Chapter 9
+B Pearls
Adrian exhaled sharply, his expression unreadable as he folded his arms across his broad chest. “I earned this through my own achievements. If the decision were reversed, it would not only be a personal insult but a disappointment to those who respect me.”
His gaze hardened as he studied me, as if searching for guilt on my face. “The President summoned me today only to refuse to see me. That’s your doing, isn’t it? You must have run to him, complaining, making yourself out to be the victim.”
I met his glare without flinching, keeping my expression unreadable. “I didn’t ask for anything to be revoked. The marriage will proceed as planned.”
Adrian scoffed, shaking his head as if I were an irrational child. “Good. Then behave yourself. Stop causing trouble.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a quieter, almost condescending tone. “Vivian and I will be married soon. I’ll make sure you have a stable life, even children of your own, so that your later years aren’t miserable.”
I felt something cold settle in my chest–disgust, perhaps, or maybe just exhaustion. I turned to Anna, my trusted housekeeper, and said calmly, “See the guest out.”
Anna stiffened, eyes flickering between us before stepping forward and saying firmly, “President, please leave.”
Adrian didn’t say another word. He merely turned and walked out, his heavy footsteps echoing through the hallway before fading into the distance.
As soon as the door shut behind him, Anna let out a shaky breath before breaking into tears.
I reached for her hand, squeezing gently. “Why are you crying now?”
“It’s so unfair!” she sobbed, her voice thick with frustration. “How can they treat you. way everything you’ve done? After everything you’ve given?”
this
v after
I offered her a small, reassuring smile. “Of course, it’s unfair. But we can’t waste time dwelling on it. What matters now is moving forward. The Sinclair family has never been one to crumble under pressure.”
Anna wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, sniffling. “But why do they all treat you you’re nothing? You’ve been so good to them, and yel-
like
“Because to them, I am nothing.” I said simply. “At least, not anymore. I was only ever because of the wealth I brought into this marriage. Now that they think I’ve outlived my usefulness, they don’t even bother to hide their disregard.”
valuable
Anna shook her head, her lips pressing into a tight line. I could see the anger simmering beneath
her sadness.
Frough tears We have things to do” I hnushed stray lock of hair from her face and nudged her
Chapter 4
- Pearls
Anna snitlled one last time before nodding. Yes, my lady. But what about the people who came with you when you got engaged? Will you take them with you when you leave?”
“Of course.” I said without hesitation. “They are under my care. If I leave them behind, Vivian will make their lives miserable
When I first got engaged to Adrian, my mother had sent two of my most trusted personal attendants along with me. I’d also brought four male servants and four maids, all of whom had become integral to the rumming of Warren Estate. Over the past year, as Adrian’s mother fell ill and I was left to oversee things, they had become my support system.
I would not abandon them now. Not when I was finally walking away from this life.
It was time to start over.
I had poured everything I had into this marriage–my love, my loyalty, and even the inheritance my parents lett me. That money had funded Adrian’s education abroad for three years, ensuring he had every opportunity to succeed. And yet, here I was, treated like nothing more than an afterthought.
The staff at the estate were mostly mine. people I had brought with me when I married into the Warren family. Adrian and his father, JoAdrian, had modest salaries, and hiring extra help was never a priority for them. So, I used my own resources to ensure the estate ran smoothly, sparing myself unnecessary conflict by relying on those who were loyal to me. It had allowed me to focus my attention on Evelyn. Adrian’s mother, whose health had been deteriorating,
The financial strain of her medical treatments had been eased by my dowry, not that anyone ever acknowledged it. The profits from my family’s businesses, rental income from various properties. and earnings from land holdings had kept this household afloat. Yet, despite my contributions, I was still being pushed aside.
The next morning, as always, I went to check on Evelyn. This time, however, I was only there because Nathaniel, the estate’s trusted doctor, had come to see her.
Evelyn’s sharp gaze landed on me the moment I entered the room. A flicker of relief crossed her face, as if she thought I had finally come to my senses.
“Vivian will be here soon.” she said, her tone carrying an air of finality. “You and she will be family soon. You should learn to get along
I remained silent. There was nothing left to say
Nathaniel completed his examination, prescribing the necessary medication before turning to
“Walk me out,” he said.
I nodded, welcoming the escape from the suffocating atmosphere in the room. As we made our way down the corridor, Nathaniel let out a sigh
114PM ₫
Chapter 9
+8 Pearls
“Silly girl, these p
come.”
don’t deserve your kindness,” he said bluntly. “Don’t call me again. I won’t
I looked up at him, meeting his knowing gaze. “You won’t have to. I’ve decided to get a divorce.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “Now that’s the strength I expect from a Sinclair. Good. It’s about time.”
e not
Nathaniel had never been fond of Evelyn, and I knew his visits had been out of loyalty to me, them. With just one glance at her, he had always seen what I had once refused to–she was a woman who took and took, never giving anything in return.
And now, I was done giving.
