. Even if she didn’t earn their love, she’s paid her dues. Does he really need to crush her like this?”
1/2
But Sharon’s face didn’t change. No surprise. No outrage. Nothing.
Instead, she looked over and offered a quiet reassurance. “Don’t be upset. Isn’t this the meal you’ve been craving for weeks? Eat
it while it’s hot.”
Wendy’s eyes welled with frustration. “I just got word-they’re banning you from every major platform. They even sent out a warning: anyone who dares let you go live is choosing to go against the Hendricks Group! All the fans and attention we worked so hard to build… wiped out by a single order.”
Sharon’s gaze turned as clear and cold as water.
Her eyes rested on the phone in her hand. The name “Julliard” lit up against the screen, reflected in her pupils.
17
Chapter 290
After deleting the message on her phone, Sharon said softly, “Maybe this is just the beginning.”
As expected, everything unfolded just as she’d predicted.
They had just finished eating when Sharon received a call from Uriah. His clinic had been wrecked.
The three of them rushed over without delay.
The scene was pure chaos. Shelves and furniture were all overturned. Medicinal herbs and jars were scattered across the floor. The clinic’s windows were completely shattered, and the wooden signboard was snapped into several jagged pieces.
It looked like a war zone.
Pushing through the crowd, Sharon spotted Uriah sitting on the steps, shoulders slumped in defeat.
“Mr. Malcolm, are you alright?” Sharon stepped forward quickly and helped him up.
He shook his head, as if to say he was fine, but when he looked at the destruction around him, a deep sigh escaped his chest.
“Ah… looking at it now, I suppose I’ll have to head back earlier than planned.”
Something flickered in Sharon’s eyes. “Head back? Mr. Malcolm, you’re not planning to reopen the clinic?”
“No, no. That’s it for me.”
“But I could help you renovate—”
“No need.” He waved her off gently. “I’m not young anymore. My children have been asking me to come home and retire. I was already planning to go back next month. Now… I’ll just leave a little earlier.”
Sharon lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry, Mr. Malcolm.”
He glanced at her. “What are you apologizing for? This has nothing to do with you.”
“It does. If not for me, you wouldn’t have been targeted.” Her voice was low, guilt weighing heavily in her eyes. “This all started
because of me.”
Hearing that, Uriah seemed to understand. “That little punk Nate did this, didn’t he?”
Sharon was silent for a few seconds, then gave a small nod.
Uriah snorted coldly. “I figured as much. Your ex-husband might be cold, but he’s not the type to leave evidence behind. That brat Nate, on the other hand-he’s exactly the kind of fool who’d pull something like this.”
Sharon didn’t respond.
Earlier, on the way over, she’d messaged Julliard.
His reply had been simple: [Yes, it was Nate. But Carter was there. He didn’t stop Nate.]
Almost as if he’d expected her to doubt it, Julliard had even sent her a recording.
Sharon had known that once the divorce was finalized, Carter would come after her with everything he had. But she hadn’t thought he would stoop this low.
She turned to Uriah. “I’ll take full responsibility for the damages. Whatever the cost-”
1/2
Bahare the mould finish, he cut her off
This ton’s pou respedality Why should you pay a cent? If anyone’s paying, it’s that rotten brat Nate!”
Sharon new Nate’s nature too well. He’d only waited for her to hand over the prescription. Once she and Carter divorced, he’d been realy in arthe bark The olds of him paying a single dime were close to none.
“I know,” tiah growled, mustache bristling in anger. “But I’m not swallowing this quietly. I refuse to.”
ite turned to Sharon, eyes blazing “Sharon, help me call that damn brat. If I don’t cuss him out, I won’t be able to sleep tonight!
Watching this unfold, Wendy’s fury only deepened
“This is outrageous. Those people they used Mr. Malcolm, then tossed him aside like garbage! He literally gave Kelly the medicine that saved her life and this is how they repay him? Bunch of ungrateful bastards. If I’d known, I would’ve added something even nastier to the medicine.”
Xavier raised an eyebrow. “Something even nastier? Like what?”
Wendy didn’t flinch. In a low voice, she explained the whole story of how the medicine had been made.
Chapter
Chapter 291
Matty had been involved too, so there was no point in hiding any of this from Xavier.
After hearing the full story, Xavier couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Well, you’ve really outdone yourselves.”
It was only then that Uriah noticed the tall, handsome young man standing quietly behind Sharon and Wendy.
“And who might this be?” he asked.
Sharon replied, “This is Matty’s father, Xavier Cooper.”
Uriah studied Xavier for a moment, stroking his chin. “Hm… Matty doesn’t look much like you.”
Xavier returned the look, struck by a faint sense of familiarity. He couldn’t quite place it, but something about the old man’s face tugged at a memory.
