Susan hadn't forgotten Christine's wild talk earlier that day. She followed her son into the study.

"Neil, what's wrong with your wife? She actually said she wanted a divorce today? Has she lost her mind?"

Mentioning this stirred a wave of irritation in Neil. The message he'd sent Christine earlier had gone unanswered. In their three years of marriage, they had never encountered a situation like today's.

He also wanted to know whether she had lost her mind.

Seeing his silence, Susan continued her tirade. "Once this banquet is over, you should just divorce her. Three years, and there's no movement in her stomach-what good is a wife like that?"

"Mom, mind your own business when it comes to Christine and me," Neil said impatiently.

Susan pursed her lips. "Do you think I want to meddle? You're twenty-six-not exactly young! Mrs. Everett already has two grandchildren!"

"I know, Mom. I still have work to attend to."

After dismissing his mother, Neil massaged his temples. Little did he know, the study door was knocked on once more.

Sofia peeked her head in. "Bro, are you busy?"

Neil's tone was less than pleasant. "Yeah. What is it?"

"Where's Christine?" Sofia probed.

The post she'd shared on her social feed last night had been deliberately meant for Christine to see.

How could Christine ever compare to Vivian? In her heart, there was only one sister-in-law-Vivian.

Sofia was determined to drive her crazy.

"At the hospital." Everyone kept asking the same question, and Neil was thoroughly annoyed.

Sofia blinked innocently. "Oh. Bro, now that Vivian is back, aren't you considering divorcing Christine?"

"Nonsense!" Neil frowned.

Had he ever considered divorce? Not until Christine brought it up. Even with Vivian back, divorce hadn't crossed his mind.

Though he had loved Vivian for many years, he had to admit that in the role of wife, she might not necessarily be better than Christine.

Vivian needed to be cherished and pampered, while Christine was more inclined to give.

His face tightened as he lectured her. "I know you like Vivian, but don't say things like that in front of Christine."

"Oh," Sofia replied reluctantly.

Once the room was completely quiet, Neil pressed the call button again.

In the past, whenever he called Christine, she would answer by the third ring. But today, by the sixth ring, the line went dead.

Had she not seen it?

******

Christine had just finished eating. Seeing the name flashing on her screen, she pressed reject without hesitation.

The doctor had advised her to eat light meals and chew slowly. She wasn't about to let anyone disturb her peace while dining.

After deciding to divorce, she realized that living solely for herself felt the most liberating.

When the missed call count reached five, she wiped her lips and answered slowly.

"Christine, didn't you see my calls?"

"I saw them," Christine sneered coldly. "If not, do you think it's a ghost answering your phone?"

The words struck Neil like a blow to the chest. He lowered his voice. "The private dinner at the Watson family this weekend-you're accompanying me."

Christine couldn't help but laugh. "Neil, have you lost your memory? I told you yesterday-we're getting divorced. Divorce. Do you even understand what that means?"

"You really want a divorce? You don't care about your brother or your mother anymore?" Neil snapped.

Her mother lived in an apartment still registered under his name, and her brother's annual tuition at the international school wasn't cheap either.

"Is this your way of threatening me?" Christine laughed softly. "Neil, when I married you, my father fed you those projects. They weren't worth just a few years of James's tuition, were they?"

"Let's part ways amicably. If we tear each other apart, it won't be pretty."

Neil took a deep breath. "What will it take for you to go?"

Christine's lips curved slightly. "I'll send you an account number shortly. Transfer five hundred thousand dollars, clearly marked as a voluntary gift."

Neil gritted his teeth. "Fine."

When the transaction confirmation text arrived, Christine smiled faintly.

She wasn't sure how much security she could secure, but for now, every little bit counted.

What she demanded was only fair. After she and Neil got together, her father had provided substantial support to the Caffrey family. Otherwise, the Caffreys would have remained little more than nouveau riche in New York.

Besides, she still needed to gather more damning evidence.

When Christine realized her deep affection had been wasted, her pride wouldn't let her linger in this mess.

After the divorce, she would return to the workforce. She believed her best days were yet to come.

*****

Stone and Sterling Law Firm

Henry was at a loss for words. "Mr. Robinson, what brings you here again?"

Ever since that day, the man had been showing up at his office daily.

