Chapter 3

I had planned to stay at a hotel, but then realized all my bank cards were frozen.

That’s when it hit me: over the past year, financial control had gradually shifted back into the Henderson family's hands.

Even the bank account names had been changed to Vivian Henderson.

Outwardly, I lived in a harmonious, happy home, but in reality, I was utterly alone.

After staying a night at Shelly’s place, I went to the company the next day to get my belongings.

As soon as I entered the lobby, I was met with a barrage of complaints from employees.

“That useless idiot, no sense at all, asking for a divorce. Dumber than a brick.”

“Vivian just likes sleeping with a teddy bear, so what? I like it too!”

“He probably saw that Vivian’s body changed a bit after giving birth and got tired of her, looking for new things. Maybe he’s got seven or eight mistresses on the side.”

Their gazes were like those of a jury staring at a criminal, full of judgment.

Before I could respond, Vivian’s voice came from behind me:

“Everyone, quiet down. Who told you to gossip? Get back to work.”

The employees grumbled and dispersed.

“Honey.”

“I bought you a watch. Try it on.”

Vivian pulled a brand-new wristwatch from her bag.

It immediately drew gasps of admiration.

“A limited-edition Patek Philippe! Only three were made, bought by a mysterious collector.”

“Vivian must have gone through so much trouble to get this watch. She’s so thoughtful.”

Everyone looked on with envy.

But my attitude remained cold. I refused.

“I’m here to get my family heirloom. You can give that watch to your teddy bear.”

At those words, Vivian froze.

The employees were furious, calling me heartless.

I pretended not to hear and headed upstairs.

When my parents passed away, the only thing they left me was a pendant, which they said would protect me. I had always worn it around my neck.

Vivian had often complained that her office was eerie and that she heard strange noises.

So, I took off my pendant and hung it in Vivian’s office. After that, there were no more strange noises.

She didn't deserve to keep it now.

As I entered Vivian’s office, I saw Jeremy playing with Lily.

“Ryan.”

“You’re finally back. A good life is better than anything, come look at your daughter.”

“She’s so cute, how could you bear to abandon her?”

Jeremy picked up Lily and walked towards me.

“Move.”

I frowned in disgust.

“Ryan.”

“This is your daughter. Are you really not even willing to look at her?”

Jeremy demanded loudly.

“Get lost!”

I impatiently pushed Jeremy aside and quickly entered the office, taking down the pendant from the wall.

Then I heard crying.

I turned to see Jeremy and Lily on the floor.

Just then, Vivian and several senior executives walked into the office, witnessing the scene.

Vivian quickly picked up Lily, carefully checked for injuries, and breathed a sigh of relief when she found none.

“What exactly happened?”

Her gaze shifted between me and Jeremy.

Jeremy, head bowed, replied, “I wanted Ryan to see Lily, but he refused and pushed me away.”

“It’s my fault for being useless. If I had just stood steady, I wouldn't have fallen.”

What?

Vivian listened, then turned and slapped me, yelling:

“How could you become so heartless? That’s your own daughter!”

“She’s only one year old! What if she had been seriously hurt?!”