“Matty takes after his mother more,” he said with a slight smile.
Sharon turned back to the issue at hand. “Mr. Malcolm, I’ll find a way to recover your losses. Don’t bother calling Nate. He won’t say anything worth hearing. Nate’s mouth is filthy, and his tricks are worse. You’re not young anymore-don’t let him get under your skin.”
She paused, then spoke plainly.
“He has the Hendricks family behind him. He holds grudges and hits back hard. It’s not wise to make an enemy of him.”
Nate was like a mad dog-vindictive and unpredictable. And Uriah, after all, was just an ordinary old man. She didn’t want him dragged into the mess.
But Uriah lifted his chin defiantly. “I don’t care. I just want to give that brat a piece of my mind!”
Sharon sighed. There was no reasoning with him-she knew that much. He wasn’t the kind of man to swallow an insult and pretend it never happened.
After a brief hesitation, she pulled out her phone and dialed Nate’s number.
Fine. Let him vent first. As for what came after…
A glint of cold resolve flickered in Sharon’s eyes-like the surface of a winter spring, silent but deadly.
She would find a way to redirect the storm. Let all that hatred fall on her instead.
The call connected quickly, and Nate’s smug voice spilled through the speaker.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Miss Moneybags herself. What’s this, calling to beg me? Trying to patch things up with Carter? Since we’re acquaintances, I could be persuaded to help-if you ask nicely. Oh, and Kelly really loves your medicinal meals. Why don’t you cook for her for a month? Do that, and I’ll put in a good word. How’s that sound?”
A deep, furious roar cut through the air.
“Put a sock in it, you little punk! You smashed up my clinic-are you tired of living?!”
Nate paused, caught off guard. Then, recognizing the voice, he burst into laughter.
“Well, well, the old coot got my gift! Didn’t expect you to take it so well. Thought the sight of your broken clinic might give you a heart attack or make you faint. Too bad the doctor I put on standby was for nothing.”
His tone turned smug and vile. “Here’s a deal for you, old man: admit you were wrong and give Sharon two tight slaps across the face right now. Do that, and I’ll forgive your past disrespect. From now on, I won’t bother you again.”
1/2
Chapter 29
+25 BONUS
Uriah was so angry, he actually laughed
“Slap pour own damn head, you bastard! You want an apology? In your dreams! Nate, you get ever here right now, kneel in front of me, slap yourself silly, and pay for every bit of damage you caused to my clinic. Do that, and I might consider forgiving your disgraceful behavior
“Otherwise-mark my words-you won’t get away with this.”
This time, it wasn’t just Nate on the line. A soft, mocking laugh rang out in the background-it was Kelly,
Clearly, she thought Uriah was bluffing, In her mind, he was just a scam artist hiding behind some mystical act.
Sure, he looked the part-like some sage out of a storybook. But she knew better. If she hadn’t already uncovered his scam, even she might have been fooled
Chapter 292
People like Uriah, without power or background, weren’t worth pretending for anymore. Kelly didn’t bother to keep up the act.
During those few days at Uriah’s clinic, she’d even toyed with the idea of poisoning Uriah. It would serve him right for siding with Sharon and making things harder for her.
But faced with the old man’s warning, Nate wasn’t angry in the slightest. Instead, he laughed until tears almost fell from his
eyes.
When strength is equal, a warning feels like a threat. But when the gap is too wide, it just becomes a joke.
“Make me pay? You? Ha! Old man, have you completely lost the plot?”
Uriah, with his fiery temper, couldn’t take the provocation. He exploded on the spot.
“You bastard! Next time you come crawling to me, don’t expect mercy. You better hope you never fall into my hands!”
Sharon stood there quietly, watching. She didn’t intervene.
Xavier, however, had been observing the whole exchange with a sharp gaze, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto the old man. arguing with Nate.
And suddenly, it hit him-why the old man had looked so familiar all this time.
He leaned in and asked in a low voice, “Sharon, what’s your relationship with Mr. Malcolm?”
Sharon replied calmly, “I’ve come to him a few times for prescriptions… I guess you could say I’m a younger friend.”
“How long have you known each other?”
“Just under three years.”
Xavier’s eyes were like the deep sea at dusk. “You two seem pretty close.”
Sharon didn’t think much of it. “I’ve learned a lot from him about how to care for the body. Don’t be fooled by how childish he acts. He’s a really good person.”
Xavier’s lips moved slightly, but in the end, he said nothing.
After a few more minutes of back-and-forth, Uriah seized the last word and hung up the call like a mischievous child declaring victory.
Nate immediately started calling back—again and again–but the old man just kept hanging up on him.
