"Miss Miller, I'm afraid you're showing signs of a possible miscarriage. We need to admit you to the hospital right away to try and preserve the pregnancy. Is there a family member you can call to help with the admission process?"

Selina Miller clutched her prenatal report, the doctor's words echoing in her ears.

She had come to the hospital due to unbearable menstrual-like pain, only to discover she was pregnant. What she thought was her period was actually signs of a miscarriage.

She'd been feeling nauseous lately, but since she and her husband David Wilson had been using contraception, and David hadn't been home for over forty days, pregnancy hadn't crossed her mind. She'd assumed it was just an upset stomach.

Taking a deep breath, Selina took out her phone and dialed the familiar number. As usual, there was no answer until it went to voicemail.

Selina stared at her phone screen, the joy of discovering her pregnancy and the anxiety of a potential miscarriage all turning into bitterness.

Nearby, another girl who had just found out she was pregnant was crying tears of joy in her boyfriend's arms.

Suddenly, a trending topic popped up on Selina's phone screen. She clicked on it instinctively.

#The Robinsons, leading family of the Big Four, finally have a lead on their long-lost daughter#

Selina scrolled past the top trending topic. Among the top ten, besides the Robinsons' search for their daughter, three were about David.

#Famous pianist Amanda Lewis rekindles old flame with Horizon Global CEO#

#David Wilson and Amanda Lewis rumored to be tying the knot soon#

#David Wilson and Amanda Lewis caught in a passionate embrace, spending the night together#

Selina felt a lump in her throat. As she was about to lock her screen, a message from her mother-in-law, Jennifer Moore, came through:

[Listen here, Selina. You were never in David's league, and this sham of a marriage should never have happened. Amanda is the one David's meant to be with - his soulmate. If you have any shred of decency left, you'll step aside and stop clinging to a man who doesn't want you.]

Two photos followed. The first was a prenatal checkup form. The second, more devastating image showed David and Amanda with a doctor. David's arm was wrapped protectively around Amanda, his usually stoic face softened by a tender gaze as he looked at her. Amanda, tucked comfortably against his side, had both hands resting gently on her still-flat stomach. Her face glowed with a mixture of shyness and pure joy.

Selina's thumb swiped back and forth between the photos, her vision blurring as tears welled up. With each pass, the images seemed to burn themselves deeper into her mind. Her eyes, rimmed with red, hardened with resolve. Without a word, she stood up, squared her shoulders, and headed for the stairs.

The prenatal form was just released from this hospital's VIP floor, so David and Amanda should still be there.

She never thought the first time she'd use David's black card would be to confront him.

At the entrance of the examination room, David was listening to the doctor's instructions with Amanda. They looked like a perfect couple.

Selina squeezed the report in her bag, took a deep breath, and strode towards David.

Selina's sudden appearance startled everyone present.

Amanda instinctively sensed hostility and buried her head in David's chest.

David felt a moment of panic when he saw Selina, but his face clouded over when he saw her aggressive expression.

He unconsciously shielded Amanda and asked with a frown, "What are you doing here?"

Selina tried to calm her anger, pointed at Amanda, and asked instead of answering, "So, Amanda's pregnant. Is that your handiwork?"

David glanced irritably at the gossiping doctors and nurses nearby, his face darkening further. He said impatiently to Selina, "My business is none of your concern!"

Selina felt heartbroken, her voice uncontrollably tinged with tears: "All those times you made me pop birth control pills, all those times you shut down any talk of having a baby... It wasn't about not wanting kids. You just didn't want them with me, did you?"

She had known this fact for a while, but facing it now, Selina felt like her heart was being torn apart, the pain almost suffocating her.

David, recalling unpleasant memories of being manipulated by Selina, his dark eyes became difficult to read. He spoke coldly, "If that's the story you've cooked up in your head, be my guest. I'm done trying to change your mind."

Selina's eyes filled with tears. Seeing David about to leave with Amanda, she hastily reached out to grab him, but he shook her off disgustedly as soon as she touched his sleeve. Watching them leave without looking back, Selina's tears finally fell.

