บททั้งหมดของ The Barren Ex-Wife's Revenge: บทที่ 71 - บทที่ 80

Victoria started up the stairs, chatting pleasantly about the history of the house. "The original structure was built in 1920 by Jack's great-grandfather. It's been renovated several times, of course, but we've tried to maintain the original character."Elena followed slowly, each step feeling heavy with memory. She remembered lying on these stairs eight years ago, her head throbbing, alcohol soaking through her cheap dress while the rich people stood above her and laughed."Are you alright?" Victoria asked, noticing Elena had stopped halfway up.Elena realized she had been staring at a specific step, the one where she had hit her head on the railing. There was still a small chip in the wood. Evidence of that night that no one else knew the significance of."I'm fine," Elena said, forcing herself to keep climbing. "Just admiring the craftsmanship of the railing.""Oh yes, it's all original mahogany," Victoria said proudly. "Jack's grandmother refused to let them replace it during the

"It's just a dress," Victoria said. "Why would anyone keep a cheap dress like that anyway?"Because it reminded them of better times, Elena thought. Because sometimes cheap things mean more than expensive things. Because not everyone measures value in money.But she didn't say any of that to Victoria.They left the storage room and headed back toward the staircase. As they started down, Victoria suddenly stopped."Can I ask you something personal, Miss Elena?""You can ask," Elena replied. "I might not answer.""Earlier you mentioned that you'd been in love before and it didn't work out well," Victoria said. "What happened? If you don't mind me asking."Elena was quiet for a moment, deciding how much truth to tell. "I loved someone who didn't love me back. Or maybe he did love me, but not enough. Not in the way I needed to be loved.""What do you mean?" Victoria asked."I mean he saw me as an obligation and not a blessing," Elena explained. "He married me because he felt he owed me so

"I don't know where she is," Jack said. "After the divorce, she left Vaelthorne City and I never heard from her again. For all I know, she could be anywhere. She could even be dead.""Or she could be incredibly successful and happy," Elena suggested. "Did you ever consider that maybe leaving you was the best thing that ever happened to her?"Jack looked hurt by this. "I suppose that's possible. I hope she found happiness somewhere. Despite everything, I never wished her harm.""Just neglect and emotional abuse," Elena said dryly.Jack's eyes flashed. "I was not abusive.""Weren't you?" Elena challenged. "You admitted you saw her as an obligation. You allowed your family to treat her terribly. You made her feel worthless for three years. That's emotional abuse, even if you didn't intend it."Jack was quiet for a long moment. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I was worse than I realized. But Miss Elena, why does this matter so much to you?"Elena knew she needed to end this conversation before

But the company wasn't completely unsalvageable. If someone came in with substantial capital and made hard decisions, cutting costs and refocusing on core competencies, Kaelthorn Corporation could potentially survive.It would require laying off half the workforce. Selling the mansion and other luxury assets. Completely restructuring operations. The Kaelthorns would lose their lifestyle, but the company could limp along.The question was whether Elena wanted to be the person who saved them.Her phone rang. It was Margaret calling from Lysandria."Good morning, darling," Margaret said. "How are you feeling after last night?""Confused," Elena admitted. "And tired. It was emotionally exhausting.""I can imagine," Margaret said sympathetically. "Did they recognize you?""No. Jack said I reminded him of his first wife, but he didn't make the connection. Mrs. Kaelthorn is suspicious, but she can't figure out why.""That's good," Margaret said. "Elena, I called because I wanted to check on

"This is outrageous," Mrs. Kaelthorn said finally. "You want us to publicly apologize? To admit mistakes? To donate to charities?""Yes," Elena said calmly. "You're asking me to invest millions of dollars in your company. I need to know you're worth investing in. And the only way to prove that is by showing you can be humble and accountable.""We don't need to prove anything to you," Mrs. Kaelthorn snapped."Actually, you do," Elena replied. "Because I hold all the power here. You need me. I don't need you. So if you want my help, you'll meet my conditions."Mrs. Kaelthorn's hands were shaking with rage. "And this last condition? Apologizing to Jack's first wife? Why on earth would we need to do that?"Elena leaned forward, looking Mrs. Kaelthorn directly in the eyes. "Because you were cruel to her. You made her life miserable. And if you can't acknowledge that and apologize for it, then you haven't learned anything. You're still the same cruel people who destroy anyone who doesn't me