With great satisfaction, Uriah huffed, “Hmph! Trying to spar with me? Know your weight before you throw punches.”
Wendy, Sharon, and Xavier were all left speechless.
The three of them stayed behind to help clean up the clinic before finally leaving.
Xavier drove Sharon and Wendy back to Sharon’s apartment building, then left without another word.
He’d always been a man who knew where boundaries lay. He’d never once suggested coming up for a visit—not even now, when Sharon was already divorced.
That restraint didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it made Wendy think a little more favorably of him.
On the elevator ride up, Wendy turned to her.
Chapter 292
+25 BONUS
“Sharon, I think Xavier’s a good guy. He’s respectful, gentlemanly… and he’s helped you so many times. Have you thought about giving him a chance?”
As for the things Xavier had said–those flirtatious lines-Wendy hadn’t taken them seriously.
She’d noticed they only came out when Carter was around, clearly meant to provoke him.
The rest of the time, Xavier kept his distance. No inappropriate words. No crossing lines.
He never put Sharon in an awkward position, and more importantly, he never gave Carter any ammunition.
On the contrary, a guy like Carter? He’d twist even a friendly gesture into an accusation of cheating.
Sharon replied, “I just got divorced. I’m not ready for anything emotional. Right now, I want to focus on my career. Besides, Xavier and I are just friends. Don’t say things like that-if Matty hears you, it’ll be awkward.”
Wendy muttered under her breath, “Matty’s told me privately-more than once-that he wants you to be his mom. He said once you got divorced, he was gonna help set you up with his dad.”
Sharon let out a laugh. “He’s just a kid. You can’t take everything he says seriously.”
The elevator came to a smooth stop at her floor, and the two of them stepped out.
But just as they walked into the hallway, Sharon froze.
Her front door was sealed shut, and there was a notice taped across the entrance.
Today’s Bonus Offer
GET IT NOW
22
X
Chapter 293
Wendy stared blankly. “What… what happened?”
Sharon frowned and pulled out her phone to call the property management office.
“Why is my apartment sealed off?”
The voice on the other end replied, “Ms. McKinzie, the unit you’re currently living in is involved in a property rights dispute. It’s been temporarily sealed. Once the ownership is clarified, the seal will be lifted.”
Sharon’s voice turned cold. “I’m the legal owner of that unit. The title transfer was completed a long time ago. There’s no such dispute.”
“Well… the former owner of the unit is currently in a legal battle with their family regarding ownership. For now, we advise you
to find alternative housing.”
Wendy, listening beside her, was furious.
“This place was purchased years ago! Why are they suddenly saying there’s a dispute now? Where were they back then?”
Sharon had bought the apartment shortly after returning to Zachemaine. She hadn’t planned on staying long-just needed a place to crash when she was back. So she chose a secondhand unit, one with clean paperwork and no issues.
After confirming everything with the seller, she finalized the transfer quickly.
And now, five years later, they claimed there was a problem with the title? What a joke.
She dialed the former owner’s number, but no one picked up.
Wendy turned to her. “Sharon, just come and stay at my place tonight. It’s only one night, right?”
Sharon hesitated, then nodded quietly.
They’d barely settled into the taxi when Wendy’s phone rang
“What?” she blurted out. “There’s a problem with my place, too?!”
Her grip on the phone tightened.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. My apartment was delivered brand new, fully furnished! What kind of problem could there possibly be?!”
Whatever was said on the other end, Wendy’s expression just kept darkening.
When she finally hung up, her face was stiff with disbelief.
“Sharon… we can’t stay at my place either. It’s off-limits for now.”
Wendy’s apartment had been a compensation from Carter-something he’d handed over after the whole Kelly fiasco. She’d returned her rental and moved in almost immediately.
In a big city like this, rent was astronomical—half her salary had gone into just keeping a roof over her head. So when a fully furnished place landed in her lap, she didn’t hesitate.
But now, barely any time had passed, and it was suddenly off the table?
It felt like someone was playing a sick joke.
Wendy clenched her jaw. “What is Carter trying to pull? Is he regretting giving me the place? Trying to take it back?”
1/2
Sharon said calmly, “The title’s already in your name. Taking it back won’t be that easy. My guess? He just wants to leave us without a place to stay. He doesn’t need long-just a few months would be enough… Wendy, I’m sorry. You’re getting dragged into this because of me.”
Wendy and Uriah both had been caught in the crossfire. If not for her, Carter might not have gone after Wendy at all.
But Wendy waved it off. “Come on, don’t be like that. You don’t owe me anything. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gotten the apartment in the first place.”
There was nothing more to say. It was what it was.
Sharon said, “Let’s find a hotel for now.”
Wendy looked worried. “You don’t think he’s tampered with the hotels too, do you?”
