Chapter 4

In the quiet of my apartment, I packed my belongings into a black suitcase.

I didn't have many things of my own. There was only an old pocket watch my adoptive parents left me, a few clothes I wore regularly, and some work documents.

I set aside everything the Frasers had given me, including the jewelry my mom had casually handed me, Josh's extra credit card, the designer gown for the birthday party, and the family trust papers I never signed.

I sorted them out and placed them neatly on the coffee table.

Beside them was a thick stack of medical records. They were the medical history files, follow-up appointment records, and medication notes I had organized for my mom over the past three years.

I left them there so Peter could hand them over to the Frasers the next day.

After I finished packing, I sat down on the couch, took out my phone, and called Josh.

The phone rang for a long time before he answered. In the background, I could hear relatives offering congratulations and raising their glasses.

"What is it now?" Josh sounded annoyed. "We'll officially acknowledge you as part of the family, just not tonight. Mom is in a great mood. Don't ruin it."

"That's not why I'm calling." I glanced at the medical records on the coffee table and spoke calmly.

"Mom's having an endoscopy next Wednesday. The appointment details are on top of the stack. Her blood pressure has been unstable lately. The doctor said her medication dosage needs to be adjusted. I wrote everything down on the note—"

"Enough." Josh cut me off impatiently. "We'll talk about these things tomorrow. Megan is going around the tables to toast everyone now. Come over and celebrate Mom's birthday with us. We're family. Don't push it."

I was silent for a brief moment before saying, "I won't be here tomorrow."

Josh let out a mocking laugh. "Kathy Stroud, who are you trying to threaten? Do you think disappearing will make Mom give in? Let me tell you, the more you act like this, the less likely she'll acknowledge you."

Then he hung up.

I listened to the line go dead, then turned off my phone, removed the SIM card, and threw it into the trash.

After that, I grabbed my suitcase and took the elevator downstairs.

I didn't tell Josh that my company had just stopped managing the Fraser family's overseas investments for free.

Three years ago, Josh's project was on the verge of collapse after its funding fell through. I had used my overseas connections and business expertise to turn it around.

I didn't ask for a single cent in return. All I wanted was to officially become part of the family after the birthday party.

The agreement clearly stated that if they broke their promise to accept me into the family, I had the right to end the arrangement and reclaim all profits.

Now, I was simply taking back what belonged to me.

By the time I arrived at the airport, it was already late at night. After checking in, I sat in the waiting area.

Peter sent a message to my new number.

"Ms. Stroud, the Frasers' finance team has already been notified of the termination of the proxy arrangement. Mr. Fraser has been looking for you."

"Just proceed as planned," I replied.

"Understood." Peter paused for a moment before sending another message. "Mr. Fraser just arrived at Riverside Apartments."

...

At Riverside Apartments, Josh pushed open the door and stared at the empty living room and the neatly arranged stuff on the coffee table.

Peter handed him a checklist and said, "Mr. Fraser, Ms. Stroud's proxy arrangement has been terminated. These are the belongings she left behind. Please check them."

Josh's face turned pale with anger.

"Where is she? She thinks she can pressure us with money, and now she's hiding? What kind of stunt is that?" he asked.

Peter adjusted his glasses, his voice calm and emotionless.

"Ms. Stroud boarded her flight two hours ago. She asked me to tell you that Mrs. Fraser's follow-up appointment details are at the top of the stack."

Josh froze.

Peter continued, "Ms. Stroud has also withdrawn her request to rejoin the Fraser family, along with her application to change her last name. Permanently."