But now it was clear, it had always been my wishful thinking. In his eyes, in his heart, there was only Hyacinth and the children.
He wasn’t unwilling to divorce because he couldn’t bear to lose me, but because he couldn’t afford to lose his cash cow.
As my tone grew sharp, Vale’s face darkened. In the end, he gritted his teeth and made his final threat.
“Lettie, if you want a divorce, I’ll take half the assets. And forget about getting the company listed.”
He had calculated it well. He knew the company was like my own child, something I had built with my blood, sweat, and sleepless nights. I’d spent three years preparing for its IPO.
He was betting that I couldn’t let go of him. I couldn’t bring myself to let go of the company that I would surrender.
But what he didn’t realize was that my children weren’t just tied to one company. I had countless children.
Seeing the storm on my face, Vale softened his tone and coaxed gently.
“Lettie, you know I love you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have stayed by your side all these twenty years, leaving the kids behind.”
“I just made a mistake. That doesn’t mean I stopped loving you.”
“You once said that when we got older, we’d set the company aside and travel across the rivers and mountains together. Now that we have heirs, he can help manage the company. They both carry my blood, and you know their character. Isn’t that better than handing everything to outsiders?”
He spoke so gently, stringing together all sorts of reasoning like a rehearsed script. If it weren’t for the glances he exchanged with the children, I might’ve believed him, just a little.
But the fleeting glint of calculation in their eyes couldn’t be hidden.
When he insisted on being DINK back then, he had already started planning for this day, waiting until I was too old, past childbearing age.
Then he’d manipulate and coax, bringing in his mistress and illegitimate children to smoothly take over everything I built.
Behind my back, they laughed. “Who told you to be such a fool, blinded by love? You deserve to die alone and pitiful.”
I said nothing as they left, cheerful and smug.
Soon after, social media was filled with their happy photos, family shopping sprees, and a grand airport welcome with 999 roses for the mistress’s glorious return.
For three straight days, Vale didn’t come home. I knew he was at the suburban villa, far too happy to even think of me.
Each day, he sent a message, reminding me to handle the equity transfer as soon as possible, always ending with a kissy-face emoji.
[Wifey, Hyacinth just got back. She’s unfamiliar with everything here. Once I get her settled, I’ll come back to you. Love you!]
I stared coldly at the screen, watching him buy her a luxury car and a designer watch, and then post a picture with a peace sign, full of pride.
The caption read, [After twenty years of storms and trials, I can finally hold you openly.]
Men like him weren’t just deceitful; they were masters at hiding it.
After twenty-two years, he finally didn’t have to pretend anymore.
I calmly gave his post a like.
That single reaction made them believe I had surrendered, that the transfer of the company to the twins was already set in stone.
After all, even if I divorced him, I’d lose both love and money. So why not bow my head, win some favor, and earn myself a few so-called “relatives”?
Besides, I was already over fifty. Without biological children, what use was more wealth?
Vale had already begun contacting reporters and searching for a venue to hold a press conference.
Secretary Larkin Scott arrived with a stack of documents in hand, ready to escort me. Vale smiled and reminded me warmly, “Make sure the listing goes smoothly. Once it's done, the market value will jump by a hundred million. It’ll be easier for Percy and Margaret to take over.”
Larkin added with a polite smile, “Yes, with family involved, everything will move faster. After all, blood runs thicker than water.”
Vale didn’t catch the subtle weight behind those words. He assumed I had already discussed everything with Larkin.
After all, Larkin had been by my side since graduating from college, both my secretary and personal assistant. He was nearly forty now and still unmarried.