Edward curved his lips. "Can't I even sit down?"

Henry set down his pen and shot him a disapproving look. "Don't tell me you're not here to pry into whether Miss Woods came to the firm that day?"

Edward raised an eyebrow. "I dare. So-did she come or not?"

"No, she didn't. It's only been a few days. We have to give her time to gather evidence."

"Oh." Edward stood up and smoothed his collar. "Then I'll come back tomorrow."

"Wait," Henry interjected. "The day after tomorrow is the Watson family's private banquet. Will you be attending?"

Edward's narrowed eyes crinkled slightly. "Depends on my mood. If I'm feeling good, I might go."

Christine hadn't returned home these past few days, staying at the hospital to recuperate.

Restoring her health and lifting her spirits were her priorities now. After each meal, she would go downstairs to bask in the sunlight for a while.

"Christine? So you're here!"

She looked up in confusion and met Sofia's gloating expression. Christine stared at her, puzzled as to why Sofia would come all the way to the hospital just to find her.

"You saw everything that day, didn't you?"

Christine raised an eyebrow slightly. "And?"

"Let me tell you this-my brother will dump you soon. If you know what's good for you, leave now. Save yourself the embarrassment later."

Without a flicker of emotion, Christine opened the voice recorder on her phone. "Say that again."

Sofia sneered. "Scared, huh? I said my brother will dump you soon. If you know what's good for you, make room for Vivian. She and my brother are true love!"

Christine watched her calmly, deliberately baiting her. "How do you prove they're true love? Does that mean Neil and I aren't?"

Sofia was so infuriated by Christine's tone that she burst out laughing. She pulled out her phone, opened her photo gallery, and shoved it right in Christine's face.

"See? Look how sweetly Neil smiled when Vivian kissed him!"

Christine's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. But I don't see your brother smiling sweetly. Send it to me so I can zoom in and take a closer look."

Sofia had no idea she'd walked straight into a trap. "Fine, I'll send it!"

She sent Christine every single photo-the cup-sharing toast, the cheek kiss, the arm-around-the-shoulder shot.

Then she gloated triumphantly, "Well? See that? Christine, has Neil ever looked at you like that? Don't think I don't know what's going on. You've been married for three years, and he hasn't touched you once!"

"That's hilarious," Christine replied lightly. "If a man won't even touch you when you're sleeping in the same bed, how could that be true love?"

Christine lifted her gaze from the phone to Sofia's smug face, her lips curling into an almost imperceptible smile.

"A rotten cucumber isn't worth pitying, is it?"

"You!" Sofia stomped her foot in fury. "You're the rotten one!"

"Alright. I've received proof of the deep affection between Neil and Vivian. My stomach hurts now, so you can leave."

"Hmph! Fine, I'll leave. Christine, just wait until my brother dumps you!"

*****

Christine stared at the photos and recordings saved on her phone, then immediately hailed a cab to Stone & Sterling Law Firm.

"Attorney Thompson, do you think this evidence is sufficient?"

Henry hadn't expected Christine to move so quickly. "It's sufficient."

"List all the assets under your husband's name. Until we sort things out, don't provoke him into filing for divorce-we don't want him catching on to our plans."

"Understood."

"Oh, Attorney Thompson," Christine suddenly remembered something. "The day before yesterday, he asked me to accompany him to a private dinner. I had him transfer me 50,000 dollars, with a note saying it was a voluntary gift. Is that acceptable?"

"."

This woman was surprisingly sharp.

"It's acceptable," he replied, his tone turning serious.

After seeing Christine off, Henry dialed a number.

"She just left. You missed her."

Edward: "?"

"I had my brother bid on that plot at Green Lake," Edward said coldly.

Henry was furious. He knew full well that his family had been eyeing that plot first.

"Dude, you missed your chance. Why are you blaming me?"

"I've got some useful intel for you," Henry said. "Your beloved will be attending the private banquet the Watson family is hosting this weekend."

Edward replied calmly, "Got it. I'll be there on time."

Neil waited five whole days, but Christine never came home.

She seemed determined to make it clear that the divorce was a done deal, which greatly annoyed him.

With a cold expression, he sent her a message:

Don't forget tonight's private dinner.

The reply came swiftly-a simple OK emoji-which instantly silenced him.

