Come Back, My Millionaire Ex-wife Free Preview

"Renowned actress Janice Red exposes her new relationship, suspected to be with Ethan Scott, the powerful head of the Scott Family Group..."

The explosive news was being reported on entertainment news.

The busy figure in the kitchen didn't pause for a moment, as if the leading man from the gossip news wasn't her husband.

Two hours later,

Claire Black decisively gave up on continuing to cook and picked up her phone to order an exquisite dinner.

Just as she finished setting the table, the sound of the password lock came from the front door.

"Back already?" Claire approached and took the suit jacket he handed over.

Just as she turned around, the man behind her embraced her from behind, his refreshing breath enveloping her, as he forcefully pressed his lips against hers.

A faint scent of alcohol filled her nostrils, briefly making Claire daze, before she stiffly pushed him away.

The man held her waist, his gaze lowered onto her, his brows slightly furrowed. "What's wrong?" Normally, she would have complied with him, but today was an exception.

"Not convenient?" He said lightly, as if guessing.

Claire's eyelids trembled, hesitating before she spoke, "Is it true between you and Janice Red?"

Ethan, "..."

If pushing him away just now was unusual, now this "interrogation" was even more so.

He squinted his eyes, scrutinizing her, "You're questioning me?"

Claire weakly retorted, "Am I not allowed to?"

Though she said so, she knew the answer better than anyone else.

Of course, she wasn't allowed.

Three years ago, Ethan Scott had picked up a pitiful orphan girl and quickly married her, shutting up all the older members of the Scott family.

But because Mrs. Ethan came from a less privileged background, the Scott family kept this marriage a secret from the public.

In these three years, Ethan constantly had different scandals, while Claire turned a blind eye and kept quiet, content with playing the role of a virtuous wife. Because she knew that the only reason he married her was that she was obedient.

And now she also knew that what she was about to say would definitely cross his bottom line.

Sure enough, his blue eyes narrowed slightly, his fingertips caressed her cheek, said coldly, "When did my little pet gain the right to meddle in her master's affairs? Has she grown a backbone?"

"We're married!" Claire's voice trembled, her emotions that had been suppressed for so long suddenly bursting out, "How many times is this? You have no explanation whatsoever? Today, this actress, tomorrow, that model. Others don't know that you're married, do you not even know? Then what's the use of our marriage?"

"..." Ethan didn't understand why she had such a big change tonight.

But he had no interest in dealing with this shrewish Claire, silently observing her for a long time, "It is of no use, so let's get a divorce."

Upon hearing his words, Claire almost couldn't control the upward curve of her lips, desperately trying to make a shocked and panicked expression.

"What, what did you say?"

"Why did we get married three years ago, we both know. Have you been playing the role of Mrs. Ethan for too long and believed it?" His voice was cold and devoid of any warmth.

"But you've always been good to me! You never hesitate to spend money on me, you bring me gifts every time you travel, you help me out when your mother and sister give me a hard time, you..."

"That's because you've been obedient."

The man's gaze pierced into her, his voice colder than ice, "But being too greedy as a person will result in getting nothing."

"..." Claire seemed to be scared by him, unable to say a word. She just held onto his shirt tightly with both hands, her eyes welling up with tears but stubbornly refusing to let them fall.

Ethan treated her like a pet, and she indeed had the qualifications of a pet. With delicate facial features, a slender figure, and a pair of expressive eyes, especially with her current teary-eyed look, she looked pitiable.

Ethan grew annoyed looking at her like this.

"Tomorrow afternoon, I will have the divorce agreement sent by my lawyer. Don't get any funny ideas, or else the price will be a lot more than you can bear," he said coldly, pulling his hand away from hers and leaving without any mercy.

The door slammed shut.

Claire, feeling lonely with her frail figure, stood in the living room for a long while until she heard the sound of the car engine fading away from the yard. With heavy steps, she made her way upstairs.

As the door closed, she clenched her fist in front of her chest and let out an excited whisper, "Yes!"

Her face lit up with a radiant smile, showing no signs of heartbreak from moments ago.

She took out her phone and sent a message reporting the situation, saying: Done! Come help me move my things tomorrow!

She had finally made it after three years!

Three years ago, she was forced into a marriage by her stepmother, Betsy Green, to an elderly man in his sixties. When she heard the news, she escaped, which coincidentally pleased Betsy. She decided to find someone to kill Claire.