“Anything under the Hendricks or Biggs Group is definitely off-limits. And we can’t stay anywhere they have partnerships with
either.”
Sharon thought for a moment. “We’ll head to one of their competitors’ hotels for now. But it won’t work forever. If Carter starts spreading word, none of those places will risk offending him just to help me.”
Wendy’s voice dropped. “Then what do we do? If they’re already crossing the line like this, I’m scared they’ll go even further.”
Sharon was about to respond when her phone suddenly rang.
212
Chapter 294
Sharon answered the call. “Xavier.”
“I’ve got the auction invitation,” Xavier said. “Sharon, are you sure you want to attend this auction?”
“I’m sure,” she replied.
“All right. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow night.”
“Thank you, Xavier.”
He sounded almost amused. “It’s nothing. Just a small favor.”
Matty happened to be staying at home that evening. After chatting briefly, they hung up.
Wendy glanced over with interest. “Sharon, you’re going to an auction?”
“Yeah. I’ve never been to one before. I figured it was time to see what it’s like.”
Wendy perked up immediately. “I want to go too! Sharon, can you take me with you? I’ve never been to one either.”
Sharon smiled. “I already had your invitation prepared.”
Wendy threw her arms around her. “You’re the best!”
After a chaotic day, the two finally checked into a hotel.
But in the dead of night, someone knocked on their door.
It was the hotel manager, wearing a polite, regretful expression.
“I’m terribly sorry, ladies. This room was already reserved. The front desk clerk is new and mistakenly gave it to you instead. The room was meant for another guest. We’ve already processed your checkout. Please gather your belongings as soon as possible.”
Wendy, still groggy from sleep, blinked hard and then widened her eyes.
“You’ve got to be kidding. It’s the middle of the night and now you’re saying we’re in the wrong room? You’re kicking us out?!”
The manager kept his voice measured. “We’ll refund your room fee-double it, actually.”
Wendy’s temper flared. “Who cares about your double refund? It’s the middle of the night. Where are we supposed to go? It’s your fault you gave us the wrong room. Can’t you find another one for them instead?”
The manager looked apologetic but firm. “I’m truly sorry. We’re fully booked tonight. I hope you understand.”
“Understand? Understand what?!” Wendy snapped, ready to storm forward.
Sharon gently pulled her back. “Wendy, let it go.”
“But-”
A cold, almost imperceptible curve formed at the corner of Sharon’s lips. “They clearly came prepared. Arguing with them won’t change anything.”
Wendy understood, too-this wasn’t just a hotel mistake. They were being targeted.
Still, it was hard to swallow. Frustration burned in her chest.
Sharon looked at the manager, then said softly to Wendy, “Let’s pack up. We’ll leave before they decide to toss our things out.”
Chapter 254
+25 BONUS
The manager met Sharon’s gaze-and for a moment, his smile faltered, awkward and tight.
He had, in fact, been instructed from above: if the guests refused to cooperate, their belongings were to be thrown out.
Elsewhere, Nate was doubled over in laughter when he heard what had happened.
“Kelly, you wouldn’t believe how pathetic Sharon looked last night. Couldn’t go home, got thrown out of the hotel -God, it was
hilarious.”
He could barely contain himself. “Just wait a couple more days. Once Carter finishes setting everything up, she won’t even have enough money for a meal!”
The freezing of her assets, the eviction from her hotel-it had all been Nate’s doing
Across from him, Kelly finally broke into a smile.
Carter might have looked down on such petty tricks, but he hadn’t stopped Nate either.
Sharon’s recent actions had clearly pushed him too far. He wouldn’t be indulging her like before.
After basking in Sharon and Wendy’s misfortune for a while, Nate turned to Kelly with a flattering grin.
“Oh, right. There’s an auction tonight. Didn’t you say Sharon snatched your necklace?”
Chapter 295
“Carter said he’ll make it up to you with something even better. It’ll be at tonight’s auction. What do you think? Interested?” Nate asked
The mention of an auction immediately sparked Kelly’s curiosity. “What kind of auction?”
“It’s the annual auction here in Amstern City. Not like those monthly ones they don’t even compare. Think about it. A once-a- year event. Imagine how many rare treasures will be there. I heard there’ll be all kinds of strange, priceless items. Even I haven’t seen some of them before.
“This auction draws in half the elite of the entire country. Even if you’re not there to buy, it’s worth going just to see the show.” He paused for a beat, then said in a lower tone, “Kelly, your violin, Deep Sea-Carter bought it for you at this very auction.” Deep Sea. That violin was the last gift Carter had given Kelly when they parted in the past. It was a parting gift.
