Chapter 4

Whitney held me for a while. Her breathing gradually evened out, and before long, she fell asleep.

I opened my eyes and stared at the moonlight spilling through the window. My heart felt like ice.

...

As the days went by, Whitney's 'overtime' became more and more frequent.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, she somehow found an excuse for staying away from home past ten.

"We're rushing to finish a project."

"I'm having dinner with a client."

"It's a company event."

The excuses were always different, but the result was the same—she did not come back home.

Lucas used to spend only one night a week at his grandparents' house. Now, he was staying there three nights a week. Every time he came home, the look he gave me seemed a little colder, a little more disgusted.

"Dad, why are you always so angry? You're like a crazy person."

"Dad, why are you never home? Is it because you don't love me?"

"I hate you! You're a bad person! Just go away! I don't want you taking care of me!"

I knew what was happening.

Jethro had already started getting close to Lucas. The story was unfolding exactly as it had in the original novel, one step at a time.

Whitney would take our child and run straight into Jethro's arms. I, the side character, was finally supposed to exit the stage.

However, before I did, I was not going to leave empty-handed. Not a single thing I was entitled to would be left behind.

I secretly began investigating the assets Whitney had under her name.

I had no idea what I would find.

Once I started digging, however, I discovered that over the past month, ownership of her three properties and shares in two companies had quietly been transferred. Most of the money in her accounts had also been moved overseas.

Both the new ownership records and the overseas account were linked to Jethro.

What shocked me even more was that Whitney had also misappropriated three million dollars in company funds into Jethro's account.

I photographed every transfer record, every document showing the changes in share ownership, and every property transfer record. I compiled everything into a complete evidence file and sent it all to Tessa.

Half an hour later, Tessa called me. Her voice was serious.

"Mr. Cooper, your wife's actions could constitute an improper transfer of marital assets. And misappropriating company funds could expose her to criminal charges. With the evidence we have, she's put herself in a very difficult position.

"It could have a serious impact on the division of marital assets, and she could end up receiving a substantially reduced share of the marital assets.

"I strongly recommend that you file for divorce as soon as possible and ask the court to freeze the marital assets before she can move or dispose of anything else."

"I know." I stared at the evidence on my computer screen, my voice calm. "Ms. Lynch, prepare the necessary documents. I'll let you know once I've decided on the timing."

"When are you planning to file?"

I thought for a moment. Then I suddenly remembered a scene from the original novel.

Jethro's birthday was coming up. He was going to throw a huge party, and during the celebration, he and Whitney would lose control of themselves and sleep together in one of the private rooms.

In the original story, that party was a major turning point.

Jethro would announce to everyone that he was divorced and had returned home. He would also make it public that he and Whitney had rekindled their old relationship.

"In a few days," I said. "After his birthday party."

After hanging up, I opened my calendar and stared at the date I had circled in red. Three days from now was Jethro's birthday.

I slowly ran my finger over the red circle, a cold smile curling at the corner of my mouth.

I hoped Jethro would like the birthday present I had prepared for him.

...

Jethro's birthday party was held at a private estate outside the city.

I took the invitation card I had found in Whitney's study, put on a simple black suit, and drove there alone.

The estate was glowing with lights, filled with elegant guests dressed to impress.

I stood in the shadows off to the side and watched Jethro in the center of the ballroom.

He wore a burgundy tuxedo, his hair perfectly styled. His smile was bright and confident, with the effortless charm of a prince.

Whitney stood beside him. She was wearing the dress I had personally ironed for her that morning, holding Lucas by the hand.