Amid her desperate escape, Ethan happened to find her. She still remembered the way he looked at her back then, as if he had found a piece of merchandise he liked. Then he began negotiating, "If you marry me, no one in the City N will dare to bully you." He thought she was just a lonely girl who had nowhere to go.

Betsy wanted her dead, and Claire had recently discovered that her health was deteriorating, making her return to the Black family equal to certain death. So she agreed to marry Ethan.

The next day, Ethan swiftly helped her establish a new identity and they obtained a marriage certificate.

In these three years, Ethan had been lenient with her. Setting aside the inexplicable rumors, he was indeed a qualified husband and their lives were peaceful, resembling that of a privileged couple. However, she knew deep down that this man was better suited for business transactions than emotional connections.

Now it was time to end everything and go back to settle the score with Betsy.

On the other end of the phone, Owen White was also excited to see the message: [So fast? He didn't suspect anything? That's too easy, isn't it?]

Easy? Claire scoffed.

Before Ethan returned home, she had rehearsed her facial expressions silently multiple times, making sure to appear restrained and miserable. It was only when she let her anger get out of control that she could reveal her scorned woman side.

Did he really think her diva-level acting skills required no honing?

She didn't bother to say much to him anymore and replied: [I'll pack my things first. Let's talk in detail when we meet tomorrow. ]

Just as she was about to put her phone down, another message flashed on the screen: Honestly, I'm a little curious. Ethan is handsome, wealthy, and has long legs. Does the position of Mrs. Ethan really have no attraction to you?

Claire's finger paused for a moment, thinking about the treatment she received in the Scott family, she smirked and replied: [You might have some misconceptions about Mrs. Ethan.

In these three years, she was treated worse than a servant in the Scott family. In front of Ethan, she had to play the role of a virtuous wife, not arguing or causing trouble, just obediently going along with his requests. In front of Ethan's mother, she endured endless insults and oppression and had to obediently keep quiet.

And while she worked hard to maintain family harmony, she wasn't even worthy of having a name. Everyone assumed Ethan was single, and countless fangirls threw themselves at him like they were going after a rare find. This man never spoke up or clarified anything.

Ugh! It's disgusting to even think about!

If it weren't for the letter that her grandfather left behind before he passed away and the Black family's estate...

The next morning, the lawyer arrived with the divorce agreement.

The contents were simple: the villa would belong to Claire, along with an additional hundred million in alimony.

When Claire saw that number, she felt a brief shock, but quickly regained her composure. Ethan had never treated her unfairly in terms of material possessions; he was a generous husband. But that hundred million was a bit of a hot potato for her.

"Miss Claire, according to your prenuptial agreement, as a couple, you do not have shared assets. After the divorce, you will not receive any compensation. However, Mr. Ethan says..."

"Where is Ethan?" Claire, looking tired yet hopeful, glanced towards the door, fully embodying the image of a discarded high society wife.

The lawyer pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and gave his professional and official response, "Regarding the division of assets, that's all the agreement entails. If you have any other requests, you can let me know, and I will convey them to Mr. Ethan."

Not seeing her husband, Claire 'disappointedly' lowered her eyelids and remained silent, contemplating how to get rid of this enormous sum of money.

The women in the Scott family were not to be trifled with. If she left without taking a penny, it would be one thing, but if she actually took this money, it wouldn't be so easy to get out of this marriage.

The lawyer slid the documents in front of her. "If you have no further objections, please sign."

Claire's voice turned cold. "Tell him to come and speak to me in person. I don't want the money."

The lawyer maintained a pleasant smile but remained firm. "Mr. Ethan was unable to make it this morning and has entrusted me with full authority in this matter..."

Hm?

Unable to make it?

What a perfect opportunity to increase his disgust value toward her!

She stood up abruptly, her voice filled with excitement. "Don't try to brush me off! If you won't help me convey the message, I'll call him myself!"

The lawyer, "..."

In the spacious conference room.

A large conference table filled with company executives. Ethan sat at the head, listening to the quarterly summary.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated, particularly eerie in the quiet and serious atmosphere. He glanced at the screen, nonchalantly declining the call.

"Continue."

The executives below kept their eyes on their own papers, pretending nothing had happened. The executive giving the summary noticed his less-than-pleasant expression, but stood his ground and continued the presentation.

Then, less than two minutes later, Peter hurriedly walked in. He handed Ethan the phone.

On the screen was a bold message: [Have Ethan answer the call, otherwise I won't sign!]