Over the years, she’d used that violin to enter countless international competitions, winning award after award. Her skill mattered, yes. But having a fine instrument let her talent shine at its fullest.
Remembering this, Kelly asked, “Nate, did you ever find anything about Sharon’s background before she got married? Did she compete? Or joined any kind of music association?”
Nate snorted. “Both Carter and I looked into it. She didn’t even finish high school. No diploma, nothing. Madeline wasn’t wrong about her-she really does only have a middle school education.”
He caught the thoughtful look on Kelly’s face and smirked.
“Kelly, don’t tell me you actually believed that woman-Wendy, or whatever her name is? Saying Sharon went to Bell University? I had someone ask around the whole music department. Not one person has ever heard of her. Sharon just didn’t want to embarrass herself in public, so she made it up.”
Kelly murmured, “Still… she does have some skill.”
The average person might not be able to tell. But Kelly wasn’t average-she could tell.
Nate dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand.
“So she played well once. Big deal. You’ve had moments where you were in top form too, haven’t you?
“Besides, her mom was Shayla McKinzie-the famous violinist. Just growing up around that, of course, she’d pick up something. It’s not exactly shocking that she can play.”
He raised an eyebrow. “And maybe she found out Carter likes to listen to the violin and secretly practiced like crazy. Who knows how long she’s been preparing? At the end of the day, it’s all to get Carter’s attention. Same with the whole divorce thing.”
Nate laid it all out like it was obvious.
“She thinks leaving him will make Carter cave. But he’s not falling for that. Just wait. She’ll be the one crawling back in tears, begging him to take her back.”
Kelly’s tightly drawn expression eased a little.
He was right. She’d had her moments of brilliance too.
She’d also asked around through friends in the music world-none of them had heard of Sharon either.
Maybe, just like Nate said, Sharon had been practicing in secret all along.
Chapter 296
A sleek black luxury car pulled up at the entrance of the auction hall.
The door opened. Carter stepped out-handsome, composed, every inch exuding quiet authority.
He turned, extending a hand toward the interior. Kelly followed.
She wore a pale moon-white couture gown that traced her elegant silhouette, her long hair carefully pinned into a flawless chignon, revealing a smooth, fair forehead.
There was a delicate beauty to her-graceful, refined, almost untouched by the world.
“Isn’t that Carter Biggs and Kelly Walt?”
Someone in the crowd recognized them, their voice tinged with awe.
“They look perfect together… What a shame,” another sighed. “Carter’s mother forced them apart. Everyone thought Carter would marry someone from a proper family… And instead, he married a woman with only a middle school education, not even close to Kelly’s level. If she hadn’t gotten pregnant-and with a boy, no less-Carter wouldn’t have married her.”
“Middle school?” someone repeated, incredulous. “No way. Isn’t Carter a double PhD from one of the top finance schools in the world? A business prodigy, right? And his wife only finished middle school? What could they even talk about?”
“Seriously, is that true? I’ve never even heard anything about Carter’s wife before.”
“It’s true. Carter’s mother said it herself. And the fact that he brings his first love here but not his wife? What does that tell you? That woman has no background, no education, and probably no looks either.”
“Carter’s such a romantic… Still holding on to his first love after all these years.”
“Well, Kelly is amazing. I heard she’s a renowned violinist, graduated from Bell University’s music conservatory, and has won plenty of international awards. That bumpkin of a wife can’t compare.”
“Totally. Even Nate Hendricks-Carter’s close friend-said Carter’s wife is plain and boring, not someone you’d want to be seen
with.”
“Just last week, that video of Kelly beating all those foreign competitors in the music competition went viral. Felt good to watch -she really made us proud.”
“Yeah. Beautiful and talented. If only her family background were a little stronger, she’d be the perfect goddess.”
Kelly had just stepped out of the car when she heard the murmurs rippling around her.
She wore a soft, elegant smile, accepting the admiration with calm ease.
She liked being the center of attention.
Ever since she’d realized that in high society, education and talent held real weight, she’d found the key to raising her value.
Nate had edited a montage of her international awards and her most dazzling moments onstage-dueling with world- renowned violinists-and uploaded it online.
At the same time, he discreetly leaked the truth about Carter’s wife: middle school education, nothing more.
People loved a comparison.
And next to someone like Sharon, Kelly’s identity as a professional violinist seemed all the more elevated.
In today’s world, being at the top of your field was enough. Even if you married into a wealthy family, no one dared to look down
1/2
on you.
Once Madeline found out that Kelly was a Bell University graduate, her attitude shifted noticeably.
Not long ago, Nate had taken Kelly to visit Madeline. Madeline, who was usually so cold, didn’t give her the usual frosty reception. Instead, she asked detailed questions about Kelly’s studies and competitions abroad.