"Is that Selina? David, should we explain about the baby?" Amanda looked back, seeing Selina standing there crying heartbrokenly. A smile tugged at her lips, but she pretended to be concerned as she asked.

David frowned deeply, his peripheral vision catching Selina. He felt inexplicably annoyed. Rubbing his forehead, he said in a low voice, "There's no need. The fewer people who know about this, the better!"

In their three years of marriage, he'd had some rumors about affairs, but Selina never asked, and he never bothered to explain.

This time, Amanda's reputation was at stake. For her sake, and because he was indeed at fault, he felt obligated to protect Amanda!

A despondent Selina returned to the obstetrics department. David didn't want her to have children, so why would he sign her hospitalization papers? Without a family member's signature, the hospital refused to admit her, only prescribing medication for pregnancy preservation.

"Please let me have this baby, I really love you!"

"You're trying to trap me with a kid? No way! Get rid of it, and I'll pay you."

Near the abortion room, a crowd had gathered to watch a couple arguing bitterly.

The man was burly, with a large gold chain around his neck, looking quite imposing.

The girl had delicate features and a slender figure, outwardly superior to the man, yet she was begging him with no dignity.

"Girls these days, they'd do anything for money!"

"That's how gold diggers climb the social ladder, using children."

...

The girl was eventually dragged into the abortion room, and the spectators dispersed, still gossiping.

Selina stood there in a daze, unconsciously placing her hand over her belly. David probably thought she was trying to trap him too, using the baby to extort money from him. This marriage was never what he wanted anyway.

Three years ago, she had accidentally saved Rachel - David's grandmother. When Rachel learned that Selina was about to be sold by her adoptive father to a 50-year-old widower in a neighboring village, she brought Selina home and even threatened to refuse treatment to force David to marry her. David, raised by Rachel, couldn't refuse and had to marry Selina.

They had originally agreed to keep the marriage secret and divorce once his grandmother's condition stabilized. But on their wedding night, there were drugs in the food, and they ended up in bed together in a haze. David suspected she had colluded with his grandmother and became even colder and more resentful towards her.

Six months ago, Rachel's condition worsened. Knowing that her grandmother's greatest wish was to hold a great-grandchild, and not wanting Rachel to have any regrets, she tried to discuss it with David. But he just mocked her about their wedding night again.

Angered by years of false accusations, she decided to actually drug him. This infuriated David completely. For the next four months, he made love to her every night like a man possessed, only to force her to take contraceptives afterward. After Rachel passed away and the funeral was over, he never came home again. He'd rather let his grandmother die with regrets than let her get pregnant - that's how much he despised her! Now that she was pregnant, would he drag her to get an abortion like that man just now?

Looking at the cold doors of the abortion room, Selina couldn't help but shudder.

The hand protecting her belly gradually clenched into a fist. She bit her lip hard, finally making a tough decision.

[David, let's get a divorce!]

On her way home, after much editing, she finally sent David a message.

Staring at the sent message, Selina got complex emotions.

After all, he was the first man she had truly fallen in love with. But to protect her child, she had no choice but to do this!

She hadn't expected David to reply, but surprisingly, a response came back within a minute.

[Okay]

No questions asked, just a swift and decisive agreement, as if he had been waiting for her to say this all along. The blunt response hit Selina like a punch to the gut. She swallowed hard, fighting back tears as she turned to look out the car window at the passing scenery.

Selina returned home and quickly drafted a divorce agreement. With trembling hands, she signed her name on the dotted line and sealed the document in an envelope, placing it on the coffee table in the living room. She knew that if she hesitated even a second longer, she might lose her resolve to leave David. Throughout their marriage, David had always maintained his emotional distance, while Selina had lost her heart completely.

As night fell, Selina packed a few changes of clothes, leaving behind even the jewelry Rachel had given her. She had arrived at the Wilsons' with nothing, and she would leave the same way - taking nothing that wasn't rightfully hers.

Before leaving, Selina took one last tour of the mansion. After the drugging incident, David had fired all the staff, leaving Selina to juggle the roles of housekeeper, cook, cleaner, and gardener. Under Jennifer's critical eye, she had mastered even the most demanding household tasks.

