Chapter 7

In the days that followed, Wendy lived in her own home like an invisible ghost.

She watched Jackson come up with new ways to cheer Candace up every day, watched him brew medicine for Candace personally, and watched him postpone company meetings just to cheer Candace up.

One day, when Jackson was out, Candace stopped Wendy and smugly gloated.

"So what if you and Jackson are married? He promised me that my child will not only take his surname but will also be the sole heir to Wallace Corporation! The baby you're carrying is just an illegitimate child."

Wendy was heading downstairs to get water. Hearing this, she didn't even spare Candace a glance and simply walked away.

Her attitude completely enraged Candace.

"You've fallen so low, but you're still acting high and mighty!"

She suddenly rushed forward and shoved Wendy.

Caught off guard, Wendy fell backward.

As the world spun, she heard the dull thud of the back of her head hitting the stair railing. Then, the world plunged into darkness.

When she woke again, she was back in the hospital.

Jackson stood by her bedside, his first words a harsh interrogation, "So injuring Candace's parents wasn't enough, you also have to push her down the stairs? Don't you know she's pregnant?"

Every word stabbed her heart like a dagger.

Wendy suddenly laughed. She laughed so hard her whole body trembled.

"Jackson," she asked, her voice hoarse, "do I look like an idiot to you?"

"What?"

"If I wanted to hurt her," she slowly propped herself up, "why am I the one lying in the hospital right now?"

"Because you got scared after pushing her, and threw yourself down the stairs to gain sympathy!" Jackson's eyes were full of disappointment. "Wendy, I don't understand what you're thinking. You agreed to let Candace move in, so why would you use such a dirty trick to hurt her?"

He turned around and walked to the door. "I won't come visit you anymore. Reflect on your actions."

With that, he left, the ward door slamming heavily shut.

Wendy slowly opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling, tears silently streaming down.

She took a slight breath and told herself over and over: it'll all be over soon.

The day she was discharged happened to be the day the divorce cooling-off period ended.

Wendy went directly to the county clerk office and obtained the final divorce certificate.

When she got home, she immediately started packing her luggage, preparing to leave the place for good.

Just as she was dragging her suitcase downstairs, Jackson suddenly came home.

"What are you doing?" He frowned, looking at the suitcase she was carrying. "You just got out of the hospital and you're already donating things?"

He thought she was going to donate the luxury goods he gave her again.

Wendy didn't bother explaining.

Jackson stepped closer and pulled an embossed gold invitation from the inner pocket of his suit.

"Candace is kind enough not to hold a grudge against you. Today's her birthday, so prepare a generous gift and come with me."

Just as Wendy was about to refuse, Jackson's phone rang.

Candace's coquettish voice came through. "Jackson, why aren't you here yet? Everyone is waiting for you…"

"I'll be right there." Jackson replied gently, then turned to Wendy, "It's getting late, so I'll head there first. Since you're going to 'donate things', come over once you're done. Remember to bring a gift."

With that, he turned around and left.

Watching his back, Wendy suddenly smiled.

She would send Candace a gift, a grand gift that no one would ever forget.

She placed the divorce certificate and the abortion proof into a gift box and called for a courier.

"Deliver to this address," her voice was calm. "Make sure it's opened in public."

After the courier left, Wendy dragged her suitcase and walked out of the mansion she once thought she would live in forever, not looking back.

Outside the door, the sun was shining bright.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward into a new life.