It was then that Kelly understood-women like Madeline, the elite wives of old-money families, were not immune to vanity
either.
Once she realized that, Nate made sure to amplify her credentials and accolades even more.
Now, Kelly wasn’t just a talented musician-she was the violinist everyone admired and envied.
Today’s Bonus Offer
Chapter 297
If Kelly could earn the maestro Warner’s recognition, her achievements would surpass even those of Shayla McKinzie.
Not long after Kelly stepped out of the car, another vehicle pulled up to the entrance of the auction hall.
The crowd glanced at the flashy license plate and collectively gasped.
“Wait, isn’t that Xavier Cooper’s car?”
“Xavier Cooper? Who’s that? Never heard of him.”
“The Cooper family’s business has always been based overseas. It’s not surprising you haven’t heard. He just shifted his focus to the domestic market this year. His power’s on par with the Biggs Group, easily.”
“What a pity-he’s already secretly married. Even has a kid. Otherwise, I’d have considered marrying my daughter off to him.”
“Secretly married? Didn’t Carter do the same thing? Is secrecy trending now?”
“Trending? Please. If a marriage has to be hidden, there’s always a reason. Either the spouse can’t be shown or the relationship can’t see daylight. What decent family would choose to hide that?”
Amid the murmuring, a pale, delicate hand reached out, resting gently in Xavier’s palm.
At the same time, a long, slender leg, clad in a high heel, stepped elegantly into view.
Onlookers couldn’t help gulping.
Just one look at that leg was enough to stir the imagination. Whoever it belonged to, she had to be stunning, to live up to such beauty.
Until then, all attention had been fixed on Kelly. But in an instant, the spotlight shifted. The crowd fell silent, holding their breath, eyes locked on the woman about to emerge.
Finally, she stepped out of the car.
She wore a sky-blue couture gown, her tall figure poised and graceful, her demeanor composed and refined.
Her features had the elegance of classical painting-delicate and subtle, every line imbued with quiet intensity.
They say true beauty lies in the bone, not the flesh. But this woman possessed both. The longer one looked, the more irresistible her presence became.
“My god… who is she? She’s gorgeous. From which family? How have I never seen her before?”
“She came with Xavier… could she be his secret wife?”
“No wonder he keeps her hidden. If she were mine, I wouldn’t want to bring her out either. Someone would try to steal her.”
“Carter doesn’t bring his wife out because she’s too ugly. Xavier doesn’t bring his out because she’s too beautiful… Talk about opposites.”
Kelly, who had been enjoying her moment in the spotlight, saw the crowd’s attention shift-and the person who had stolen it.
It was Sharon.
Her teeth clenched on instinct.
She was wearing a couture gown. And now Sharon was wearing one too.
It was clear Sharon was doing it on purpose.
1/2
Chapter 297
Just then, Nate came striding over.
The moment he spotted Sharon, his eyes widened in disbelief.
His head seemed to short-circuit for a moment, and without thinking, he stormed right up to her.
“You? What the hell are you doing here, you castoff?” he barked. “This isn’t the kind of place for someone like you!”
Then, as if something clicked, he narrowed his eyes. “Ah… I get it now.”
Nate’s face twisted with a sudden flash of mock understanding “You’re here trolling for a rich husband, aren’t you, you gold- digger? Sharon, have you no shame? Just got divorced, and already hunting for your next target?”
His voice rose, sharp and cutting, “Security! Someone sneaked in without an invitation! Get her out of here! These items are worth a fortune–we can’t have her stealing something!”
The commotion drew the attention of several security guards, all former special forces. They marched over in lockstep, faces expressionless.
One of them asked coolly, “Who entered without an invitation?”
Nate pointed at Sharon without hesitation. “I know this woman! She has no business being here. Drag her out. She’s nothing but trouble.”
Without a word, the guards stepped forward, surrounding Sharon in a tight circle.
Chapter 298
One of the guards spoke coolly, his voice like steel. “Miss, please show your invitation.”
This annual auction was no trivial matter. Only the wealthy and powerful were granted entry, and the treasures up for bid were
worth fortunes.
If someone with ill intent managed to sneak in—if a guest was harmed, or something was stolen-no one could bear the
consequences.
Suspicious individuals had to be dealt with seriously.
Nate jabbed a finger toward Sharon. “What are you waiting for? Arrest her and interrogate her. If she doesn’t talk, you’re allowed to use… persuasion!”
The surrounding crowd exchanged glances, bewildered
What was going on?
Divorcee? Gold-digger?
Wasn’t this woman Xavier’s wife?
Sharon, encircled by the guards and subjected to the judgmental stares of the onlookers, showed not the slightest trace of panic.
