I had to be honest—I was the one who stirred up trouble with Theresa first.

After falling for Karsten at first sight, I joined the company under the guise of an ordinary employee just to get close to him. It was only after starting work that I learned he had a girlfriend—Theresa, a recent graduate newly hired by our company. 

As fate would have it, Theresa and I went to the same university. She was famously known as the campus beauty. 

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous. So, I pestered my father to implement a strict company policy forbidding workplace relationships. The new rule led to a huge fight between them. Neither was willing to give up their high-paying job for the other, so they broke up. 

I seized the opportunity, staying by Karsten’s side, showering him with affection when he was vulnerable and heartbroken. At first, he was cold and aloof and kept his distance from me.

Until one night, he got drunk, his eyes hazy as he looked at me and asked, “Valeria, if you want to be my girlfriend, you’ll have to quit a job that most people would kill for. Are you willing to do that?” 

I was grateful for my privileged background—I never had to choose between love and my career. So, after Karsten became my boyfriend, I left the company. 

Back then, I didn’t think of myself as a homewrecker. I had simply used the power of wealth to place a small obstacle in their way.

If Theresa’s love had been real, she could have found another job. But instead, she let go of Karsten. And when she saw him with someone new, she came crawling back, hoping to reconcile.

Too bad for her—I wasn’t about to let anyone steal what was mine. 

When I returned to the company, it wasn’t as just another employee, but as the Thalmanns’ heir. Theresa didn’t have the power to compete with me, and I made sure she knew it. In the end, I had my father write her a glowing recommendation letter and sent her off to another company.

Today, as I returned to the company after receiving my diagnosis, Theresa was dressed in a slightly provocative business suit.

A gentle smile played on her lips. “Ms. Thalmann, we meet again. Surely, you’re not so petty that you can’t tolerate my presence here, right?”  

I really had been away from the company in the past year—so much so that I hadn’t even noticed Karsten bringing his ex-lover back into the firm as his secretary.  

Calling me out in front of everyone… Was Theresa trying to use the moral high ground to corner me?  

Too bad for her—I never cared much for morals.  

“I’m sorry, Ms. Grimm, but anyone my father saw fit to send away has no place in my company.”  

Theresa’s smile faltered, just for a moment, before she turned to Karsten for help.  

“Vali, Ms. Grimm was specially recruited by a headhunter. Maybe we could…”

“Mr. Schauer,” I cut in smoothly, “do I need your permission to fire one of my employees?”  

Ludwig had warned me to schedule my surgery as soon as possible—I didn’t have time for their games.  

“Process her compensation accordingly. Mr. Schauer, if Ms. Grimm needs assistance, feel free to submit the request on her behalf. I’ll personally approve it.”

Karsten’s face darkened, and Theresa trembled with anger. Other senior employees who were hoping to watch a dramatic showdown between us three were left stunned by my straightforward approach. They were exchanging uneasy glances. 

Some even cast curious glances at Karsten and Theresa. Even if nothing was going on between them, people’s imaginations would run wild with how I executed my actions. Considering how messy things actually were, it wouldn’t be long before everyone started connecting the dots. 

Once rumors spread, leaving Thalmann Legacy Holdings would make it difficult for Theresa to find another job. 

Back in my office, Karsten struggled to keep his anger in check. “Vali, why did you do that? There’s nothing going on between me and Theresa.” 

I couldn’t be bothered to entertain him, my focus locked on the documents I had prepared in advance. 

“With Theresa resigning, some personnel adjustments need to be made.” 

As I listed off the names, Karsten’s expression shifted from shock to a deep, brooding anger. After all, these were the very people he had painstakingly positioned within the company.

“Why? Vali, are you targeting me?” His voice was rough, laced with frustration. 

“Of course not. Thalmann Legacy is expanding with a new branch in Saltwater City. I want you to oversee it personally—along with your trusted team.”

Karsten opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off. 

“All of this time, you’ve worried that the employees are mocking you behind your back, calling you a freeloader. I’m giving you the platform and the funds to prove them wrong.” 

I paused, locking eyes with him. 

“Take your team to Saltwater City and make a name for yourself. I don’t want to let our child grow up thinking their father is a spineless parasite.” 

