"Divorce? And you want a billion dollars?" Kristine lifted a hand to her lips in exaggerated shock before pretending she had only just realized who Leanna was.
Turning toward her with a sugary smile devoid of warmth, Kristine said, "So you're Leanna—the woman who's been caring for Derek all this time. Forgive me, but with how plainly you're dressed, I honestly mistook you for a household staff member. Still, demanding a billion dollars feels rather excessive, don't you think?"
Though her tone sounded courteous on the surface, every carefully chosen word carried a sharp undertone of ridicule, deliberately casting Leanna as vulgar and money-hungry.
"Kristine, there's no need for you to apologize to her. She was the one who took what belonged to you from the start."
Derek stood protectively beside Kristine, yet when his gaze shifted to Leanna, it held nothing but cold resentment.
In his mind, everything had already become clear. He believed Leanna had entered the Shaw family solely for wealth and was now weaponizing the three years she spent caring for him to manipulate him.
Derek accepted a prepared folder from his assistant and tossed it onto the table before Leanna. "Your condition is accepted," he said icily. "The divorce papers are inside. Sign them."
Now that matters had reached this stage and the agreement sat plainly before her, Leanna no longer hesitated. She picked up the pen and calmly wrote her name.
A trace of contempt flickered through Derek's eyes. He was further convinced that money had always been Leanna's true motive. In the end, all she cared about was wealth.
Leanna quietly placed the pen aside and returned to her room without another word. She packed her belongings swiftly before dragging her suitcase toward the mansion entrance.
To the servants, she was nothing more than an unwanted woman finally being thrown away. They watched her struggle with the heavy luggage in silence, not one of them stepping forward to help.
Just as Leanna crossed the foyer toward the exit, Derek's cold voice stopped her from behind. "Wait."
Leanna turned back slightly, confusion flickering across her face. Without emotion, Derek said, "Tomorrow. Meet me at the courthouse to finalize the divorce."
"Alright."
With that brief reply, Leanna walked beyond the grand entrance of the villa.
After passing through the towering iron gates, she paused and looked back one final time, exhaling slowly.
Farewell to the place where she had sacrificed everything, only to leave with a shattered heart in return.
From this moment onward, she would no longer live for anyone except herself.
Still pulling her suitcase behind her, Leanna retrieved her phone and dialed a number she had not contacted in three long years.
"Averie, I'm returning."
"Seriously, Boss? That's amazing! Do you know how dull life's been these past three years without you around? Now things can finally get interesting again!"
Averie Foster had always been the most trusted and capable person by Leanna's side.
Listening to the excitement pouring through the phone, Leanna finally allowed the faintest smile to appear. Without slowing her steps, she headed directly toward her previous residence.
…
The following morning, before leaving for the courthouse, Leanna changed into an elegant black dress. Her softly curled hair flowed freely over her shoulders, and refined makeup transformed her appearance into something breathtaking.
Years ago, Janice had casually mentioned that Derek preferred women dressed in white. Because of that single comment, Leanna had buried herself in pale colors and simple styles for three entire years, living as plainly as the quiet life she endured.
Not long afterward, Leanna arrived at the courthouse.
Derek had already been waiting outside, but the moment he saw Leanna approaching, he stood frozen in place.
The woman in his memory had always appeared bare-faced and understated; never once had he seen her radiate like this.
"What exactly are you staring at? Didn't we come here to get divorced?"
Noticing the stunned look in his eyes, Leanna lifted a brow slightly as she questioned him, her voice carrying no emotion.
Derek quickly regained composure, forcibly suppressing the unfamiliar feeling stirring inside him. Without another word, he followed Leanna into the courthouse and toward the filing counter.
After reviewing their paperwork, the clerk informed them, "According to regulations, divorce filings require a mandatory one-month cooling-off period. Your application has now been registered. If both parties still wish to proceed after one month, you may return to complete the divorce."
Leanna's mood darkened instantly. She had no interest in waiting another month—she wanted every tie between herself and Derek severed immediately.
The moment the filing process ended, Leanna turned on her heel and walked out of the courthouse without the slightest hesitation.
Kristine had been waiting outside the entrance. The instant she noticed Leanna emerging with an unconcerned expression, her own face turned sour. Striding forward to block her path, she warned sharply, "Listen carefully, Leanna. Don't even think about using this month to tempt Derek into changing his mind. Give up whatever foolish ideas you're having."
Leanna took in Kristine's guarded hostility, the way she stood as though protecting something precious from a dangerous enemy, and suddenly found it laughable.
"What you treasure so dearly is nothing but garbage to me."
"You—!" Kristine's cheeks flushed bright red with fury, leaving her unable to speak for a moment.
At that exact moment, Derek exited the courthouse, and an idea flashed through Kristine's mind. She deliberately threw herself backward onto the ground, catching herself weakly with one hand while putting on the appearance of someone fragile and wronged.
Tears shimmered instantly in her eyes as she looked up at Leanna with pitiful grievance and whispered shakily, "Leanna, I understand that you're angry. If insulting me helps you feel better, I can endure it—but how could you call Derek garbage?"