Every corner of the house held memories of her efforts to please David, of countless hours spent cleaning and decorating to his tastes. Now, as she prepared to leave, she felt an unexpected pang of regret. But she knew that no matter how much it hurt, she couldn't hold onto something that wasn't truly hers.

Selina checked into a clean budget hotel, her mind racing with plans for her post-divorce life. But in the dead of night, she was violently awakened and dragged from her bed. Before she could scream, a filthy rag was shoved into her mouth, her eyes were blindfolded, and she was bound and thrown into a vehicle.

Panic and terror gripped her as she struggled against her bonds, her mind frantically searching for a reason behind this attack. Who had she offended? Had she unknowingly flaunted wealth? Her reclusive lifestyle and online work meant she barely knew anyone, let alone made enemies.

Thoughts of her unborn child helped Selina force herself to calm down. After a frantic drive, the car screeched to a halt. Selina was roughly handled into a building that reeked of antiseptic - a hospital. Fresh waves of fear washed over her as she realized the implications, and she began to struggle wildly.

A vicious slap across her face left her seeing stars, her cheek stinging from the impact. A menacing voice growled, "Cooperate if you want to live." Still dazed from the blow, Selina found herself strapped to an operating table.

"Get rid of the child in her belly."

Selina's eyes widened in horror beneath the blindfold, her pupils dilating in shock and disbelief. This wasn't about ransom or revenge - they wanted to abort her baby! Who could be so cruel to an unborn child?

Selina fought like a woman possessed, the ropes cutting into her flesh as she thrashed against her restraints. Blood streamed from her wounds, but she felt nothing except the overwhelming need to protect her child.

A sudden sharp pain in her arm signaled an injection. Selina felt her strength ebbing away, her limbs growing heavy and unresponsive. She wanted to beg, to plead for her child's life, but no sound escaped her lips. It felt like drowning, a suffocating despair engulfing her as she slipped into unconsciousness.

"She's not fully under yet. If she struggles during the procedure, we could lose them both!"

"Mr. Wilson can manage any fallout. If she dies, it's her own worthless life to lose!"

Mr. Wilson? David?!

The image of David's tall, imposing figure, always surrounded by an aura of icy detachment, flashed through Selina's mind. The realization felt like a knife twisting in her heart as she finally succumbed to the darkness.

Time passed in a haze.

"Honey, I think her hand just moved."

"Quick, call the doctor! She's waking up!"

Selina's eyes fluttered open, taking in surroundings that looked more like a luxury suite than a hospital room. Five pairs of eyes stared at her intently, following her every movement as she took in her surroundings.

The memories of her ordeal came flooding back, and Selina instinctively tried to sit up. A well-groomed middle-aged woman rushed to support her.

Before Selina could thank her, a sharp pain in her abdomen sent waves of anxiety coursing through her. "My baby..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

The woman's eyes filled with sympathy. "Sweetheart, you have your whole life ahead of you. There will be other children."

Selina's world shattered. Her baby was gone.

Her fingers trembled as they ghosted over her now-empty womb. Grief and self-loathing overwhelmed her. She had failed to protect her child.

She had asked for a divorce - why couldn't David just let her go? White-hot hatred coursed through her veins as she clutched at the silk bedsheets.

"Sweetheart, I'll make them pay for this," a distinguished-looking middle-aged man said, embracing the woman who had helped supporting Selina. "Right now, you need to focus on getting well."

The woman nodded in agreement, while three strikingly handsome young men looked on with concern.

Selina's confusion was all over her face. "Who are you? Where am I? How did I get here?"

The group exchanged glances before the older man explained everything.

It turned out that Selina was his long-lost daughter. She had been kidnapped as an infant due to a family feud. By the time they discovered her whereabouts, she had vanished without a trace. After years of searching, they had finally found her - but they were too late to prevent her recent ordeal.

As the man finished his story, Selina could see the guilt and hope in their eyes. She didn't know how to respond.

