Chapter 2

The day after the funeral, I immediately contacted Attorney Sarah. I gave her the address of the apartment Ryan had mentioned, along with Chloe's personal information.

"Also, prepare a statement. Say that Chloe exploited Ryan Thompson's sympathy, falsely claiming financial hardship and homelessness, to defraud him of this property."

"Ryan, being inherently kind, made this decision without consulting me. Now that he's gone, as his legal spouse, I have the right to reclaim our joint marital property."

Attorney Sarah was surprised but prepared all the necessary documents according to my instructions.

Three days later, I arrived at Chloe's doorstep with Attorney Sarah and several other staff members.

The moment the door opened, I froze.

Chloe was wearing a cream-colored loungewear set. The style and details were exactly like a gift Ryan had brought back for me from a business trip, hanging in my own closet.

Even the necklace around Chloe's neck was the same model as mine.

So, he had split his affections long ago, one part for me, one part for his college junior.

When Chloe saw me, a flicker of panic crossed her face. She instinctively pulled at her collar. "Maya, why are you here?"

I didn't speak, letting Attorney Sarah hand her the documents.

"Ms. Chloe, according to legal provisions, this property belongs to Ms. Maya and Mr. Ryan Thompson as joint marital property. Mr. Thompson's unilateral gift is invalid. Ms. Maya now demands the return of the property. Please cooperate with vacating the premises."

Chloe's face instantly went white. She turned to me. "Maya, Ryan gave this to me. You can't make me leave."

Hearing her words, I smirked. "Ms. Chloe, I'd like to ask, what exactly is your relationship with my husband, Ryan Thompson?"

Chloe stiffened, her eyes darting away, afraid to meet my gaze. "Maya, I... I'm just Ryan's junior. We don't have any other relationship."

"A junior? What kind of junior is worth him giving you a three-million-dollar apartment in the city center?"

Chloe looked at Attorney Sarah behind me, her lips trembling. After a long pause, she managed to squeeze out a sentence. "I... Ryan said it wasn't easy for me after graduation, he wanted me to have a place to stay..."

She hadn't even finished speaking when I saw Ryan's soul in mid-air, frantically pacing and muttering repeatedly.

"Chloe, don't say anything stupid. Just say I let you stay here, out of alumni friendship."

He floated over to Chloe, wanting to pat her shoulder to remind her, but his hand passed right through. He could only stomp his feet in place, even more agitated.

"Just say it! Don't let her catch you. That apartment is your security, it can't be taken back."

I ignored him, keeping my gaze firmly on Chloe. "My husband claimed you were from a poor family, with no fixed abode. Yet I found out your parents just built a detached villa back home."

"Ms. Chloe, it's not very dignified to exploit someone's kindness."

My voice wasn't loud, but it clearly carried to the neighbors around us.

Chloe's face flushed red then paled. She wanted to say something, but I didn't give her the chance.

"Regarding your false claim of poverty to defraud Ryan of property, we have prepared the relevant documents. If you cooperate with moving out, we will not pursue legal action against you."

"But if you refuse, we will proceed legally. At that point, you will not only have to return the property but also bear corresponding legal responsibilities."

Ryan's soul was spinning frantically, wanting to rush over and protect Chloe, but he repeatedly passed through our bodies, only able to shriek at me.

"Maya, stop! You can't do this to Chloe!"

Mid-shriek, he suddenly stopped, his soul freezing in mid-air. Then a look of hopeful relief spread across his face.

"I almost forgot, Leo is still with you. He's my and Chloe's child. Everything in the Thompson family will eventually belong to Leo..."