Chapter 4

Richard's cautious voice came through the phone. "Mrs. Wood..."

"Please call me Ms. Wade."

I was not Mr. Wood anymore, and Cecelia Wade had come back.

I calmly replied, "I am currently divorcing Mr. Ethan Wood."

"Alright... Ms. Wade." Richard sounded awkward. But he held back and continued, "Mr. Wood would like to meet with you tomorrow afternoon to discuss the divorce agreement..."

My grip tightened slightly around the phone. Each word from the receiver felt like another web meticulously woven by Ethan.

I had seen through his tactics toward me after five years of marriage.

He would first play weak, and then he maneuvered, and finally, he exchanged seemingly compromising conditions for what he truly wanted.

"Not necessary." My voice was icily cold. "Ryan has already explained all the terms clearly. There's no room for negotiation in the divorce agreement. This is my final stance."

Richard seemed to want to argue further. He told me that Ethan had been in low spirits recently and hoped to have a talk face-to-face with me.

I could almost picture Ethan, on the other end, wringing his hands and attempting to let me change my mind with our history.

But those details that once softened my heart now seem ridiculous.

"If Mr. Wood has any objections to the divorce agreement, let him contact Ryan directly." I interrupted Richard coldly. "There is nothing left between Ethan and me, so we don't have to talk face-to-face except for legal documents."

Without waiting for Richard to speak again, I hung up.

The screen dimmed, reflecting the determination in my eyes.

My old self perished the moment I discovered his betrayal and my medical report.

Now, I wouldn't be swayed by Ethan, who pretended to be weak.

After confirming the gallery's renovation plans with the construction team, I arranged to meet Ashlyn.

"Cecelia, open the door quickly. I have great news," Ashlyn said with excitement.

I opened the door, and she immediately squeezed in. Then she popped open a bottle of champagne.

"Guess who called me? The Preayork Headquarters of Christie Auctions! They're hosting a charity auction next Saturday. They've specially invited you to the preview dinner tomorrow evening."

The crystal glasses clinked with a crisp, pleasant sound.

Ashlyn filled my glass with champagne and said with her eyes sparkling, "I've heard many big shots in the investment industry and famous directors will attend it. There will be a few of your old acquaintances. When you were a trader on Wall Street, you helped them earn billions, didn't you?"

I took the glass. The cool liquid slid down my throat, and it tasted like sweet fruit.

I was the youngest female partner on Wall Street five years ago. I had handled billion-dollar projects, and the men in the conference room had to call me "Ms. Wade."

Later, I traded my business suits for a housewife's apron after I married Ethan.

"So are you going?" Ashlyn looked at me expectantly.

"Of course." I downed the champagne in one go, leaving a damp mark on the rim of the glass. "That's good. I need some new decent pieces in the new gallery."

Ashlyn clapped her hands in delight. "You got it right. Christie Auctions has a draft of Water Lilies by a world-famous painter this time. Although it's an early work, the brushstrokes are exceptionally good..."

In the evening, I chose a black velvet gown from a top brand.

I looked at myself in the mirror. I had exquisite makeup. My red lips were a striking contrast to my pallor.

The hospital had called more than once to urge me to accept treatment, but I refused.

I have six months left, and I wanted to spend my last time on what truly matters.

The banquet hall was ablaze with bright lights. The air was filled with the scent of champagne and high-end perfume.

As soon as I entered, I was surrounded by several suited men. They were my former clients who still wield power in the financial world. They were surprised upon seeing me.

"Cecelia Wade? Is it you!" An elderly man with gray hair held my hand. "I heard from Ashlyn that you're considering returning to the investment industry? How about teaming up with me?"

"If there's a chance," I smiled and said. "My gallery reopens in two weeks, Mr. William. I hope you'll grace us with your presence."

"Well, I do love your candor, Cecelia."

While I was chatting, someone suddenly tapped my shoulder from behind.

I turned and met a pair of familiar eyes. It was Lanny Marshall, a famous director. He had directed Ethan's first movie as the lead actor.

"Cecelia, long time no see." He handed me a glass of champagne. His gaze lingered on my face as he said, "You seem to have changed a lot."

"People always change." I accepted the glass, and my fingertips were cold. "Especially after some surprises."

I deliberately emphasized the word "surprises." Then I caught sight of Ethan not far away. He was laughing and chatting with several producers.

Lilian was clinging to him like a shadow. She was dressed in a luxury ensemble I had favored last year but couldn't bring myself to buy.

How ironic it was!

Ethan told me sadly last month that his investment failed and that we required budget cuts. But he immediately bought a dress worth hundreds of thousands for Lilian.

I took my glass to the terrace for some air. The evening breeze carried the chill of autumn rain, dispersing the heat in the hall.

Just as I leaned against the railing, I heard hurried footsteps from behind.

Before I turned around, I knew who it was. That unique scent of anxiety mingled with his expensive cologne was unmistakably Ethan's.

He stood at the door in a crumpled suit. His tie was askew. He looked at me with a complicated expression.

"Cecelia..." He seemed unused to my cold gaze. He said in a stiff tone, "What are you doing here?"

"It's none of your business," I said indifferently, taking a sip of champagne.

He took a few steps closer and tried to force a conciliatory smile. "I know you're still angry with me. I want to talk with you about the divorce agreement."

"I've already told Richard that you can talk to Ryan if there are issues." I was about to leave.

"Cecelia, listen to me." Ethan raised his voice, with a slight, barely noticeable plea. "I know the shares of my workshop aren't important to you. If you want money, I can give you an extra ten million. No, twenty million. As long as you give up the shares of my workshop, I can talk about anything else you want. You know, I have invested so much effort in it. Without it, I..."

"Really?" I couldn't help but laugh. "Ethan, have you forgotten? The startup funds for the workshop came from selling a painting that Ellen left me. So your achievement was tainted with my blood from the start."

His face turned crimson instantly. His fingers tightly gripped the check, and the knuckles turned pale. "Cecelia, please. Lilian... She's pregnant with my baby. I can't make it without the workshop. I want to secure their future with it."

His words were like an icy dagger, stabbing into my heart fiercely.

I had given up everything for him, but he had a baby with another woman.

How dare he, Ethan? How dare he trample on my dignity so easily?

"Ethan." I stepped forward and almost smelled the lingering scent of gardenia perfume on him. It was Lilian's usual brand. "Listen carefully. The shares of the workshop are my compensation. I have been Mrs. Wood for five years, and you have to pay the price for betraying me. I won't compromise a single bit."

I was furious while looking at him.

He used my shares for Lilian's future. It was not just betrayal but an insult.

His words were not only disdainful of me but also a declaration of war against me.

I would never yield.