Chapter 4

I hung up the call and looked at the calendar on my desk before drawing a heavy red circle around tomorrow's date.

Tomorrow morning was Starry Kindergarten's annual welcome gala and open day.

Just last night, Harper had told me sweetly, "Darling, the gala is going to be such a chaotic, noisy mess. You've been working so hard lately. Why don't you just stay home and get some sleep? I'll attend as the representative."

Since she put it that way, I figured I should show up and give them something truly unforgettable.

I blasted out three messages.

The first went to my parents and my in-laws.

"Mom, Dad, Starry Kindergarten is hosting their gala tomorrow. Harper wants everyone there to celebrate and see how well Erin is doing at such a prestigious school."

The second went to a few of Harper's colleagues, whom she constantly complained about and feuded with at the office.

"There's a high-end networking event tomorrow morning. Harper would love for you all to attend as her guests."

The last one went to the principal of Starry Kindergarten, Myra Arnold.

"Ms. Arnold, I've prepared a special tribute video for the grand finale of the gala. Please ensure it's played on the main screen."

Everyone agreed enthusiastically.

On Friday at 10:00 am, the luxury ballroom at Starry Kindergarten was a sea of designer clothes and clinking champagne flutes.

The scale of this elite gala was staggering.

Long banquet tables were piled high with lobster, beef, and imported champagne.

My in-laws, decked out in brand-new designer gear, were beaming at everyone they met.

Harper's "rival" colleagues were also in position, mingling seamlessly with the wealthy parents.

And there was Harper, standing in the center of the crowd in a sophisticated black dress, looking every bit the elegant socialite.

Flanking her were Caleb, looking sharp in a tailored blazer, and Jodie, their illegitimate daughter, who was wearing a custom-made dress.

"Ms. Gilmore, you really have it all. A thriving career, a brilliant daughter, and such a handsome husband," a local businessman flattered her.

Harper flushed with pride and naturally linked arms with Caleb. She looked triumphant. "Oh, you're too kind, Mr. Hyde. No expense is too great when it comes to a child's future. As long as Jodie gets the best education, I'd give up everything I own to make it happen."

Caleb stood close to her, playing the part of the devoted husband to perfection.

When Harper had just given birth, she'd been an emotional wreck. I had felt so bad for her that I dropped several major projects just to stay home and be with her.

But once Erin started kindergarten, she pushed me back to work and forbade me from getting involved in school affairs.

Every time I offered to pick Erin up or attend a parent-teacher meeting, Harper had an excuse to stop me.

Naturally, none of the other parents knew who I was.

Back then, I'd flattered myself, thinking I had a thoughtful, capable wife.

Now I saw the truth. This kindergarten was nothing more than a playground for this shameless couple.

I quietly watched them from the second floor.

Down at the entrance, my parents, my in-laws, and Harper's colleagues had all arrived.

Harper, Caleb, and their circle of business associates were tucked away in a private section, so she hadn't seen the guests I'd invited for her yet, and they hadn't seen her.

Otherwise, just seeing Caleb by her side would be enough for them to notice something was off.

Once I saw that everyone was in place, I made my move and headed downstairs.

Two stern-faced bodyguards followed closely behind me, drawing curious stares from the crowd.

Mom was the first to spot me. She waved excitedly. "Leonel! Over here! Your dad and I are over here!"

At the sound of my name, the smile on Harper's face froze. She whipped around. When her eyes met mine, she looked like she'd seen a ghost. "D-Darling? What are you doing here?"