Neil found himself increasingly unable to read Christine.

Was she playing hard to get, or was she genuinely intent on divorcing him?

*****

Heavenly Pavilion

The waiter asked politely, "Sir, may I see your invitation?"

Neil's face darkened with impatience. "Do you know Christine? She used to visit the Watson family often. Christine is my wife. I'll go in first-she'll be here shortly."

The attendant merely smiled. "I'm sorry, sir. This is a private banquet. Without an invitation, entry is not permitted."

"You-!"

Not wanting to argue with a waiter at the entrance, Neil stepped aside and kept glancing at his watch.

Sofia felt embarrassed too, with so many people staring. The cool breeze messed up her carefully styled hair as she tugged at Neil's sleeve.

"Brother, when is Christine coming?"

She hadn't forgotten her mother's mission-tonight, she was determined to dazzle the crowd with her beauty.

Tonight, both siblings shared the same target: the man named Edward Robinson.

Already in a foul mood, Neil grew even more irritated by Sofia's nagging. "I don't know. Why don't you call Christine and urge her?"

Sofia pouted. Ask that woman for help? In her dreams.

Fifteen minutes later, Christine finally stepped out of her black sedan, her stiletto heels clicking steadily as she walked with deliberate grace.

The man whose expression had been unpleasant moments earlier now stared in astonishment.

Christine wore a black, high-waisted fishtail gown. Her graceful figure, slender waist, and high-slit skirt hinted at her long, fair legs.

Neil's gaze lingered on the faint curve beneath her delicate collarbone. His Adam's apple rolled slightly.

"You're here."

Christine narrowed her moist, beautiful eyes. "I don't think I'm late, am I?"

"Of course you're late!" Sofia snapped. "Do you know how long my brother and I waited for you? A full fifteen minutes!"

Christine scoffed coldly, not sparing Sofia a glance.

Neil patted Sofia's shoulder. Now was not the time to provoke Christine.

"It's fine. I arrived early. Let's go inside."

He gallantly offered his arm. Christine calmly pulled a pair of lace gloves from her bag and slipped them on before taking it, smiling sweetly.

"Let's go."

She'd bought the gloves specifically yesterday, intending to discard them after today. Though it felt wasteful, who could blame her? They would be touching a man she considered unclean.

The faint stirrings in Neil's heart vanished instantly.

At the entrance, Christine presented the invitation. The attendant glanced at it.

"Miss Woods, please come in."

Just as Neil and Sofia were about to follow, they were stopped.

"I'm sorry, sir and madam," the attendant said politely, "but the invitation only lists Miss Woods. Only she may enter."

Neil's composure finally cracked. Ignoring the mocking glances around him, he growled through clenched teeth, "She's my wife!"

"I'm sorry, sir. This puts us in a difficult position."

Christine fought back a smile and shrugged casually.

"No worries. I'll go in first. You two." She lowered her voice, offering sincere advice. "How about sneaking in later when no one's looking?"

Neil's face flushed red, then drained white as he watched that swaying, graceful figure enter the club alone.

Since the company went public, he hadn't been humiliated like this in ages. And the one delivering the blow was his own beloved wife-it felt like a direct hit to his pride.

Sofia panicked as well-she couldn't possibly be shut out today. She knew she would become the laughingstock of their circle within twenty-four hours.

"Neil, Sofia, you're here too?"

Vivian, dressed in a pure white gown, approached with light steps and naturally slipped her arm through his.

Neil paused for two seconds. "Vivian, what are you doing here?"

He was genuinely delighted by Vivian's return. Yesterday, when his friends teased him into joining their plans, he hadn't refused. For a fleeting moment, he'd felt transported back to those beautiful college days when he first met Vivian.

But Neil was no longer the man he had been six years ago. Instinctively, he shifted half a step away, leaving Vivian's hand hanging in the air.

Vivian's fingernails dug into her palm as a flicker of surprise crossed her face, yet she still managed a faint smile. "My mom brought me here."

"Neil, are you waiting for. your wife?"

"Of course not! Who in their right mind would wait for her?" Sofia chimed in. "Vivian, my brother and I left our invitations at home. Could you take us inside?"

She blinked expectantly at Vivian.