"Slap!"

He firmly put down the pen in his hand.

In the uneasy gazes of those present, Ethan grabbed the phone, got up, and said, "Five-minute break for the meeting."

In the hallway.

Ethan leaned against the wall, his long fingers gripping the phone. He dialed a familiar number.

It seemed like she had been waiting, as the call was answered immediately. "Hello, Honey?"

"Growing some courage?" His voice was cold and bone-chilling, indicating his extreme displeasure at the moment.

Claire was in a panic, "Honey, I don't want a divorce! Oh, please don't be angry, okay? I won't ask anymore! I won't ask about you and Janice, Lily, Lucy, Monica and others! I truly love you, I don't care about the cold house and money!"

Ethan clenched his phone, his veins popping on the back of his hand, "......Claire!"

"Honey, I don't want the house and money, I..."

"Fine! I'll have the lawyer redraft the contract, don't regret it!"

"......"

The cold busy tone signaled the end of the call.

In that instant before hanging up, Claire's pitiful expression instantly disappeared from her face, and she raised an eyebrow while looking at the pitch-black screen.

Is it settled just like that?

She really lives up to her reputation!

Ethan's lawyer was efficient. Thirty minutes later, a brand-new divorce agreement was placed in front of Claire.

Looking at the words "leave with nothing" on the paper, a complex tear rolled down Claire's cheek as she sat defeated on the couch, clutching a pen, feeling utterly hopeless.

Assistant Peter exchanged a glance with the lawyer, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes.

Doesn't Mrs. Ethan know what kind of person Ethan is? She brought this upon herself.

Finally achieving her goal, Claire didn't exaggerate her acting anymore. She simply held the pen with great reluctance and signed her name.

Tears stained the paper.

She quickly wiped away her tears, afraid of smudging her signature...

As soon as the lawyer and assistant left, she hurriedly ran up the stairs, grabbed her luggage, and left.

Tomorrow will be a new beginning!

"That bitch is really leaving with nothing? I hope she doesn't try anything funny, like using this to complain to Grandma Scott," a sharp and cynical suspicion pierced the air.

"Oh, she wants to! But this time, she has angered Big Brother, and Grandma Scott can't save her!" Elsa Scott sneered.

"That's true. Show me the agreement. Are the terms clear?"

"..."

Claire stood at the top of the stairs with her luggage, looking down at the unexpected guests below, and slowly retracted her smile.

Mrs. Scott still maintained her elegant and noble appearance, sitting on the couch as if it were her own home. Elsa stood beside her, flipping through the divorce agreement.

Hearing footsteps upstairs, both of them turned their heads simultaneously.

Elsa didn't show any embarrassment from peeking at someone else's things and instead let her gaze fall upon Claire's large suitcase.

"Such a big suitcase, are you planning to empty the entire Scott family?" her tone dripped with sarcasm, scrutinizing Claire's face, filled with jealousy.

Claire carried the suitcase downstairs, her voice calm, "An entire family can be emptied with just one suitcase? Has the Scott family fallen that far?"

Elsa choked and looked at her like she was a monster.

It took her several seconds before she turned to look at Mrs. Scott, "Mom! Mommy! Did you hear what she just said? She dares to talk back! Does she still want to argue with us?"

Argue?

Claire hadn't even considered it.

In the past three years, she had swallowed her pride and stayed low. The moment there was even a slight problem, they would run to Ethan and complain. That arrogant and self-important man didn't want trouble, so he would always threaten her with Mrs. Ethan's position, telling her not to cause trouble.

Now, after three years of enduring, she no longer had to put up with this mother and daughter.

Not wanting to waste time with them, she took two steps forward, snatched the divorce agreement from Elsa's hand, and bypassed her, heading straight for the door.

"Stop!" Mrs. Scott's displeased voice rang out.

Claire hesitated for a moment but continued walking without looking back.

"Didn't my mom tell you to stop? Didn't you hear?" Elsa's voice grew frustrated.

Claire continued to ignore her and saw that the door was already open.

Elsa couldn't keep her temper in check anymore. "Claire, stop right there! You two, stop her!"

The two bodyguards at the door, with cold expressions, reached out their hands. "Mrs. Ethan, please stop."

"Claire, are you deaf? Running away so fast, are you guilty of something?" Elsa, in her high heels, quickly walked up to her, angry and glaring at her.

Claire sneered, "What can I be guilty of?"