Calmly, she reached into her bag and took out her invitation, her fingers steady and composed
“This is my invitation,” she said plainly
Nate froze for a second, then snapped out of it, shouting “Fake That’s a fake invitation!”
One of the guards took the card from her hand and placed it on the scanner
A soft beep followed.
Verified.
The guard’s expression shifted, relaxing slightly
Nate’s breath caught in his throat.
“No… no way. That’s impossible!”
Then, as if scrambling for a foothold, he pointed again at Sharon, voice rising in desperation.
“She must have stolen it! That invitation isn’t hers!”
Before Sharon could respond, a low, disinterested voice cut through the tension.
“Nate, don’t you think this is getting a little ugly?TM
Nate turned sharply.
Xavier stood nearby, his expression unreadable, the corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Are you saying that a friend of mine isn’t qualified to be here?” he asked, voice smooth but unmistakably cold. “Stolen invitation? Who exactly are you looking down on?”
His tone wasn’t loud, but just loud enough for everyone around them to hear with perfect clarity.
The crowd exchanged knowing glances.
Chapter 298
Friend?
So, she wasn’t his wife after all.
Still, for Xavier to bring a woman to such a public event, it was as good as a declaration. This woman was under his protection.
The way the crowd looked at Sharon changed, subtly but unmistakably.
Sharon took back her invitation and said evenly, “Strict measures at an event like this are understandable. But we shouldn’t jump to conclusions based on hearsay. Even people with invitations may not come with good intentions.”
The guards lowered their heads slightly. “You’re right, ma’am.”
Their earlier hostility now felt inappropriate, even shameful.
Sharon’s calm criticism wasn’t overbearing, but it stung all the same.
Everyone had a temper. Her not making a fuss was already a show of grace.
Their cheeks burned.
They’d worked this event for years. Never once had someone dared to stir up trouble like this.
And they weren’t stupid-they knew now they’d been used.
The guards turned toward Nate, their eyes now cold and distant.
Nate opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, Kelly gave him a light push.
“Nate, let it go,” she whispered. “Everyone’s watching.”
Carter’s voice followed, even colder. “Nate. Enough.”
This wasn’t the place for outbursts-an event filled with elites, with whispers that even prominent foreign families were
present.
Whatever the truth, picking a fight with Sharon here was reckless.
Sharon didn’t linger. She turned to Xavier with a faint smile.
“Shall we, Xavier?”
Xavier glanced briefly at Carter, then offered his arm.
Sharon took it without hesitation and stepped into the hall by his side.
Carter’s face darkened immediately.
He moved forward, but Kelly caught his arm before he could take another step.
Today’s Bonus Offer
GET IT NOW
X
212
Chapter 299
“Carter, the auction’s about to start. Whatever it is, wait until it’s over.”
Carter stood still, eyes fixed on the two figures walking away, arm in arm. His lips pressed into a thin, hard line. A glint of cold, silent fury passed through his gaze. (1)
Inside the auction hall, Wendy spotted Sharon and Xavier as they entered and waved them over.
“Sharon, Xavier-over here.”
Sharon made her way toward Wendy. “I told you to come with me. You insisted on arriving alone.”
“You two showing up together-handsome guy, beautiful girl-surely make for a spectacular entrance. If I tagged along, I’d only bring down the effect.”
Wendy raised her brows, proud of her own sacrifice.
“Did you see Kelly and Carter earlier? The way they strutted in like royalty, especially Kelly. She looked like a peacock fanning her feathers, practically shaking them in everyone’s face.”
She curled her lip in disdain.
“And the people around them weren’t any better. Kelly’s so fake, yet everyone treats her like she’s some kind of celestial being.”
Wendy scoffed. “Her few achievements are nothing compared to yours. I don’t know what they’re bragging about.”
Xavier interjected mildly, “Still, for Carter to be hung up on her, and Nate to keep chasing after her, she must have something going for her. From what I’ve found, she was always a top student-school goddess type. Even had directors trying to pull her into showbiz, but she turned them down.
“She plays multiple instruments, but the violin’s her specialty. That’s how she got into Bell University.
“And during the five years she was apart from Carter, she wasn’t idle-competed in all sorts of international contests and won more awards than you could count.
I heard she even beat a rising-star violin prodigy. That girl’s career never recovered after losing to her.”
Sharon said quietly, “There are a lot of prodigies in this field. But the ones who can endure to the end and actually make something of it? Not many. Kelly… she does have talent.”
‘And I… I’m the opposite,’ Sharon thought quietly.
If she hadn’t divorced, would she have ever found the courage to pick up the violin again? Even now, the answer felt uncertain.
As the three of them talked, the auction officially began.
Xavier had never been much interested in these things-he rarely attended in the past. He’d gone out of his way to get tickets this time, but they weren’t front row-fourth row, off to the side.
