Chapter 2

I signed the divorce papers without hesitation.

Lucas didn't even look at me.

He scooped up his illegitimate son, Kyler Gray, the boy with drool running down his chin, and held him close.

In his mind, he was already picturing Kyler accepting the Nobel Prize in Physics.

This time, he would never let me steal that glory!

"Tomorrow morning, 9 a.m., City Hall. We finalize the divorce!"

I turned and walked toward my daughter Zoe's room.

Behind me, Lucas let out a cold laugh.

"Good luck surviving without me. I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back, begging."

I didn't look back.

The moment I closed the door, my mother-in-law Rita Quinn burst into the living room, her voice shrill and piercing.

"Lucas! Have you lost your mind? You're just letting her leave like that? What about Zoe? She's my granddaughter!"

She started toward Zoe's room.

Lucas blocked her path, his tone sharp with irritation.

"Mom! Keep it down! Can't you see Kyler's sleeping?"

Rita stopped in her tracks, but her voice didn't lower.

"Zoe's going to suffer with her! Make her leave the child here!"

I opened the door, leading Zoe out by the hand. She was already wearing her jacket.

Zoe's little face was calm—too calm for a five-year-old. She just gripped my hand tightly.

I looked at Rita.

"I gave birth to her. Custody goes to me. It's clearly stated in the agreement."

Rita's eyes bulged. She pointed a trembling finger at my face.

"Vanessa! Don't you dare get cocky! The Gray family has supported you all these years, and now you think you're too good for us? Taking our bloodline away? Don't even think about it!"

She reached out to grab Zoe.

I stepped in front of her, shielding my daughter behind me.

"Rita, try that again. I dare you."

The ice in my eyes made her flinch. She took half a step back.

Lucas impatiently pulled out a card from his wallet and tossed it onto the counter.

"Enough! Stop fighting! Vanessa, here—fifty thousand dollars. That should be enough for you and the girl to get by for a while. Don't come bothering me again."

Fifty thousand. Like I was some beggar.

I didn't even bother to pick up the card.

I took Zoe's hand, opened the door, and left without looking back.

Behind me, Kyler's wails suddenly pierced the air, followed by Lucas fumbling awkwardly to soothe him.

"My genius boy, don't cry..."

The elevator doors slid shut, sealing off everything.

Zoe looked up at me and asked softly.

"Mom, where are we going?"

I crouched down and straightened her collar.

"We're going to our new home."

Zoe nodded and said nothing more. She just held my hand tighter.