Elsa pointed at her suitcase. "What's in that suitcase? Did you secretly take things from our Scott family?"

Claire, "..."

Facing Elsa's arrogant and domineering face, all the grievances and humiliations she had endured in the Scott family for the past three years surged up. She clenched her fist tightly, her eyes filled with a chilly glare.

"I guessed it right, didn't I? You're enraged because you're ashamed?"

As Elsa spoke, she arrogantly and forcefully reached out to grab the suitcase from her.

Claire turned the handle of the suitcase to the side, causing Elsa to miss her grasp and, in her anger and embarrassment, she swung a slap.

In the next moment, Claire grabbed Elsa's wrist with precision.

Elsa struggled but couldn't break free, cursing angrily, "You bitch, let go of me! I knew you couldn't leave empty-handed, you've been scheming all along! It's true what they say, you're an uncultured bastard with no upbringing, and now you're even stealing!"

"Smack!"

That slap from Claire carried three years of accumulated resentment.

Her gaze turned icy cold as she stared at Elsa, bone-chilling hostility evident in her eyes. "I'm not in the mood to argue with you, but I'm more than willing to fight."

"Who do you want to fight?"

The clear and frigid tone of the voice made Claire's spine shiver.

She stiffly turned her head.

Ethan stood at the door, clad in a black designer suit, tall with long legs.

The morning sunlight fell upon him, yet couldn't dispel the aura of coldness surrounding him. His strong features were sharply defined, icy eyes gazing down on her with superiority.

Claire's heart skipped a beat. It was over!

Just as Claire had that thought, Elsa, covering her face, spoke pitifully, "Sister-in-law, I know you don't want to divorce my brother. If you're unhappy, you can continue hitting me..."

Claire, "???"

Mrs. Scott watched the situation and added fuel to the fire. "Ethan, if you don't come back soon, your good wife will go crazy!"

Ethan's expression grew even more severe, emitting a terrifying aura.

Just as the meeting had ended, he saw the divorce agreement on his desk. The two words at the signature line were neatly written, as obedient and gentle as she.

Thinking about her quiet and sweet demeanor over the past three years, and then looking at the obvious water stains on the document, a hint of sympathy unexpectedly arose within him.

But as soon as he arrived at the door, he heard Clair's arrogant tone.

Turns out, it was all an act.

Claire glanced at him sneakily, quickly deducing what this arrogant man was thinking.

Her eyelids trembled slightly, and when she raised her head again, her eyes were red from distress. "Honey, I didn't mean to. Your little sister and mother forced me! I don't want a divorce! Don't you want it either? You came back suddenly because you can't bear to leave me, right? I knew it, you're not that heartless!"

As she spoke, she wiped away a tear with her hand and reached out to grab Ethan's sleeve.

His meticulously ironed shirt was wrinkled, and it was soaked in water stains.

Ethan looked at her hand with disgust.

His icy gaze was sharp like a blade, causing Claire's wrist to tremble, almost letting go.

She steadied herself, gripping his sleeve tighter and giving it a harsh twist. "Honey, I was wrong! I won't meddle in your business anymore, no matter what kind of woman you're with, as long as she's not brought home..."

"Claire!" Ethan couldn't bear it anymore and forcefully shook off her hand.

"Brother! You can't be deceived by her appearance, right? Today, she's beating me, but tomorrow it might be Mom!" Elsa, seeing Claire cry miserably, worried that Ethan would change his mind.

Mrs. Scott chimed in, "That's right! We can't tolerate a shrew like her in the Scott family! We finally signed the divorce agreement, so don't let her cling to you anymore!"

The two of them spoke excitedly, exchanging fiery words.

Claire stood on the side, bowing her head in grievance, portraying herself as weak, pitiful, and helpless. But quietly in her heart, she silently applauded this mother-daughter pair.

Maybe it was the phrase "We finally signed the divorce agreement" that touched Ethan. He closed his eyes and spoke with a tired and hoarse voice, "Leave, don't appear in front of me again."

"Honey..."

"While I'm still able to speak nicely."

"..." Claire bit her lip tightly, tears streaming down her face, gazing at him with reluctance.

"Didn't I tell you to leave? Can't you hear? Do I need to call someone to kick you out?" Mrs. Scott's excited expression overflowed as she spoke with even more arrogance.

Elsa, with a smug expression, said, "Sister-in-law, oh no, Miss Claire, don't bother showing your face." Now, she didn't care about her luggage anymore, just wanting Claire to leave quickly. Afraid that she would change her mind again.

