Now, as I looked at this photo, I realized that it was nothing more than a snapshot of this entire scam. It was so glaring I wanted to rip it off the wall and smash it to pieces.

I stood up and walked into the study, turning on the computer to organize whatever financial documents I could find.

The more I reviewed the bank statements, transfer records, property purchase contracts, and equity certificates, the heavier my heart sank.

Vivienne's salary was not high. She basically relied on me to support her.

Under her name was a luxury car worth half a million dollars, along with several designer handbags. These were all things I bought for her because I felt sorry for her, telling her that "a woman should treat herself well."

However, I never imagined that she not only spent my money on herself, but also transferred large amounts to Dylan.

At noon, Owen's call came through. "Nathan, the preliminary investigation results are in.”

"Over the past five years, 15% of your company shares were transferred to Vivienne in three separate transactions, all under the 'gift' designation. The paperwork is complete and looks voluntary on your part, but I checked the dates. They were all processed while you were on business trips or swamped with work at the company.”

"As for your two properties downtown, one already has 50% ownership transferred to Dylan, claiming she was 'saving a wedding house for her brother'. The other is still under your name, but she has already used it as collateral for a loan. Two million dollars. I have no idea where that money went.”

"Then there are your savings. Over the past three years, your salary, bonuses, plus company dividends totaled around eight million. Of that, over six million flowed into Vivienne and Dylan's accounts through various transfers and purchases. Dylan's tuition and tutoring were all paid with your money."

Every sentence Owen spoke landed like a hammer blow to my chest.

Over eight million dollars. Six years of hard work. I scrimped and saved, focused only on building a good life and on giving Vivienne a stable home.

I never imagined that the money I worked so hard to earn all went to support her and someone else's child.

"There's more," Owen added. "We found a bank card under Dylan's name. Over the past year, there were several large deposits totaling over a million dollars. The sources are all unfamiliar accounts. It looks like Vivienne funneled money through third-party accounts to avoid detection."

I leaned back in my chair, feeling completely drained.

Five years of devotion. Five years of trust. All in exchange for such thorough, calculated fraud.

I was a clown, thinking myself a prince rescuing a damsel in distress, yet unknowingly becoming nothing more than her cash cow.

Late in the evening, Vivienne finally came home. She carried several shopping bags, just like always, her face wearing a gentle smile as she walked into the study.

"Honey, why didn't you go to the office today? I bought you those strawberries you love, and a new dress shirt. Try it on and see if it fits."

Her tone was natural, playfully affectionate as always.

I raised my head, suppressing the rage churning inside me. My voice came out calmer than I expected.

"It’s nothing much. I’m just tired so I’m resting at home for a bit."

Vivienne sensed the coldness in my tone. The smile on her face faltered slightly. She walked over, trying to take my arm.

"Honey, what's wrong? Is work not going well? Or did I do something to make you angry?"

The moment her hand touched my arm, I instinctively pulled away.

Vivienne's hand froze mid-air. Her eyes instantly welled up as she started her usual routine.

"Honey, are you disgusted with me now? Do you think I'm too obsessed with my brother because I keep asking you to spend money on Dylan? But I have no choice. Dylan is still young. He's my only brother. If I don't take care of him, who will?”

"My parents never loved me growing up. Only Dylan is close to me. I really can't abandon him..."

As she spoke, she wiped away tears, sobbing dramatically.

In the past, seeing her like this, I would have already pulled her into my arms, comforted her, and promised to take good care of her and her brother. However, now, watching her fake performance, I only felt nauseous.

I said nothing and just stared at her, waiting to see how she would continue this act.

Seeing that I remained unmoved, Vivienne cried for a while longer before her voice dropped.

"Honey, I know you're under a lot of pressure and that earning money isn't easy. From now on, I'll make sure Dylan spends less. Please don't be mad at me, okay?"

I stood up, avoiding her gaze. "I'm a bit tired. I’m going to rest in the bedroom."

With that, I walked straight out of the study, leaving Vivienne standing there alone, tear stains still drying on her face.

Back in the bedroom, I lay on the bed, my mind filled with Vivienne's lies and all those transferred assets.

Over the next few days, I acted completely out of character, ignoring her entirely. Vivienne noticed something was off but assumed I was sulking over the whole Dylan situation and tried every trick to please me.

She woke up early every morning to make me breakfast, though the taste remained mediocre as always. She took the initiative to organize my study, arranging the files neatly.

She even swallowed her pride and massaged my shoulders like how she had seen in online videos, massaging my shoulders and back while murmuring, "Honey, you work so hard. From now on, I'll listen to you. I won't ask you for money for Dylan anymore."

Watching her careful, fawning behavior, I felt nothing. Only deep disgust. Every attempt she made to win me over only reminded me of how foolish I once was.

Friday night, we ate dinner together. Vivienne prepared a table full of my favorite dishes and even opened a bottle of wine, trying to ease the tension.

Halfway through the meal, she started her sobbing act again, her eyes reddening as she spoke.

