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.

"Christine, you've gotten even prettier!"

Mrs. Watson immediately spotted the most striking figure in the crowd-the Wood family's niece.

Her willowy waist, long legs, and almond-shaped eyes shimmered with radiance. Her stunningly beautiful face showed not a single flaw.

The Woods and Watson families were long-standing friends. Mathew held Christine in high regard, often inviting her to their home even after her family's bankruptcy.

But ever since this girl became engaged to the then-ordinary young man from the Caffrey family, Mathew had harbored no fondness for the Caffrey surname.

He always felt the Caffrey family had snatched his granddaughter-in-law away. So at the Watson family's private banquet, how could Neil possibly receive an invitation?

Not kicking him out would already be considered polite!

Christine affectionately linked arms with Elise. "Aunt Elise, you're teasing me again."

She presented the prepared gift. "This is a small token for Grandpa Mathew."

Elise patted her hand fondly. "How thoughtful."

Then she turned to greet other guests.

"Oh my, what did Mrs. Caffrey just present? Why not let us have a look?"

Several socialites with sour expressions approached.

The speaker was Olivia Murphy, Christine's former arch-rival.

Christine's luminous eyes darkened. Ever since her family's bankruptcy, these upper-class socialites had addressed her only as Mrs. Caffrey, deliberately omitting her given name. Openly and covertly, they never missed an opportunity to mock her as a fallen phoenix.

But at the Watson family's private banquet, she didn't want to draw too much attention or burn bridges.

She restrained herself, offering only a slight nod. "It's just a small token of my appreciation. Nothing valuable-certainly nothing to compare with what Miss Murphy has given."

Olivia smirked smugly. Of course it couldn't compare! The Wood family was bankrupt-how could they possibly measure up to the Murphys?

She had always despised Christine's pretentious airs. The more dazzling Christine once was, the more wretched she was now.

Had Olivia not been cautious about attending such gatherings, she would have seized the chance to mock this woman long ago.

"True enough. After all, Mrs. Caffrey lives off her husband's money."

"I hear Mr. Caffrey's first love has miraculously returned from the dead-what fantastic news!" another young heiress remarked with thinly veiled sarcasm.

Olivia stared intently at that porcelain-smooth face, searching for even a flicker of emotion. But Christine maintained her faint smile, refusing to engage.

Olivia seethed inwardly, her desire to tear away Christine's mask growing stronger by the second.

As she lifted her gaze toward an approaching figure, the corners of her mouth curled upward. "Oh my, Mrs. Caffrey, it seems your husband's first love has arrived!"

Everyone turned to look, their eyes following her gaze. Christine's eyes glowed with a faint, eerie light.

This was her first time seeing the first love in her husband's heart in person-even more captivating than in photographs.

Before her engagement to Neil, she had heard countless tales of his love story with his first love.

What love could be more moving than separation by life and death?

Vivian stopped at a distance and spotted Christine as well.

"Oh my God, Vivian, you're actually alive!" Olivia gasped dramatically, drawing several curious glances.

Many had seen Sofia's post, but encountering Vivian in person so soon still piqued their curiosity.

"Vivian, how could rumors spread that you passed away from illness? That's outrageous!"

Vivian smiled calmly. "I did have a serious car accident abroad. My family took me to another state for treatment. I spent half a year recovering in the hospital. I have no idea how the story got twisted along the way."

The accident was real-but the death rumor? That was her doing.

She took a step toward Christine first. "You must be Mrs. Caffrey. Thank you for taking such good care of Neil all these years."

The woman who had seemed gentle moments ago now spoke with hidden barbs.

Christine scoffed. "You're welcome. From now on, Neil is yours to take care of."

The moment the words fell, the surrounding area went dead silent.

Eyes darted back and forth. What was happening? Was the legitimate wife about to clash with the former girlfriend?

That brief exchange carried explosive implications.

Olivia poured fuel on the fire. "Oh dear, Mrs. Caffrey, how could you say that? How could you let another woman take care of your husband?"

"Didn't you all see the photos yesterday?" Christine retorted. "Taking care of a rotten cucumber-doesn't that disgust you?"

"You!"

Vivian's eyes nearly shot flames. She never imagined Neil's wife would be shameless enough to bring this up in front of everyone.

"Mrs. Caffrey, please don't misunderstand. Neil and I are completely innocent! What we had is in the past. Don't read too much into it."

Her feeble defense won over many sympathizers.

"We all know what kind of person Vivian is. Christine, I advise you not to spread rumors!"

"Exactly! Vivian barely escaped death and finally returned, yet some people are so petty they can't stand to see her doing well!"

Christine didn't get angry-she laughed instead.

She pulled her phone from her silver clutch, opened the photo album, zoomed in, and thrust it in front of everyone.

"Is this the 'spotless reputation' you're talking about?"

The phone screen glowed at maximum brightness, zoomed in on the moment Vivian's pink lips pressed against Neil's face.

The crowd exchanged stunned glances and fell into silence.

Christine scanned each face, thoroughly satisfied with their expressions. "Did you get a good look? Want me to print it in full color and high definition tomorrow? I can mail a copy to each of you so you can savor this 'innocence' properly."

Vivian trembled with rage. "You. Mrs. Caffrey! What on earth are you trying to achieve by fabricating this photo?!"

"Well, well-maybe the photo is fake after all."

Christine's slender fingers flicked the screen. "What about this one? The toasting photo-is that photoshopped too? And this one? All photoshopped? Heh, and this Miss Smith here appears in the shot as well-did I photoshop her in too?"

Vivian was completely flustered. "I. I. That's not me. It really isn't me."

Christine cut her off, her voice firm and merciless.

"A mistress is a mistress. Stop pretending to be some pure, innocent white lotus!"

****

Henry and Edward arrived quite late.

Henry tilted his head. "It's pretty lively up ahead. Edward, let's go take a look."

"No."

Edward had no interest in such gatherings.

His gaze drifted casually across the room, catching a glimpse of a slender figure. Just as he was about to focus on her, an elderly man with white hair blocked his view.

"Edward, you've finally arrived."