For a split second, I saw hesitation flash across his face. I was convinced he wouldn’t dwell on Theresa any longer.

True to my thoughts, Karsten accepted my words. He was too ambitious to pass up the opportunity. “Vali, thank you. I won’t let your kindness go to waste.” 

Kindness? Hardly.

Divorce requires a one-month cooling-off period, but my surgery can’t wait. I needed to hand over the company to a professional manager to avoid any loss of control. 

As for Karsten and Theresa... I’d deal with them once after I survived the surgery. 

On my third day back to the company, Karsten left for Saltwater City with his loyal team, brimming with confidence. 

Before leaving, he held my hand, his voice tender as he said his goodbyes. “Vali, take good care of our child while I’m away. I’ll fly back every month to be with you.”

Too bad for him—I’d already discovered that Theresa was on the same flight. He planned to use my money to keep his mistress hidden away in Saltwater City. Karsten really thought he was so clever. 

I was genuinely shocked when my secretary showed me the expense reports Theresa had filed over the past year. More than 450,000 dollars a month, covering her rent, four new outfits every month, and other extravagant expenses. 

Clearly, Karsten had approved every penny himself. That would be the only reason why the finance department hadn’t dared to question it. 

“Contact the legal department and recover the improperly reimbursed funds.” 

Sam, my executive secretary, who had been with me for years, gave a knowing nod. “Ms. Thalmann, you’re finally back. The company could really use some restructuring.”

I leaned in and quietly gave Sam a few instructions before quickly organizing a meeting with the senior management. 

Three days later, once everything was in order, Ludwig personally came to take me to the hospital. 

In the car, he kept a light, cheerful demeanor. “Vali, tell me what you’re craving. After your surgery, I’ll cook it for you.” 

I knew he was trying to ease my nerves. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was seventeen. By the time they found it, it had already spread to her liver. Even though she underwent surgery, she didn’t last more than six months.

I had the same disease now. I would be lying if I wasn’t the least scared. 

“Do you think... maybe I got sick because I was so anxious about getting pregnant this past year?” I watched the scenery blur past the window, my voice soft and distant.

“It could be genetic... but extreme mental stress might also be a contributing factor.” Ludwig’s brow furrowed ever so slightly before he quickly changed the subject. 

“Where’s Karsten? Why is he not by your side when you’re about to have surgery?” 

I thought about it for a moment—there was no point in hiding it from Ludwig. “He cheated on me. Once the surgery is over, I’m divorcing him.” 

The words had barely left my mouth when Ludwig slammed on the brakes, nearly sending me headfirst into the dashboard.

“Ludwig! What the hell? If the illness doesn’t kill me, you will!” 

Luckily, the roads weren’t busy. Any other time of day, this reckless driving could’ve caused an accident. 

“He cheated on you?” It was only then that I noticed the rare, murderous glint in Ludwig’s eyes. 

“Yeah... he got back together with his ex.”

Ludwig pulled the car over to the side of the road. “So, what’s your plan?” 

“Divorce him. He’s leaving with nothing.” 

Ludwig turned to look at me, his chest rising and falling with barely contained anger. “Well, at least you’re using your head,” he said coldly. 

For a moment, he looked exactly just like he did back in high school, and I couldn’t help but stare at him, momentarily lost in thought.

Ludwig felt my gaze and seemed a little unsure of how to respond.

"Hold on tight—we need to get to the hospital as soon as possible."

The car sped through the streets, and before I knew it, I was settled into the special ward he had arranged for me in advance.

With the priority access, my test results came out quickly.

"Vali, I'll personally perform your surgery tomorrow. I’ve already worked with my mentor overseas to create the best possible plan—breast conservation won’t be an issue."

I didn’t know why, but back when I thought I could rely on Karsten, I was terrified—afraid of the illness, afraid of what lay ahead.

But after discovering how he had insulted my parents and betrayed me, I had no one left to lean on. And somehow, I wasn’t afraid anymore.

"With you here, I feel at ease," I said.

Just then, my phone started ringing nonstop.

Ludwig handed it to me, and the moment I glanced at the screen, my expression darkened.

