"And you," my son said coldly, "are just a nanny who has served me for 18 years. Blood is thicker than water. I hope you won’t stand in the way of our family’s reunion."
His words cut through me like a blade.
Elara smirked triumphantly, stepping forward as if to twist the knife.
"Arabella," she sneered, "if you want a son, why not give birth to one yourself? Stop clinging shamelessly to my child!"
Before I could respond, Axel abruptly pulled out a divorce agreement and tossed it onto the table with a hundred-yuan bill.
"The company is my pre-marital property," he declared with a condescending sneer. "Sign the papers, hand over the company and the boy, and let our family of three reunite. Consider this hundred dollar your compensation for all those years of managing my business and raising my son."
The crowd erupted in outrage.
"Unbelievable! They’re treating her like a servant!"
"A hundred dollars? Does he think that’s enough to cover years of sacrifice and hard work?"
"This isn’t just bullying—this is despicable!"
"Arabella, don’t let them walk over you! Fight back!"
The air was thick with indignation as the onlookers rallied to my defense. Some even stepped forward, offering to help me file a lawsuit and reclaim what was rightfully mine.
But amidst the clamor, Axel and Elara remained unnervingly composed, as if they had anticipated every reaction. They stood there, smug and self-assured, certain of their victory.
I, however, met their arrogance with a calm smile.
"Very well," I said evenly. "I will help your family."
Gasps rippled through the crowd as I picked up the pen and signed the divorce agreement without hesitation. The room fell silent, save for the scratching of the pen on paper.
Both Axel and Elara froze for a moment, visibly startled by my compliance. Then, as if reassured by my apparent capitulation, they exchanged triumphant smiles and eagerly examined the document.
After confirming it was legitimate, their grins widened.
"Finally," Elara said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "You’ve made the right choice."
As they reveled in their perceived victory, I spoke again, my tone light but laced with something they couldn’t quite place.
"Since you’ve given me such a… wonderful surprise, it’s only right that I return the favor."
Axel frowned, the smugness on his face faltering.
"A big gift?" he echoed warily. "What kind of gift?"
