Caroline looked out to the streets the moment she got to her office. After confirming that her adoptive mother and brothers had left, only then did she turn around and sit behind her table. She first sent a message to Darren, telling him not to do anything when Belinda left for her trip. Liberty’s word of caution made Caroline realize that she had almost fallen into her mother’s trap. Usually, her mother would never tell the family about her destination or itinerary. The last time Belinda went to Wiltspoon, Caroline was tasked to manage the company. However, that was because everyone knew about the invitation from the Yorks. The fact that Belinda was going to attend Zachary’s wedding was publicly known. Since there was no need to hide it, Belinda had handed over some work to Caroline before she left. However, this time, Belinda revealed to Caroline that she was leaving to meet an old acquaintance. Caroline simply thought she had gained her mother’s trust. Belinda had al
Caroline’s voice traveled from the pantry. “I haven’t started on my work yet, so I decided to just do it myself.”Adrian commented, “You’re afraid that someone will poison your coffee.”“I’m not afraid that my secretary will poison me, but I am quite worried that my big brother will.”Adrian’s expression darkened and he said heatedly, “I’m your biological brother! How could I poison you?!”Although he disliked Caroline very much, he dared not touch even a single strand of hair on her head, at least while their mother was still alive. Once Belinda passed away and Caroline succeeded her as the matriarch, it would be even harder for him to move against Caroline then. It would be a miracle if she let him go.Caroline laughed drily but stayed silent.After a moment of waiting, Caroline came out of the pantry.She brought with her two cups of coffee and walked over to the sofa. She placed one cup in front of Adrian before sitting opposite him and sizing him up.Adrian was irked by
“Adrian!” Caroline said seriously. “If you hadn’t messed around with Celine and done those things, why would Emma call Celine’s family to take her away?“And Mom was the one who told Emma to do that. You should look for Mom to settle the score if you have the balls. Why are you blaming Emma?“You’re heartbroken because Celine’s dead, aren’t you? It’s obvious that you guys have always only cared about her. In your hearts, Celine is your real sister. Who the hell am I, right? “But Celine isn’t your sister! Adrian, Emma’s your wife, the person you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with. You even have children together. Do you think it’s right to treat Emma like this? What about your children?“Mom even helped you by hiding the fact that you caused Celine’s death from the public.“All you know is to blame others. Why don’t you reflect on your mistakes?“If you hadn’t cheated and messed around with Celine, would Emma have gone looking for you to confront you? Celine wouldn’t
“Caroline, I’m your true brother. Are there any little sisters out there like you?“Instead of taking your brother’s side, you’re taking an outsider’s side. Even if she’s your sister-in-law, she’s not family by blood.” Adrian was angry that Caroline was not in his corner.He actually came looking for Caroline because he wanted her to persuade his wife.Their children were already so big—what was the point of getting divorced?He would just go out less in the future.“Do you want your nieces and nephews to have a broken family? You should help me persuade Emma not to get divorced. Does she think she’s still young? Does she think she can remarry after the divorce? Even if she can, she’ll only be able to marry an old geezer.“None of the young men would want her. Unlike me—I’m a rich, accomplished man. I could get an eighteen-year-old hottie even after I’m divorced. Can she though?“Besides, our kids are already grown up. What’s the point of divorcing? Isn’t she afraid of hurting a
Caroline said coldly, “I told you, I have no time for your nonsense.”Adrian glared at her fiercely for another moment before leaving in a huff.So much for siblinghood!Caroline did not care about him at all!Adrian’s visit affected Caroline’s mood badly.She sat on the sofa for a while before getting up to pace around the office.Then, she poured herself a glass of water and chugged it. It still took a moment before she could suppress her anger and calm herself.“That bastard!” Caroline cursed Adrian. “I would look down on Emma if she didn’t divorce a scumbag like that.”What was the point in keeping him around?It was a mystery how Belinda raised her children—every single one was a rotten apple.Maybe it was because the tree was rotten on the inside in the first place.Emma did not come to see Caroline.She had returned to her parents’ home and told them everything, including her divorcing Adrian.Not a single thing was hidden from them as she told them all the despicab
Belinda was silent for a moment before she gave Elaine a reply. “Let her in.”With Belinda’s permission, Emma entered the study.Now that Emma was thoroughly disappointed with Adrian and determined to divorce him, her mindset was totally different now. She was no longer as glamorously dressed as usual.A cheater would still cheat no matter how well you made yourself up.Why should she bother to please him then?She should just live as she wished.Emma walked up to Belinda and quietly watched her practice her calligraphy instead of greeting her right away.After a moment, she said, “Mom, your calligraphy looks very messy right now. Don’t force yourself to write in a bad mood.“Everyone has bad days.”Belinda finished her last word before putting her pen down. Appraising her calligraphy for a bit, she had to admit that she was in too bad a mood to write nicely. It was incomparable to her usual standard.She grabbed that piece of paper and crumpled it into a ball before trashing
Belinda remembered that her marriage was a disaster too. However, she had used forceful means to make her husband castrate himself and did not have to worry about him cheating on her ever again.However, as a couple, they were over.She knew just how much Hunter secretly hated her while Hunter was cognizant that she could not forgive his betrayal.She just did not consider divorce because of her age and was fine with just staying on guard against Hunter.She was confident she could keep him under her thumb on her own turf.Decades passed, and Hunter still could not turn the tides under her watch.Her son and daughter-in-law, however, were still young. Yet, their marriage had broken down to the point of no return. She could not ask them to continue like this.“I’m going on a trip soon and might be gone for up to two weeks. Once I get back, I’ll talk to Adrian. While I’m gone, you guys should think carefully about it.“There’s a cool-off period for divorces nowadays too, so you t
“Once I get back, I will persuade Adrian to agree to the divorce. I won’t let it come to blows. But while I’m not around, I still hope you’ll think about it carefully again.”Emma nodded in acquiescence.She got up. “I’ll head out first then. I won’t disturb you any longer.”Belinda hummed in acknowledgment.Once Emma left, Belinda called Adrian. When he answered, she asked, “Where are you now, Adrian?”“I’m at the office, Mom. What’s up?” he asked cautiously.He was quite afraid of getting a call from his mother, especially after he had done something wrong because he would always get a scolding.“Emma came back earlier. She told me plenty.”Adrian’s scalp tingled as he said with a smile, “That’s good, it’s good that she’s back.”“She came to tell me about her intention to divorce you. This time, she’s thoroughly hurt by you. It looks to me that she’s absolutely determined to get a divorce. She’s facing everything very calmly.“When someone wants to leave for real, they’ll d