Chapter 2

I did the math. With my ten-thousand-dollar monthly salary, performance bonuses, and stock options, I had brought in nearly four million dollars over the last three years. All of it was in his hands.

Meanwhile, Ethan worked as a project supervisor for the city planning department. He made barely three thousand dollars a month. That was it.

Yet, he lived like a millionaire, casually buying forty-thousand-dollar watches and designer clothes.

And me? I had nothing.

My own jewelry was locked away in a safe. If I wanted to wear a necklace, I had to submit an request explaining the exact occasion and why it was necessary.

In his words: "You have too many business dinners. Drinking and dining out is a waste of money. Home-cooked meals are healthier. And jewelry is unnecessary. Simple is best."

Before, I had believed his sweet talk about "natural beauty." I didn't care much because I was too busy with work, and simple accessories were indeed more convenient.

Now I realized I had been financially abused and brainwashed the entire time.

I took a deep breath, walked out of the bathroom, and went straight to the safe in the study.

Ethan followed me. "Vivian, what are you doing?"

"I have a product launch the day after tomorrow. I need to take out some jewelry to match my outfit."

But when I reached the safe and entered the code, the screen flashed red. Error.

I turned to look at Ethan. "You changed the passcode?"

"Yeah. Just tell me what you need and I’ll get it for you. I changed all the codes in the house."

My temper flared. "By what right?! That safe is mine! I bought it, the code was mine, and everything inside was bought with my money! What right do you have to lock me out?"

"Starting today, you will not touch another cent of my money. We are done!"

Ethan remained incredibly calm.

"Honey, you're just tired. Are you stressed at work? You're the one who authorized me to manage everything. Why are you acting up now? Did someone get in your head?"

He reached out to pat my head, but I slapped his hand away with a loud "smack"!

"Don't touch me! You disgust me!"

Ethan looked at his reddened hand, his eyes darkening with a warning glare. "Vivian, behave. If you play nice, we won't have any issues. But if you keep acting crazy, there will be consequences."

Hearing his threat, my rage boiled over. "Open the safe right now! I want my jewelry!"

"No. Fill out the request form first."

I raised my hand to slap him, but he grabbed my wrist in a vice grip. "Vivian, you are emotionally unstable. You are unfit to handle our marital assets. Be a good girl, let me help you. If you need money, just ask."

I laughed out of sheer anger. "You really think I can’t do anything to you?"

He smiled smugly. "You're overthinking. Go get some sleep."

Ethan was completely fearless. He probably thought I’d never actually dare to divorce him.

Undoubtedly, the safe was already empty.

I couldn't stand being in the same room with him. I grabbed my keys and ran out.

Just as I got to the parking lot, his call came through.

"Are you going to your downtown condo? Sorry to break it to you, but I sold it last week."

I froze in my tracks. I slowly turned around and looked up.

Ethan was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window of our penthouse, looking down at me with a smirk. "Come back inside, Vivian. It's getting late."

I squeezed my keys so hard they cut into my palm. I couldn't believe he actually dared to sell my apartment!

"Ethan, forging my signature on real estate documents is a felony!"

"Let’s see who laughs last!"

I immediately instructed my lawyer to draft the divorce papers and email them to him. Then, I got in my car and sped away.