Chapter 2

Her sharp words stabbed right into my chest.

But when I thought about my dying mother, I knew I had no choice.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

“I’ll drink.”

I drank glass after glass of strong liquor. My stomach churned violently, and my mind grew hazy.

I lost count of how much I drank. I only remember Joy finally throwing a stack of banknotes in my face and sneering with contempt. “For a little money, you’ve completely sold your dignity.”

I was too desperate to care about my wretched state. I gathered the scattered cash and staggered out of the private room.

I found the nearest ATM and deposited the money with trembling hands.

When the transfer confirmation sounded, my remaining strength finally left me.

Leaning against the cold wall, I vomited violently. My head spun, and I could barely stay upright.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

I opened it to see a reply from my lawyer.

[Mr. Bennett, the patent release has been filed. It should go live in three days.

[Once that happens, Zimmer Group will lose all rights to profit from them. Are you sure you want to do this?]

Recalling the waves of mocking laughter in the private room, I replied through gritted teeth.

[I’m sure. Mr. Lawson, please prepare divorce papers for me as well.]

…

The next morning, I went straight to work.

When I pushed Joy’s office door open, I saw her huddled close with Dale.

The two of them were practically pressed together.

Joy said affectionately, “Dale, what do you think of this car? If you like it, I’ll take you to pick it up later…”

Before she could finish, Joy noticed me at the door.

A flicker of panic flashed in her eyes. She instantly distanced herself from Dale.

She quickly composed herself and demanded sternly, “Don’t you know how to knock? You have no manners at all!”

I smiled tersely. “Mrs. Bennett, did I interrupt something?”

Joy blushed in embarrassment.

“I wasn’t doing anything shameful! Stop making things up!”

Dale hurriedly straightened his clothes. He avoided my gaze and said, “Charles, please don’t misunderstand. Joy and I were just discussing work.”

I did not care about their excuses. I just slammed the divorce papers down on the desk.

Joy glanced over in impatience.

“Charles, didn’t I just give you money yesterday? Are you here to ask for more?

“You’re a bottomless pit! Is this ever going to end?”

She thought the folder contained hospital bills.

“Whatever! I’m not going to argue with you. Here’s the deal. Perform well at the new product launch in three days. If the market response is good, I’ll consider putting up some money—”

I cut her off in a calm voice.

“That has nothing to do with me anymore.

“Joy, I’m resigning.”

She was stunned and wholly unprepared for my response.

“Charles, what’s your problem? Are you throwing a tantrum and resigning over a little thing like yesterday?

“Are you even a man to hold such a petty grudge? I was just trying to lighten the mood yesterday. It was a joke! I only asked you to drink a little. It’s not like I actually made you crawl through Dale’s legs!”

Looking at her angry, twisted face, I felt utterly exhausted.

I did not even have the will to argue with her anymore.

Without saying anything, I pushed the folder toward her.

Then, I took off my employee badge and tossed it into the wastebasket. I turned and walked away.

I heard Joy’s furious shouts behind me.

“Charles, don’t you think for a second that you can threaten me like this! If you walk out that door today, don’t ever come crawling back!

“I won’t pay a cent for your mother’s medical bills, you hear me?”

…

I ignored Joy and walked straight out of the company.

On the way, I called a number that I had not contacted in years.

The call connected almost instantly.

“Charles, what a surprise to hear from you!”

Lucian Bright sounded pleasantly surprised.

“Mr. Bright, are you free to meet now?”

My voice was a little hoarse.