The closer to the front, the more prestigious the status.
Carter, Kelly, and Nate were seated in the very first row.
As they walked past Sharon’s row, Nate cast her a glance, followed by a soft, disdainful snort. The ridicule on his face was plain.
So this was the big shot Sharon had managed to cling to? Still sitting in the fourth row.
Five minutes later, the auction officially commenced.
1/2
The first item: a set of fine porcelain teacups from the court of Versailles during Louis XV’s reign.
Collectors and tea aficionados alike jumped into the bidding. It finally sold for 300 thousand.
Next came a crown from a European royal family, dating back to the previous century.
Studded with diamonds in every shade, it dazzled under the lights-blindingly bright.
Kelly gasped softly. “What a beautiful crown…”
Nate nodded. “It really is. If you wore it during a concert, it’d be absolutely perfect.”
The starting price was 100 thousand.
Nate raised his paddle. “200 thousand.”
Kelly looked at him with wide, grateful eyes. “Nate, you don’t need to spend that much on me…”
She said the words, but her face told a different story.
Nate drank it all in. “Don’t worry. I’ll win it for you, no matter what…”
But before he could finish the sentence, a cool, familiar female voice rang out.
“300 thousand.”
Chapter 300
That crown–just at a glance, it was clear the bidding would start no lower than a million.
So someone joining the competition wasn’t exactly unexpected.
But when Nate heard that woman’s voice, he reacted like a rooster with ruffled feathers.
“Damn it! That woman–Sharon-she dares to bid against me?!”
He shot his hand up again. “500 thousand!”
And followed it with a vicious glare in Sharon’s direction.
Sharon acted as if she hadn’t noticed and calmly raised her paddle again.
“One million.”
In under a minute, the price had already doubled.
People in the room couldn’t help but turn toward Sharon, whispering among themselves.
Who was this woman with such boldness and money to match? Some wealthy heiress, no doubt.
Nate’s gaze turned darker, more savage. “1.5 million!”
Sharon’s voice flowed out like still water. “2 million.”
Nate, a rich boy through and through, had at least some sense.
He’d set a ceiling for the crown at 1.5 million. Beyond that, he wasn’t interested.
It wasn’t a matter of money-it just wasn’t worth it.
But something about Sharon’s presence lit a fire in his chest. The kind that made his blood boil.
Damn it. She used to be Carter’s wife-he’d hesitated out of courtesy back then. But now? She was just a discarded woman. And he still couldn’t win against her?
Nate clenched his teeth. “2.5 million!”
Carter leaned over slightly, reminding him, “Nate, that crown’s worth tops out around 1.3 million.”
A few million over was still acceptable. But nearly double? That was just throwing money away.
Kelly chimed in, her voice saccharine. “Nate, if Sharon wants it that much, maybe… let her have it?”
Normally, if the price was that inflated, she wouldn’t push Nate to keep bidding.
But not today.
Today, if Sharon wanted something-then Kelly had to have it first.
Nate’s competitive flame only grew stronger.
“The more she wants it, the more I won’t let her have it! I’ll show her-capital is a line she’ll never be able to cross!”
The bidding climbed until it hit 5 million. At that point, Sharon finally stopped.
Nate puffed up like a victorious rooster, lifting his chin and shooting her a smug look. (1)
Sharon’s face stayed calm, untouched by the whole exchange.
1/2
Chapter
An attendant brought the crown over on a velvet tray and presented it to Nate.
He personally placed it on Kelly’s head.
The third auction item was a bracelet.
Although Nate had recently recouped some funds and had money to spend, he’d just dropped 5 million on a crown. The sting
was real.
He’d originally planned to bid on a few things for himself.
So when the bracelet came up, he hesitated. Maybe sit this one out.
But the moment someone placed a bid-Sharon again-his ears perked up.
He turned to Kelly. “Didn’t Sharon break your bracelet last time? You said you couldn’t find a good replacement. This one looks perfect. Don’t worry, I’ll win it for you.”
Kelly put on a show of polite decline, but then stayed quiet.
A free gift was still a gift. And it wasn’t her money being spent.
Carter’s brow furrowed. “Nate, this bracelet’s worth maybe three million at most. Don’t go over.”
Before his words had even settled in the air, Sharon’s voice swept through the room like a ripple over still water.
“Five million.”
The hall went silent.
People stared, stunned.
From two million to five-just like that.
Who was this woman?
Could she be the daughter of some oil tycoon?
Nate froze for a moment, then raised his paddle again.
“Six million!”
Sharon’s voice remained calm and fluid. “Eight million.”
Nate’s hand, halfway raised, froze in place.
Eight million?
212
