After being rescued by the firefighters, Elena spent several days in the hospital, breathing oxygen.
The very first thing she did upon returning to the villa was to cancel Aaron's martial arts and math olympiad classes, as well as Maya's piano and painting lessons.
With the refunded money, she bought herself a complete set of jewelry.
After the divorce, she would most likely walk away with nothing. Jewelry, however, could be carried with her—later to be sold for startup capital.
It wasn't long before one of the tutors called.
"Mrs. Sullivan, did something happen at home?"
"If Aaron and Maya quit halfway, it will really affect their future. What if they can't keep up with the other children? Would you reconsider enrolling them for the rest of the term?"
Elena's voice was calm as she replied, "No. They won't be attending ever again."
Within half an hour, the two children were notified by the butler. They stormed in, faces full of outrage.
"Mom, what right do you have to cancel our classes?!"
Maya's little face flushed red with anger, while Aaron kicked the sofa so hard the sound boomed across the living room.
"It was just a joke that day during the fire! You're an adult—are you really holding a grudge over something so small?"
Elena's tone was even.
"You didn't want to go, did you? I'm simply giving you what you wanted. Is that wrong?"
Aaron puffed up with righteous indignation, even dragging in their father and grandmother as threats.
"If Grandma finds out you've been abusing us, she'll definitely make Dad divorce you! Then Aunt Hillary will be our mom, and you'll regret it!"
Hearing the childish hostility in his voice, Elena closed her eyes, exhaustion seeping into her bones.
"Your opinion of me versus Hillary was set in stone long ago. Think whatever you like."
Maya burst into tears.
"Evil woman! When I grow up, I'll make sure you're thrown out of my house!"
Looking at the children she had raised with her own hands, Elena no longer felt sadness or anger—only a calm sigh.
"No need to wait until you're grown. I'll leave on my own."
"If you want to keep going to those classes, then whoever you want to be your mom can pay for them."
Their eyes darted hopefully toward Hillary. But she quickly looked away, guilt flickering across her face.
She would never spend half a year's living expenses on tutoring for these two little bastards.
The servants were busy cleaning the living room when Hillary's eyes suddenly lit up with an idea. A few well-timed tears slid down her cheeks.
"Elena, I'm a few years older than you, and I've always treated you like a sister. You know I had a relationship with Jackson, and you know I came back to the country with nothing. I love these children dearly, but I truly can't afford this. Must you use this to pressure me?"
Her voice grew more emotional, and when she spotted a familiar figure at the doorway, she seized Elena's hand—swinging it into her own face with a loud crack.
Smack!
That blow not only reddened Hillary's cheek, but also jolted Jackson into awareness.
He immediately pulled the "wronged" Hillary into his arms, his voice heavy with suppressed fury and pain.
"Elena, who gave you the courage to bully Hillary right in front of me?"
Hillary bit her lip delicately, tugging lightly at his sleeve like an innocent doe.
"Jackson... don't fight. This is all my fault."
Elena stared at her fake pitiful act—and suddenly laughed.
"Just now, I didn't lay a finger on her. She grabbed my hand and slapped herself like a madwoman."
Then, in front of everyone, she slapped Hillary across the face.
"This... is my slap."
"A mistress daring to be so arrogant? If I want to hit you, I'll hit you."
Jackson froze in shock, before a torrent of venom spilled from his cold, beautiful lips—calling her unreasonable, hysterical, a shrew.
"Enough..." Hillary tugged at his arm gently. "The children are frightened. We should go and comfort them."
Jackson left with Hillary and the two children, throwing two sentences over his shoulder like knives.
"If you keep acting insane, get out of this house!"
"If you don't want to take care of Aaron and Maya, there are plenty of women who'd be eager to."
When the door closed, Elena shut her eyes lightly.
Very soon, she would grant them their wish—she would leave this house forever.
