Chapter 4

Before Derek could speak, Serena interjected, her voice vulnerable.

"Derek, the doctor said it's a boy. It's not that I don't care for Leo, but if this keeps happening, I'm afraid I might also give birth to a child with… similar issues."

Serena didn't finish her sentence, her gaze falling pointedly on Leo.

Derek's brows furrowed.

I spoke calmly.

"Derek, if you don't agree, I'll sue you for adultery and emotional distress, and I'll make sure the court sees all your blatant infidelities. Do you think the court will rule in your favor then?"

"Leo is your biological son. If you're so reluctant to give up shares, fine, I'll even give you Leo's shares. But I'll have people watching you, and if you dare mistreat Leo in any way, I will prosecute you for child abuse."

My gaze lingered on Leo's forehead as I stared coldly at Derek.

Derek hesitated, deep in thought.

Serena immediately clutched her stomach, stood, and leaned into him.

"Derek, it's only ten percent of the shares, right? Don't worry, I'll help you earn it all back. After a couple more years, we'll buy up all the loose shares."

"With you and me working together, AlphaCorp will have a brilliant future."

She then lowered her voice.

"Worst case, we can slowly undermine the company from within, buy back those shares at rock-bottom prices."

"Giving shares to Leo isn't giving them to a stranger, right? It just shows what a loyal, good man you are."

Right there, in front of me, they shamelessly began plotting to seize the shares I had anonymously acquired.

I couldn't help but scoff. This decisive divorce was absolutely the right move. Otherwise, those two dogs would have hollowed out the company sooner or later.

Fine, if that's how it is, I won't hold back either. I'll just let them go bankrupt and drown in debt.

I'd love to see how brilliant their future will be with their combined genius.

Derek nodded approvingly, embracing Serena with a cheerful laugh.

"You truly understand me best. Meeting you is the biggest blessing of my life."

Then he turned, looking at me with disgust.

"You're always so obsessed with money. If you were even half as sweet and understanding as Serena, I wouldn't be like this."

"I've agreed to the shares. But from now on, you're not allowed to interfere with the company. Just live a quiet life with Leo. And if I ever find out you're cheating on me, I won't let you get away with it."

Derek moved fast. Within twenty minutes, his lawyer had the divorce papers and the share transfer agreement drafted, signed, and ready.

I signed swiftly, picked up Leo, and walked out.

The moment we stepped outside, Leo's tiny hand brushed my cheek.

"Mommy, I know I have a problem. I'll be good from now on and won't make you angry."

I hadn't cried when Serena insulted me, or when Derek slapped me. But now, I cried.

I knew my Leo would be alright. He understood everything; he just couldn't control himself.

Within an hour, I decisively sold my shares and the patents I had developed.

Well, it was a bargain. AlphaCorp's sworn rival, Victor Thorne, almost split his face smiling as I signed the papers.

Of course. Acquiring those patents meant seizing AlphaCorp's lifeblood. All of Derek's products in sales and those currently in production were now unlicensed.

Victor Thorne could bankrupt him in minutes if he wanted to.

I wasn't heartless. The moment he threatened to send Leo to a special school and kick me out of the company, all ties between us were irrevocably severed.

There was no need for me to consider the future of someone who had so viciously plotted against me.

Looking at the substantial balance in my bank account, I took Leo and flew directly overseas.

The moment we landed, Serena "thoughtfully" video-called me.

"Ms. Hayes, it's the company's anniversary gala tonight. Such a shame you won't be accompanying Derek for his speech."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Derek and the company from now on. After all, this will be my son's legacy someday."

On the video, Serena, stunning in a silver evening gown, was arm-in-arm with Derek, who wore a dark patterned suit. They looked like a bride and groom, intimately standing on the grand stage, basking in everyone's fawning praise.

Anyone who didn't know would think it was their wedding day.

Just as Derek excitedly announced Serena's official appointment as Vice President and their imminent marriage, Victor Thorne burst in with a team of black-suited bodyguards.

Derek was about to loudly protest when Victor Thorne raised his hand, projecting the share certificate and patent ownership onto the large screen.

"Mr. Miller, since when does a minor shareholder like you have the authority to appoint a glorified courtesan as Vice President?"

"As of now, I am AlphaCorp's majority shareholder. From this moment on, I am your boss."

Through the video, I watched Derek's pupils slowly dilate, his face morphing inch by agonizing inch into pure terror.

Serena reacted, her face drained of color, rushing to the camera and screaming,

"Chloe! How could you be so cruel? Do you really have to destroy us?"

I let out a soft laugh, my voice calm.

"Yes, Serena. I'm going to send you straight to hell."