Vivian stiffened, offering a sheepish smile. "I suppose so."

Neil felt utterly humiliated today. Even if he went inside, he would have no face left, so he made up an excuse. "I have some business to attend to at the office. Vivian, please take Yuxi inside first. I'll come pick you both up once I'm done."

Vivian flashed a sweet smile. "Sure thing, Neil. Sofia and I will wait for you."

She agreed readily, seemingly forgetting whether she actually had the authority to bring an extra person inside.

The man who had been seething with anger moments ago was suddenly calmed by the girl's gentle, obedient demeanor, soothing his agitated heart.

This was more like it. If even Vivian showed such obvious affection for him, how could Christine not love him?

It was just one night of socializing. His wife's temper was far too hot.

Neil curved his lips. "Thanks, Vivian. You're still so kind."

After he left, Sofia excitedly linked arms with Vivian. "Vivian, you're so kind. If only my brother had married you instead-then I could stick to you like glue every day!"

Vivian smiled faintly. "Don't say that. Christine. wouldn't be happy if she heard it."

"Pfft, who cares if she's upset?" Sofia gritted her teeth. "She'll see! When we get home tonight, I'm going to have Mom give her a piece of her mind!"

Sofia dragged Vivian back to the waiter who had stopped them twice. "Hmph. Can we go in now?"

The waiter maintained his professional smile, his demeanor unruffled. "Madam, please present your invitation."

"Vivian, show him yours! He's just a waiter-how dare he act so arrogant!"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Vivian's face. She had agreed too hastily, forgetting to discuss this with her stepmother first.

She pressed her lips together. "Sofia, don't worry. Wait for my mother to arrive."

Victoria Barnes had just encountered the third daughter of the Watson family at the entrance. After exchanging pleasantries, she arrived a little late.

"Victoria, so this is your daughter."

Victoria chuckled softly. "Yes, it is. Vivian, go greet her."

Vivian was adept at reading people. Though she didn't know Hazel Watson personally, the young woman's extraordinary bearing immediately told her she was no ordinary person.

"Hello, Miss."

"Oh my, Victoria, your daughter is quite the charmer. Calling me 'Miss'? I couldn't possibly bear such a title at my age."

Vivian feigned surprise. "But you look so young!"

Victoria was pleased with her stepdaughter's reaction. Though she had initially resented her husband for bringing this "burden" into the family, Hazel's tactfulness had saved her face.

Sofia, standing nearby, gazed at Vivian with starry eyes. She was so impressive-she knew everyone.

"Come on, let's go inside," Hazel said.

Vivian's heart leapt with joy. She hooked her arm through Sofia's, ready to follow her mother inside.

But that damn waiter spoke up again. "Excuse me, miss, could you please show your invitation?"

Indeed, he wasn't stopping Vivian or Victoria, who were chatting animatedly with the host. From start to finish, his eyes had been fixed solely on Sofia.

Sofia's face flushed a deep crimson. "I'm with them!"

Turning to Hazel, the attendant bowed respectfully. "Ms., do you know this lady? She claims her invitation was left at home, but the master instructed that no one may enter the club without an invitation today."

Hazel froze-her father had indeed given that order. Her gaze followed the waiter's direction.

"Um, may I ask which family's young lady she is?"

She genuinely didn't recognize Sofia. She looked utterly unfamiliar.

"She's the youngest daughter of Mr. Caffrey from Ocean Group," Vivian answered softly on her behalf.

"Oh." Hazel recalled that her cousin Wood had married someone with the surname Caffrey.

Her father detested the Caffrey family above all others.

The waiter pulled out the guest list, pursed his lips, and said, "But there are no guests with the surname Caffrey on today's banquet list."

The moment the words left his lips, the air froze.

Vivian panicked. Hadn't she said the invitation was left at home? How could she not be invited?

Her gaze instinctively sought her mother's. Victoria's eyes were icy, silently condemning her for causing trouble.

Hazel clearly wouldn't break her father's rules for her-they weren't that close.

She smiled knowingly. "My apologies. Perhaps Miss Caffrey mistakenly believed she was invited to a banquet at a different location?"

She said no more and slowly walked inside.

Victoria shot Vivian a glare, then tugged her along into the venue, leaving Sofia alone in the wind-flustered and furious.