Claire seemed to have finally realized the reality, regretting it but without any dignity, dragging her suitcase and running out.

Putting on a show until the end.

Afraid that she would be seen through, tears were still visible on her face as she walked out of the villa gate.

It wasn't until she was out of the villa area that she let out a long sigh of relief.

Mission accomplished, time to retreat.

That was close.

Owen had been waiting at the door for a long time before he saw a slender and graceful figure dragging a suitcase, and he quickly went up to meet her.

Not far away, a black Rolls-Royce slowly drove out of the villa area, capturing this scene perfectly.

Ethan coldly watched that figure's back, his gaze murky and unclear.

Peter also saw it, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Isn't that Mrs. Ethan? Someone came to pick her up? And it's a man? No wonder she didn't want anything..." She already had a new boyfriend?! Thinking about that, he instinctively looked towards his boss.

Ethan's expression was grim, and a few traces of fierceness flashed in his deep blue eyes, chilling the temperature in the car.

The driver sensed that something was off and said, "Maybe it's just a rideshare driver."

Peter quickly agreed, "Uh yeah, that's possible!" But do rideshare drivers drive in a Maybach now?

The driver quietly accelerated, trying to create some distance between the two vehicles.

Getting closer, even closer.

They brushed past each other.

Then Peter's eyes lit up, and he excitedly spoke amid the low pressure, "Boss! I recognize him! He's the direct disciple of Old Mr. Black, the current head of the Black Family Medical Hospital, Owen White!"

Ethan's gaze flickered slightly, and he spoke in a chilly tone, "Turn around!"

The driver had stepped on the gas pedal very quickly, just moments ago. But by the time he heard the new command, they had already missed the best spot to turn around.

They drove forward for more than a hundred meters before making a U-turn to go back, but the car they were following was nowhere in sight.

The pressure in the car dropped again.

The driver broke out in a cold sweat.

Ethan remained silent for a few seconds before speaking in a chilly tone, "Are you sure you didn't make a mistake?"

Peter nodded in a hurry, "I'm sure! He's different from the mysterious Dr. Angela Black. His information is public, and his photo isn't a secret either." As he spoke, he quickly took out his phone and found the previous photo. "Take a look, it's him."

"..." Ethan took the phone and looked at it intently, his thin lips tightly sealed, not saying a word.

To be honest, he hadn't looked closely at it earlier.

"Check where he's staying in City N and find a time to pay him a visit." Owen White was the key to finding Angela White. After a two-second pause, his voice became darker, "Also, find out Claire's connection to him."

"Got it!"

—

In the car.

Owen looked at her teary eyes and clicked his tongue, "Crying? Reluctant to leave? Regretting it? I can't believe it, so this is the real Claire Black!"

"Shut up!" Claire said coldly, "Almost blew my cover, luckily I reacted quickly!"

"Ethan went back? Didn't you say there was a high probability he wouldn't sign the contract face-to-face with you?" Owen started the car, questioning with confusion.

Claire sighed deeply, "Who knows what got into him again..."

Before she could finish her sentence, her body instantly straightened, her voice alert, "I think I saw Ethan's car!"

Owen glanced at her in disbelief, "Are you crazy?"

Claire narrowed her beautiful eyes, staring intently at the surroundings, carefully scrutinizing every car within her line of sight. After confirming that they were all unfamiliar, she relaxed and leaned back.

"Should I find you a therapist?" the sarcastic voice continued.

Claire glanced at Owen, her warning clear.

Owen spoke earnestly, "Don't give me that look. I know you're impressive, the most promising heir to the Black Family Medical Hospital. But doctors should also take care of themselves, you know? Your current condition is a classic trauma response. If left untreated..."

He didn't finish his sentence before a foot from the backseat kicked him.

Owen yelled, "Hey, watch it, you reckless brat! We're in a car, you wanna get us killed?"

"Betsy Green couldn't kill me, do you think you can?"

"..."

Another kick landed on Owen, who finally pleaded, "Alright, alright, I won't make a scene. Speaking of which, are we heading back to City W directly? I risked everything to come here, and Ethan has set traps all over the world to catch me. I can't cure his grandmother alone." Slightly resentful, he looked at Claire and said, "It's all because you didn't want to show yourself."

Claire retracted her foot, her eyelids fluttering, "Just give it two more days. Grandma Scott's condition should stabilize after the last dose of medicine." Once it stabilizes, Ethan will have enough time to find a suitable heart donor.