She had always known she was adopted - or rather, that her foster father had originally intended to sell her. When the buyer backed out, he had no choice but to bring her home. Her foster mother had insisted on keeping her, despite her husband's objections.

Over the years, Selina had tried to find her birth parents. Even Rachel had helped in the search when Selina first came to the Wilsons. But with no childhood memories and her bitter foster father refusing to provide any information, the trail had gone cold. Now, it seemed her family had found her instead.

Looking closely, Selina could see the family resemblance in their features.

But Selina's emotions were in turmoil as she had just suffered the devastating loss of her child. She didn't know how to handle this sudden appearance of a long-lost family.

"Sweetheart, it's all my fault for not protecting you. You've suffered so much!" The older woman's eyes glistened with tears. "If you don't want to accept us, we won't force you. We just want a chance to make amends and take care of you."

"Selina, I'll protect you from now on. No one will ever hurt you again," one of the young men declared.

"Selina, what do you like? Whatever it is, I'll get it for you!" another chimed in.

"Selina, take this black card. Don't worry about spending too much!" the third added.

They all eagerly tried to win Selina's favor.

As Selina observed the family - dressed simply but exuding an unmistakable air of wealth and refinement - a sudden realization struck her. "You... you're not the Robinsons, are you?" she asked hesitantly.

The search for the long-lost daughter of the Robinsons, one of the country's top three financial powerhouses, had been all over the news recently. Could it really be them?

In the country of Zephyria, the saying went that the Robinsons owned 30% of the nation's wealth, while the Whites and the Adamses together controlled 40%. They were the three major conglomerates that dominated Zephyria's economy.

The Robinsons, as the leading family among these titans, consistently ranked high on global wealth lists, with business interests spanning the globe.

Daniel Robinson, the youngest and most favored son of the Robinson patriarch, had been groomed as the heir apparent. He married Nicole White, the beloved youngest daughter of the White family.

Years ago, a family feud had led to the disappearance of Daniel's daughter, leaving Nicole devastated and on the brink of a breakdown.

Disillusioned, Daniel had renounced his position as heir and left Lumina. He settled in Auroville with Nicole and their five sons, where he built Silverline Industries from scratch. In just two decades, it became one of Zephyria's top six corporations.

The Robinson family kept a low profile. Despite their sons being industry leaders, few knew their true identities:

Thomas, 27, was a Wall Street sensation known for his financial acumen.

Joseph, a business prodigy, had successfully taken multiple companies public.

Ryan, a tech wunderkind, had recently won a major international award and was the youngest dean of the technology department at Zephyria's top university.

Nelson, a brilliant surgeon, had saved the lives of several world leaders and was sought after by countries worldwide.

William, an entertainment triple threat, had become a national idol in less than three years, with fans ranging from 5 to 80 years old.

The public knew the Robinsons primarily for their relentless search for their lost daughter. Even Selina, usually disinterested in gossip, had heard about it, never imagining she could be the one they were looking for.

If not for their timely appearance, she might not have survived.

She had thought David was just cold-natured, never realizing his heart and blood were truly ice. He showed no regard for their three years together, forcing her to have an abortion with complete disregard for her life. How could she have ever fallen for such a cruel man?

David returned to the mansion five days after encountering Selina at the hospital.

Four days earlier, Silverline Industries, a long-time reliable partner, had suddenly created problems with Horizon Global's most crucial project, throwing the company into crisis.

His uncle's family, especially his cousin - Christopher Wilson, seized the opportunity to stir up trouble, attempting to wrest control of the company.

Exhausted from working nonstop, David found himself instinctively returning to Belvedere Heights, a place he hadn't visited in a long time. To his surprise, he was greeted by darkness.

In the past, no matter how late he came home, Selina would always wait for him, eagerly bringing his slippers and asking if he'd eaten. The unlit villa was unusually quiet and bone-chillingly cold.

Realizing Selina hadn't contacted him for five days, which broke her usual pattern, David frowned as he entered the living room. His eyes immediately fell on an envelope on the coffee table.