"Honey, I know you're still angry, but Dylan is starting middle school next year. The enrollment fees are going to be expensive, plus tutoring costs. I really have no choice but to keep asking you for money…”

"My parents are completely useless. They're getting old too.”

"Honey, this is so hard for me. You're the only one who can help. If even you won't help me, I really don't know what I'll do..." As she spoke, she poked at her food with her fork, looking pitiful.

I put down my fork and watched her masterful performance, cold laughter echoing in my mind.

Enrollment fees? Tutoring? This money would probably just end up funding Dylan's spending spree again.

Still, I did not call her out. I simply said flatly, "I see. I'll think about it."

My dismissive tone left Vivienne somewhat dissatisfied, but she did not dare say more. She just ate in silence.

After dinner, Vivienne returned to the bedroom. Probably figuring I was still angry, she did not dare disturb me.

I sat on the living room couch and opened my phone, registering a new social media account.

I used a generic female profile picture and changed the username to "Fellow Victim."

I found Vivienne's posting account and, after a moment of hesitation, sent her a private message.

"Girl, you're amazing! My husband always complains I spoil my family too much and calls me obsessed with my brother. But I have my own struggles I can't share. The person I'm actually supporting is my own child, but I can't let him know. How do you keep your husband willing to spend money without suspicion? Need advice. I also want to transfer assets to my kid."

Within minutes, my phone buzzed. Vivienne replied.

"Girl, I feel you! Men are all the same. Soft-hearted and easy to fool. Just cry in front of him more often. Tell him how much you suffered as a child and how biased your parents were. He'll feel sorry for you and agree to whatever you ask.”

"I've been married to my husband for five years. He's never suspected a thing. He always thinks I have it rough and treats my son better than he treats himself. Remember, never confront him directly. Act helpless. Tears are your best weapon."

I followed her lead and continued, "But my husband seems to have noticed something lately. He's not as generous as before. I'm scared he'll find out the truth, and then my child and I will have nothing left.”

"Girl, do you have any way to get him to fork over a big sum? I want to buy my kid a house so that even if we split up later, my child will still have security."

Vivienne quickly replied, "That's easy! Just say the kid is getting married, needs to buy a house, or wants to start a business. Find a reason he can't refuse.”

"Men care about their image, especially successful ones. Tell him it's for your brother, that it'll make you look good to your family. He'll definitely agree.”

"I'm actually planning to have my husband buy my son a school district house soon, plus some gold as gifts. Gold holds its value, and it'll all be my son's in the future anyway. You should act quickly too. Before he catches on completely, get those assets locked down."

Reading her reply, I sneered inwardly.

Just as I thought. She was still scheming about how to scam me of my money.

I replied. "Thanks, girl! You're so right. I'll do exactly what you said. If you come up with any other good ideas, let's keep sharing!"

"No problem. Girls help each other out!" Vivienne sent back a smiley emoji.

A few more days passed. Unable to stand my coldness any longer, Vivienne took the initiative to approach me.

She dressed herself up carefully, wearing my favorite dress and light, delicate makeup. With a gentle smile on her face, she walked over and looped her arm through mine.

"Honey, I need to talk to you about something."

I kept my voice steady. "What is it?"

"So here's the thing." Vivienne held onto my arm, sounding hopeful. "Dylan is about to start middle school soon. You know his grades. There's no way he can get into a good school on his own."

She paused, observing my expression before continuing.

"I've been thinking. Dylan may not be the best student, but he's clever. I really don't want him going to some terrible school. As his sister and brother-in-law, we should help him out…”

"I already found a spot at a top middle school. A teacher is holding it for me, but we need a house in the school district. It's not too expensive. Just five million dollars."

As she spoke, she gently shook my arm, trying to coax me into agreeing with her little act.

She wanted five million dollars to buy her actual son a house in a good school district. The house I currently lived in only cost two million!

The fury inside me was almost impossible to suppress.

Over these five years, I had already spent more than enough on Dylan. His food, clothes, and lifestyle were at least twice as good as other kids his age, yet Vivienne still was not satisfied. She kept finding new ways to scam me out of money.

I looked at Vivienne's fake smile and thought about her bragging on social media. I thought about her calculated messages in our private chat. I thought about the five years of lies I endured and the sincerity I gave. Every emotion erupted in that moment.

I yanked my arm out of her grip and stepped back, putting distance between us.

Vivienne's smile froze on her face. She looked at me, startled. "Honey, what's wrong?"

I did not answer her question. I just stared directly into her eyes and spoke, word by word, my voice ice cold, filled with long-suppressed anger and disappointment. "Vivienne, stop the act."

Vivienne's face changed slightly. Her eyes immediately turned red. "Honey, what are you talking about? I don't understand…”

"I know it's a bit expensive, but it's for the child's future. We don't have kids of our own, so it's only right to care more about him."

Her words almost made me laugh out of pure anger. Thinking of Owen's investigation results, I did not want to hold back anymore.

I stared into her eyes and said, "Don't understand? Then let me be blunt. Raise your own son yourself!"