Owen's tone turned serious, "Claire, let me remind you. Dealing with those grudges and grievances in wealthy families is the most difficult, especially with top-tier families like the Scott family. The Black family alone almost took half your life, don't provoke the Scott family!"

Claire pursed her lips, "In the three years with the Scotts, Grandma Scott has treated me well." Everyone bullied her for being an orphan, without any backing, except for Grandma Scott, who treated her like a granddaughter. She couldn't bear to see Grandma Scott pass away.

"That's why I came to pick you up a year ago, you should've left! If you had left back then, you wouldn't owe so many favors or be in this headache now!" Owen's tone was slightly harsh.

He only found out the truth when he discovered her disappearance a year ago.

Her stepmother, Betsy Green, not only sent people to kill her, but also had been poisoning her, slowly deteriorating her health. Any significant movement would make her feel like she was nearing death. Fortunately, she had exceptional medical skills, and when he found her, she had already recovered enough.

Although Betsy had control over the Black family, Black Family Medical Hospital was in his hands, so protecting Claire wasn't difficult. But Claire had refused to leave with him at that time. She said they should wait another year.

When Claire heard his words, she gave him a slight smile, "If I had left back then, I would regret it deeply."

Owen, "???"

Claire didn't reply but turned to look out the car window, her gaze calm.

—

Ethan's efficiency was high, and a phone call came the next morning.

"Sir, we couldn't find any information on Mr. Owen in City N."

The voice on the other end was not soft, it was clear in the quiet office, especially to Peter, who was standing close by and felt a chill run down his spine when he met Ethan's indifferent gaze. Why did the call come at this exact moment?

"But we found out that Mr. Owen indeed left City W a few days ago. The exact location is still unknown," the voice reported cautiously.

During this time, Ethan had been investigating Owen's whereabouts. But this guy was slippery, always having fake plans. No wonder he was so hard to find.

The Black Family Medical Hospitals were all over the country and were the most well-known in the medical field. Many big-shot families tried everything to get Angela White, the expert in poison and a miracle-working doctor, to come and treat them, and they weren't afraid to spend a fortune to make it happen.

As the person in charge, he had gotten used to being blocked and hiding away.

"Where is Claire?" Ethan suddenly asked.

On the other end, there was a moment of hesitation. "Mrs. Ethan... Miss Claire, although she shares the last name Black, has no relation to the Black family. After leaving Rose Manor yesterday, she stayed at the nearby ST Hotel and hasn't made any movements since."

"The ST Hotel?" That was the Scott Family's property.

"Yes."

"Seal off the hotel and investigate everyone who checked in at the same time as her yesterday afternoon."

"..."

After hanging up the phone, Peter flattered, "Boss, you're wise! Once we find Miss Claire, we'll find Mr. Owen!"

Ethan cast him a cold glance and said, "If you make a mistake, you know the consequences."

Peter, "..." He felt a chill in his wallet, as if he could hear the sound of the bonus flying away.

—

ST Hotel.

Claire was sleeping soundly when she was awakened by the ringing phone.

She groggily reached for it and heard a sweet and syrupy voice on the other end, "Angela, the Scott Family in City N is offering six million. They asked me to buy the whereabouts of the head of Black Family Medical Hospital."

Claire's drowsiness instantly vanished as she sat up from the bed. "What?"

"Your husband, oh no, your ex-husband, offered six million to buy Owen's whereabouts for the past three days! What should I do? I'm tempted!" The voice on the other end was full of implications, as if ready to sell them in the next second.

Claire closed her eyes and said, "Six million, I'll have Owen transfer to you."

The voice on the other end immediately became ecstatic. "Thank you, Angela! Love you! Let's have dinner another day!"

"Don't wait for another day, let's do it this afternoon. I have something to discuss with you."

"..." Getting that six million seemed difficult.

After hanging up the phone, Claire hesitated for several seconds and called Owen, "Where are you?"

On the other end, his lazy voice came through. "Downstairs, just went to Black Family Medical Hospital to bring you something you wanted. Wait for me, I'll be right up."

"Don't come up right now!"

"???"

"I have a foreboding feeling. Ethan might have his eyes on you!"

"..."

Owen looked at the elevator that had just arrived on the first floor and spoke seriously, "Claire, I'm being serious. You should go see a doctor, I seriously suspect that Scott Family has driven you to a nervous breakdown."