It was a trending news alert from my secretary, Sam.

[Thalmann Legacy Holdings’ Valeria Caught Cheating During Pregnancy—Exclusive Photos!]

I clicked on it and was met with an infuriating image—me, my shirt slightly open, with a young man whose face had been pixelated. His hands were on my chest.

Because of the angle, we looked incredibly close. My expression appeared tense, as if I were trying to suppress something—almost like I was enjoying it.

Despite the censor, I knew exactly who the man in the photo was. It was Ludwig—caught in the moment he was performing a manual diagnosis on me.

Furious, I hurled my phone across the room.

Seeing my reactions Ludwig rushed to my side, tense with concern. He was completely unaware of what was happening.

“Vali, I don't know what’s going on, you need to stay calm okay.”

Seeing my heavy, uneven breathing, he gently rubbed my back in slow, soothing motions.

“There’s nothing more important than your health and tomorrow’s surgery.”

I knew he was right. I forced myself to suppress the anger burning inside me.

What infuriated me wasn’t just the false accusations—I had also dragged Ludwig into this mess. He was the youngest medical professor in his field, and the last thing I wanted was for his reputation to be damaged because of me.

“…I’m sorry,” I finally spoke with low voice.

Ludwig picked up my phone and looked at the screen. His expression darkened.

The hospital room was designed like a five-star hotel suite. In the photo, what had been a simple medical examination now looked like something entirely inappropriate.

“This isn’t your fault. Why are you apologizing?” He handed the phone back to me. “Trust me. Let me handle this.”

I hesitated for a moment, then shook my head. “There should be security cameras in the hospital hallway. Just help me get the footage.”

Lowering my gaze, I kept scrolling through the trending post—until I saw something that made my blood run cold.

My wedding photos.

The clueless internet trolls flooded the comments with insults.

[You can tell just by looking at her—she’s got that slutty face.]

[She’s the heir of Thalmann Legacy Holdings—she can have any man she wants. Marriage? Please. Like she’d resist a cute guy throwing himself at her.]

[At least pretend to have some morals. Is this how high society plays? Damn, sis, I’m hot too—why don’t you sleep with me instead?]

Some of the comments weren’t even about me—they were taking shots at Thalmann Legacy Holdings itself.

I took a deep breath, steadying my heart rate.

“Ludwig, I might drag you into this mess,” I said, already forming a plan in my mind. The only issue was that Ludwig might get caught up in the fallout.

He scoffed. “As if this is the first time you’ve gotten me into trouble.”

We had grown up together. Even though I was a girl, I had always been the more mischievous one. Whenever I caused trouble, I’d find a way to pin it on him. If he tried to argue, I’d put on a three-second crying performance in front of our parents, and that was that.

Like in middle school—when I set his grandfather’s prized pet bird free.

I just wanted to take a closer look. Maybe pluck a couple of tail feathers to use as bookmarks.

Unfortunetely, the bird flew out the moment I opened the cage and went straight to the top of my bedroom curtains. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t reach it.

The moment the bird took off, Ludwig was completely dumbfounded.

“Valeria, are you out of your mind? You said you just wanted to watch it eat for your essay—why the hell did you let it out?!”

We slammed the door shut and spent the next half hour frantically trying to catch it, but the bird simply fluttered around my room, completely unbothered.

Frustrated, I came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea.

When I brought the neighbor’s tabby cat into my room, Ludwig’s face twisted in sheer horror.

That essay on animal behavior? I got an A+. Turns out, I was the only student in class who wrote a detailed account of how a cat hunts a bird.

Ludwig, on the other hand, nearly got beaten to death by his father after taking the blame for me. His grandfather was so devastated by the loss of his beloved pet that he ended up hospitalized.

Thinking back, Ludwig had been dragged into my messes more times than I could count. But this time—I swore it would be the last.

I picked up my phone and dialed Sam.

“Ms. Thalmann, our PR team is already working to suppress the trending post. Don’t worry, we’ll get it under control,” Sam said anxiously.

“No, Sam. Don’t suppress it. Buy traffic—push it to the top. I want it trending at number one for the next week, and it better stay in the top ten for at least two.”