He opened it casually, only to be confronted with the words "Divorce Agreement" in bold letters. Seeing Selina's signature already in place, his dark eyes narrowed. Did she think she could threaten him with divorce, knowing he had promised his grandmother to take care of her for life?

Already irritated, David felt a surge of anger. He picked up his phone to call Selina, his eyes quickly scanning the agreement.

It stated: "Leave with nothing."

Hadn't she used every trick to marry him for his status and wealth? How could she be willing to leave empty-handed?

The phone rang for a long time. Just as David's patience was wearing thin, Selina finally answered but remained silent.

"It's late, and you're not home. Where are you?" David asked irritably after a moment of silence.

"My business is none of your concern," Selina replied icily, mirroring his earlier coldness at the hospital.

Surprised by the usually docile Selina's continued anger, David rubbed his temples in frustration. "Are you done throwing a tantrum?"

Selina found his response laughable. "Since you're home, I assume you've seen the divorce agreement," she said sarcastically.

"You really want a divorce?" David's movement halted, a flash of anger crossing his eyes. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"My only regret is realizing too late," Selina's voice was devoid of emotion. "And I've changed my mind. For the divorce, I want $100 million."

David scoffed. So she was finally showing her true colors with this outrageous demand.

"You're certainly brave to ask for that much."

Selina stood her ground: "If you don't agree, we'll settle this in court. As for our marital assets, your affair means you should get less. Add in compensation for emotional damage, and it'll be much more than that figure."

"Selina Miller!" David gritted out her full name in warning.

Usually, when he angrily called her by her full name, she would humble herself and try to appease him in various ways.

Just as David expected her to back down as usual, Selina spoke nonchalantly: "You proposed a secret marriage back then. I'm sure you don't want this divorce to become public knowledge now."

After a pause, she continued leisurely: "I hear Horizon Global is in trouble. Christopher is buying up company shares left and right."

David's eyes darkened dangerously when he heard the implication in her words. "Christopher approached you? If you dare sell him those shares..."

"It's just business. The highest bidder wins," Selina cut him off, her tone patronizing. "Christopher offered $500 million. Out of respect for Grandma, I'm giving you the right of first refusal."

"Selina, know your limits," David's voice was tense. "Don't push it."

She was pushing it? Compared to what he had done to her, this was child's play.

"Tomorrow at 10 AM, County Court," Selina let out a cold laugh. "Otherwise, watch me sell those shares to Christopher."

David clenched his jaw, staring at the disconnected call, his gaze icy, wishing he could reach through the phone and tear Selina apart.

The woman who had relied on him for support was now turning the tables, daring to threaten him!

Suddenly, lightning struck, and a storm broke out. The downpour filled the quiet villa with an unprecedented chill, like a massive freezer.

After a sleepless night, David, dressed in a bespoke silver-gray suit and seething with anger, arrived punctually at the County Court entrance. To his surprise, Selina was indeed waiting there.

David glared ominously at Selina, who was surrounded by a group of bodyguards. His face was overshadowed by a menacing darkness, more ominous than the overcast sky.

She wore a long black coat and, despite the heat, was excessively wrapped in a scarf and hat. Her entire body was tightly bundled, yet she looked so frail that a gust of wind that might blow her away.

Against the black attire, her complexion was pale. Her face, no larger than a palm, was so thin her cheeks were sunken, making her eyes appear even larger. However, those eyes were devoid of any emotion, as if she were a cold, mechanical being, emanating an inexplicable chill. She was a far cry from the Selina who used to always greet him with a gentle smile.

David felt a pang in his heart, his intention to confront her suddenly dissipating. His brows furrowed, and his thin lips moved, but before he could utter a word, Selina strode over and handed him two documents.

"The share transfer agreement and divorce agreement. My account number is there. Don't forget the transfer."

She didn't even spare him a glance before turning and walking into the County Court.

David stared at the indifferent Selina, the words urging her to reconsider dying on his lips. He had an unsettling feeling of losing control, and an inexplicable anxiety churned in his chest.

Lowering his gaze to the property division section of the divorce agreement, the long string of numbers suddenly struck him as ironic. From beginning to end, wasn't everything she did just for his money?