Chapter 5

After Stella left with Brandon, I went back inside, looked at our wedding photos on the wall, and felt an overwhelming bitterness.

I used to think that as long as I was more tolerant and understanding towards Stella, our happy little family could thrive.

But I underestimated the importance of that best guy friend in her heart.

Perhaps she was truly happy only when she was with Brandon. Maybe she only married me for my money.

Scene after scene of our past flashed before my eyes, like bubbles popping, and my last shred of feeling for Stella vanished.

I began to pack Stella's things. Starting tomorrow, this house would no longer hold any trace of her.

I bought this house to celebrate our third wedding anniversary. To surprise Stella, I waited until it was fully renovated before telling her, so only my name was on the deed.

The first time I brought Stella here, the surprise I expected wasn't on her face. Instead, she questioned whose name was on the house.

I told her it was my name, but since it was bought after we got married, it was considered marital property, and she shouldn't worry about it.

But Stella complained about it for a long time, saying I didn't love her because I wouldn't put her name on the deed, treating her like an outsider.

Now, I was somewhat glad her name wasn't on it. According to the rules, as long as I could prove I bought the house with my own money, it would be my sole property. Even with a divorce, Stella wouldn't get a dime.

I carefully took down all the wedding photos and started thinking about what came next.

With Stella in jail, my chances of filing for divorce were very high. Even if she was unwilling, with my connections and methods, I could easily get her to sign the divorce papers from behind bars.

And reborn, with my memories of the future, I possessed information no one else could know in advance. With this knowledge, I could undoubtedly grow my company to an unprecedented scale!

Maybe by the time Stella got out of jail, I would already be a top-tier magnate. I wondered how she would feel then, seeing me.

Just as I was envisioning my bright future, my phone suddenly rang. It was Stella.

A flicker of confusion crossed my mind. Based on the time, she should be having a blast with Brandon right now. Why would she suddenly call me?

Could they be playing some twisted game, and she called me on purpose?

I hesitated for a moment, then answered the call.

"Honey, quick, come find me! I need your help with something!" Stella's voice was panicked, as if she'd just been scared.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Oh, I'll tell you when you get here! Just come over, and be fast!" Stella was frantic. After giving me her location, she abruptly hung up.

I was baffled, unsure what kind of game she was playing.

Could she have discovered Brandon's true colors and had a sudden change of heart?

Regardless of what Stella was planning, I felt I should go. At the very least, I needed to see what was happening.

So, I quickly tidied up and headed to the location Stella had given me.

It was a small road, not exactly secluded, but usually empty at night.

When I arrived, I saw Stella and Brandon standing by the roadside. Brandon's car was parked nearby, hazards flashing.

As I got closer, I noticed a person lying in front of Brandon's car, with a puddle of blood on the ground.

Brandon's face was pale, his eyes wide with horror and lingering fear.

"What happened here?" I walked up to Stella and Brandon, distinctly smelling alcohol.

Both of them must have been drinking.

Stella looked at me anxiously. "Honey, Brandon got distracted while driving and didn't see someone on the road. He just hit them! We could have just taken them to the hospital and paid compensation, but Brandon was drinking today. If the police find out, this is going to be a huge problem..."

I immediately guessed what Stella wanted me to do, and my face instantly turned cold. "So, why did you call me here?"

Stella looked at me pleadingly. "I want you to help him! When the police arrive later, you can say *you* were the one who hit them. Otherwise, Brandon, with drunk driving and hitting someone, will go to jail! He's still so young, and he's getting married soon, and he's about to get a promotion at work. If he goes to jail, everything will be ruined! Please, for my sake as his best friend, help him out, okay?"

Brandon also chimed in, "Man, please, help me out! I'll be forever grateful for your kindness, I'll repay you in my next life..."

My face darkened to an extreme. My eyes fixed on Stella. "You're afraid of *him* going to jail, but you're not afraid of *me* going to jail?"

Stella quickly said, "No, it won't happen! I asked a friend, and you haven't been drinking. Even if you hit someone fatally, you just have to pay compensation, it's fine..."

"You mean I'll have to pay for him too?" I clenched my fists.

Stella bit her lip. "Brandon's getting married soon and needs money. We can just front it for him. He'll pay us back when he has money later. Anyway, you make a lot, so it's not a big deal for you."

I nearly slapped Stella right then and there.

This woman, for her best guy friend, was utterly shameless!

But this was good. If you're so heartless, then don't blame me for being ruthless!

I looked at Brandon, a cold smirk flashing in my eyes.

A brilliant plan for revenge formed in my mind.