Before he could finish speaking, a commotion erupted behind them.

At the hotel entrance.

A row of bodyguards rushed in, blocking the entrance tightly.

Many bewildered people asked, "What's going on? What happened?"

"I heard that the Scott Family is investigating a woman, who seems to be Mr. Ethan's love interest, stayed in a room with another man..."

Peter's eye twitched upon hearing that.

Ethan beside him walked toward the elevator without looking sideways, and the hotel manager immediately escorted him.

With a genuinely frightened attitude, the manager said, "Mr. Ethan, Miss Claire did stay at the hotel yesterday, but the hotel's surveillance happened to be malfunctioning in the afternoon, so we can't confirm how many people were there. The registration records show that only she checked in." His words were evasive, completely shifting the blame.

They entered the elevator, the tall figure of the man making the space even more cramped, his cold eyes emanating a bone-chilling coldness.

The hotel manager couldn't figure out his mood and blindly flattered, "Someone like you, Mr. Ethan, with your wealth and appearance, is admired and adored by all the socialites in City N. And Miss Claire, as your sweetheart, must feel extremely lucky. How could she possibly be with another man..."

The elevator doors opened, and Ethan turned his head impatiently to glance at him.

The manager froze in place, not knowing which part of his words went wrong.

Peter cast a deep meaningful look at him, wondering if the manager's brain was malfunctioning.

They quickly caught up, only to see Ethan's figure halt at the corner, his aura intimidating.

The top-floor presidential suite was fully equipped, with an open-air restaurant right next to it, adorned with fresh warm tones that reflected the gentle morning sun, making people feel cheerful.

However, if you ignore the repulsive voices...

"Why hasn't he come to see me yet?"

"What possessiveness? All this means nothing to my husband!"

"Don't bring that up; it makes me angry! That rich second-generation playboy was so embarrassing yesterday! I paid a lot of money and he wouldn't even drive a decent car?"

"Are you sure you're a love expert?"

"..."

The sharp and sarcastic voice left Peter incredulous.

A love expert? A rich second-generation playboy paid for?

Looking at his boss beside him, whose face was as dark as a burnt pot, perhaps due to his intense cold gaze, the person on the other side instinctively turned away.

Claire was initially puzzled, but then her eyes lit up with joy. She quickly changed her tone, speaking in a sweet and cloying voice that could drive someone crazy, "Honey! Why did you come?"

Ethan's eyes betrayed his growing anger.

Claire acted as if she hadn't noticed, taking small steps as she ran over. "Are you here to find me? Do you still care about me, right?"

Seeing her almost throw herself at him, Ethan barely managed to dodge by shifting to the side. His gaze towards her turned icy.

But Claire, as if shocked, stopped in her tracks, and a smile quickly spread across her face. "Honey, I know you care about me. You're just too shy to say it! Don't worry, I won't make fun of you..."

"Shut up!" Ethan's forehead vein bulged as he shouted sternly.

He glared fiercely at Peter, then fell silent for a moment before speaking in a deep voice, "Who was the man who picked you up yesterday afternoon?"

Claire's face momentarily revealed confusion, and then understanding flashed across it. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Are you jealous? We're getting a divorce, and if you really didn't care, you wouldn't have come to ask..."

The girl blushed and lowered her head, laughing with an extra touch of shyness.

Taking into account what he had just heard and her triumphant expression, it wasn't difficult to guess the ins and outs of the whole situation.

Ethan despised being manipulated, especially by such a foolish woman. He didn't want to have anything to do with her for even a second. Through clenched teeth, he said, "Get your things, we're heading to the courthouse for a divorce!"

All the way there, Claire stared at him with an extremely aggrieved look in her eyes.

Ethan feigned ignorance and closed his eyes, seeking some peace.

But the more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became.

Just moments ago, when he mentioned going to the courthouse for a divorce, this woman, although feeling down, quickly grabbed her documents as if she had already prepared them in advance.

Moreover, she's capable of doing things like hiring someone to pretend to be her lover, so why didn't she use this opportunity to deceive him into entering the room? Creating a scandal, revealing her identity as his wife would be more advantageous for her, wouldn't it?

They've been married for three years, and she's never caused trouble or put him in difficult situations. She knows when to step forward and when to step back. She's been as obedient as if she had no temper at all. So why did her personality suddenly change these past couple of days?

He abruptly opened his eyes and looked at the woman beside him.

