Chapter 3

Early the next morning, I headed straight to the office.

This company was an empire, Jason and I had built together, and if I was going to get a divorce, I had to take back what was rightfully mine.

However, the moment I stepped into the top-floor conference room, Director Connor, who used to be completely obsequious toward me, stepped up to block my path.

"Mrs. Gibson, this is an internal executive meeting. It’s not appropriate for family members to attend."

Family?

I let out a cold laugh and shoved his hand aside directly. "I'm the second-largest shareholder in this company. Since when did I become just 'family'?"

Director Connor casually flipped through the meeting minutes in his hands, a flicker of pity showing in his eyes.

"Mrs. Gibson, you probably don't know, but a year ago, when you took a leave of absence to focus on trying to conceive, you signed a voting proxy agreement for your shares. As of now, the board only recognizes Mr. Gibson as the sole decision-maker."

My mind went blank.

Back then, I was physically and mentally exhausted from the failed IVF treatments, and Jason had brought over a thick stack of documents, telling me it was just routine paperwork that needed my signature.

It turned out he had already laid out his trap way back then.

Refusing to give up, I stormed into the Legal Department.

The head of legal couldn't even meet my eyes as he handed me an asset breakdown.

"Mrs. Gibson, the transfer of your shares was finalized three months ago. Right now, under your name... there are only a few supplementary credit cards that Mr. Gibson gave you."

Three whole years of relentless hustle and countless late nights spent in endless meetings.

While my stomach was being bruised from endless hormone injections, all my hard work had been quietly emptied by him behind my back.

"Jason!"

I kicked open the door to the CEO’s office.

Jason was sitting in his large leather chair, looking as if he had already anticipated my arrival.

Seeing my bloodshot eyes, he furrowed his brows, his tone oozing with heartbreak and helplessness.

"Hazel, why did you rush all the way here? Are you tired? Come, sit down."

He stood up to support me, but I shoved him away with all my strength.

"Jason, where are my shares? Where is my position?"

I slammed that document right in front of his face.

Jason let out a soft sigh and sat back in his chair, his eyes looking so earnest you couldn't find a single flaw in them.

"I know you're upset right now, but Susan is young and healthy. I couldn't bear to see you go through IVF again and get poked with all those needles, so this baby came at the perfect time.

"Susan's pregnancy solves the issue of an heir without putting you through hell again. Once the baby is born, we pay her off, send her away, and raise the child together. You get to step back and enjoy your life. What's the problem?"

He looked at me, his eyes carrying a hint of confusion, as if he couldn't comprehend why I was reacting so dramatically.

A wave of nausea washed over my stomach. Staring up at him now, I felt like I had never actually known this man.

"Jason, do you even realize what you're saying? You cheated on me with the student I sponsored, and now you want her to have a baby for me to raise, all while calling it 'caring for me'?

"You are absolutely disgusting! We're getting a divorce. Give me back the shares and position that belong to me, and we'll cut ties completely."

Jason's expression instantly turned cold.

"You are far too naive. Nobody can live ten years in the past, and a divorce is out of the question."

He pulled out his phone and opened his banking app right in front of me.

"I was going to leave you an exit route, but since you refuse to appreciate my kindness..."

My phone vibrated violently.

[System Notification: Your account has been frozen.]

[System Notification: Your supplementary cards have been deactivated.]

Right then, the phone on his desk rang out.

Without a care in the world, he hit the speakerphone button.

Susan’s coy, sweet voice instantly filled the entire office:

"Jason, the doctor said the baby is super healthy and has a really strong heartbeat. When are you coming to see me and the baby?"

Jason glanced at my expressionless face and replied into the phone, "I'll head over as soon as I wrap things up here."

He hung up and turned his gaze back on me.

"I’ll give you time. Once you’ve thought it through, come back and find me."