Karsten opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off.
“All of this time, you’ve worried that the employees are mocking you behind your back, calling you a freeloader. I’m giving you the platform and the funds to prove them wrong.”
I paused, locking eyes with him.
“Take your team to Saltwater City and make a name for yourself. I don’t want to let our child grow up thinking their father is a spineless parasite.”
For a split second, I saw hesitation flash across his face. I was convinced he wouldn’t dwell on Theresa any longer.
True to my thoughts, Karsten accepted my words. He was too ambitious to pass up the opportunity. “Vali, thank you. I won’t let your kindness go to waste.”
Kindness? Hardly.
Divorce requires a one-month cooling-off period, but my surgery can’t wait. I needed to hand over the company to a professional manager to avoid any loss of control.
As for Karsten and Theresa... I’d deal with them once after I survived the surgery.
On my third day back to the company, Karsten left for Saltwater City with his loyal team, brimming with confidence.
Before leaving, he held my hand, his voice tender as he said his goodbyes. “Vali, take good care of our child while I’m away. I’ll fly back every month to be with you.”
Too bad for him—I’d already discovered that Theresa was on the same flight. He planned to use my money to keep his mistress hidden away in Saltwater City. Karsten really thought he was so clever.
I was genuinely shocked when my secretary showed me the expense reports Theresa had filed over the past year. More than 450,000 dollars a month, covering her rent, four new outfits every month, and other extravagant expenses.
Clearly, Karsten had approved every penny himself. That would be the only reason why the finance department hadn’t dared to question it.
“Contact the legal department and recover the improperly reimbursed funds.”
Sam, my executive secretary, who had been with me for years, gave a knowing nod. “Ms. Thalmann, you’re finally back. The company could really use some restructuring.”
I leaned in and quietly gave Sam a few instructions before quickly organizing a meeting with the senior management.
Three days later, once everything was in order, Ludwig personally came to take me to the hospital.
In the car, he kept a light, cheerful demeanor. “Vali, tell me what you’re craving. After your surgery, I’ll cook it for you.”
I knew he was trying to ease my nerves. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was seventeen. By the time they found it, it had already spread to her liver. Even though she underwent surgery, she didn’t last more than six months.
I had the same disease now. I would be lying if I wasn’t the least scared.
“Do you think... maybe I got sick because I was so anxious about getting pregnant this past year?” I watched the scenery blur past the window, my voice soft and distant.
“It could be genetic... but extreme mental stress might also be a contributing factor.” Ludwig’s brow furrowed ever so slightly before he quickly changed the subject.
“Where’s Karsten? Why is he not by your side when you’re about to have surgery?”
I thought about it for a moment—there was no point in hiding it from Ludwig. “He cheated on me. Once the surgery is over, I’m divorcing him.”
The words had barely left my mouth when Ludwig slammed on the brakes, nearly sending me headfirst into the dashboard.
“Ludwig! What the hell? If the illness doesn’t kill me, you will!”
Luckily, the roads weren’t busy. Any other time of day, this reckless driving could’ve caused an accident.
“He cheated on you?” It was only then that I noticed the rare, murderous glint in Ludwig’s eyes.
“Yeah... he got back together with his ex.”
Ludwig pulled the car over to the side of the road. “So, what’s your plan?”
“Divorce him. He’s leaving with nothing.”
Ludwig turned to look at me, his chest rising and falling with barely contained anger. “Well, at least you’re using your head,” he said coldly.
For a moment, he looked exactly just like he did back in high school, and I couldn’t help but stare at him, momentarily lost in thought.