Claire stared at him with the resentful gaze of a wronged woman for more than ten minutes. When she saw he was unaffected, she let her guard down. She turned her head to look out the car window, her eyes filled with joy. They were almost there. In no more than half a day, she would have her divorce certificate, and she would finally be free!

Unable to hold back, a slight curve formed at the corner of her lips...

Ethan squinted his eyes and looked at her, as if he had never known her before.

Claire seemed to sense something and turned her head abruptly, only to meet his deep blue eyes, which held a sharp insight.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she forced a smile. "Honey, what are you looking at?"

"Sir, Miss Claire, we've arrived," the driver said.

The car came to a smooth stop at the entrance of the court.

With a sad expression on her face, Claire looked out the window, her lips tightly pursed, and her beautiful eyes filled with unwillingness. "Honey, do we really have to get a divorce? I just love you, what's wrong with that?"

Ethan gazed at her for a few seconds. "You love me?"

Claire was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect him to suddenly reply to her. "Of course!"

"How much do you love me?"

"..." Claire's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

Did he want an extravagant declaration of love?

Why was this man so shameless?

They were getting a divorce, and he still wanted to find a sense of presence with her, proving his boundless charm?

"Honey, you are perfect from head to toe. Even with a poker face, you make my heart race. With just a blink of an eye, it's like I've experienced all four seasons with you! From the moment I first saw you, my heart has followed you. If I did something ridiculous yesterday, today, or even in the future, it must be because I was bewitched by your enchanting beauty! You are fully responsible for that!"

Based on Claire's understanding of Ethan, he disliked trouble, slick talkers, and people who refused to admit their mistakes and put blame on others.

She was almost convinced by her performance and her smile widened. "As long as you don't divorce me, I'm willing to do anything!"

Ethan remained silent for a few seconds, looking at her radiant face. "Really?"

Claire, "? ? ?" Why didn't he tell her to get out of the car?

"Then give me the contact information of the man from yesterday."

"..." Claire choked, her face flushed.

Their gazes met.

One was probing and profound, the other was surprised and flustered.

Suddenly, a jarring ringtone disrupted the eerie silence in the car.

It was a call from the Scott family.

Ethan looked deeply at her before answering the call.

The solemn voice on the other end couldn't hide the urgency. "Come back, Grandma Scott is in a critical condition."

In the taxi.

Claire leaned against the window, her expression somewhat serious as she watched the scenery zoom past on both sides.

A message flashed on her phone.

It was from Owen: [How did it go? You didn't show any flaws, did you?]

The reason Claire put on that act at the hotel just now was to create an opportunity for Owen to slip away. After so many years of running away, he should be used to it by now.

Claire took a deep breath: [With that cunning man, he probably suspects something.]

Thanks to the phone call just now, he didn't have time to ask further questions.

But Grandma Scott's condition...

Owen replied: [If you can hide it, hide it. If you can't, you won't lose out! If it really gets exposed, you should confront him and ask for his help in reclaiming the Black family. You can help him save his grandmother too! Fake couples can be utilized to the fullest. And if sparks of love ignite during the collaboration, maybe it could even develop into a real marriage!]

Claire responded firmly: [No, divorce is a must, and it has to be Ethan who initiates it!]

Owen: [...]

He never understood why Claire insisted on getting a divorce. If it was just because of that wicked mother-in-law and sister-in-law, a clever trick could easily make them obedient. Why go through all the trouble of getting a divorce and make Ethan bring it up first?

Without pressing for answers, Owen said: [Alright, the medicinal herbs you need are in my room. Go get them yourself. I won't be coming back these next few days, and you better not be wandering around either. Once Grandma Scott's condition stabilizes, we'll leave."

The sun slowly rose, bathing the city in golden light. A gentle breeze brushed through, causing the leaves to sway and dance in the sunlight.

Claire entered a dessert shop and found a seat by the window all by herself.

Two minutes later, a girl in her early twenties, wearing the uniform of the dessert shop, approached with two cups of beverages.

"Miss, here's the juice that you ordered."

Her words were gentle, but she placed the items on the table with a loud thud and then sat directly across from her, staring at her with resentful eyes.

Claire glanced at her, lifted her eyelids, and then picked up a small spoon. "Don't give me that abused wife look, as if I'm taking advantage of you."

"You haven't taken advantage of me yet? You're blocking my path to fortune and squeezing out my remaining value! You opportunist!"

"..."