Chapter 5

My phone suddenly rang; it was my mom.

Her voice, choked with tears, came through:

"Alex, I saw the news online."

My nose stung, and my eyes welled up.

Mom's voice was choked but firm:

"No matter what happens, your dad and I believe in you."

I took a deep breath: "Mom, I'm fine. Those videos are AI-generated; it'll be resolved soon."

Mom suddenly said:

"If you're unhappy, just come home. I know starting your own business alone in New York is hard. Your dad and I will always welcome you back."

I stood by the roadside, and tears finally fell.

It had been three years. This was the first time I'd cried.

In this world, someone still loved me unconditionally.

"Okay," I said softly.

I hung up the phone and looked at the wedding ring on my hand.

Chloe hadn't worn hers in a long time.

It was time for me to take mine off too.

I took a deep breath and removed the ring.

Then I called a local delivery service.

I put the ring in a parcel box and sent it to Chloe.

After the courier left, I went to a hotel.

As soon as I entered the room, Chloe's call came through.

I didn't answer.

After it rang three more times, I just turned my phone off.

When I turned it back on an hour later, there were 23 missed calls, all from Chloe.

And over a dozen text messages:

[What does the ring mean?]

[Answer the phone!!]

[Alex, I'm giving you one last chance]

[Fine, then don't regret it]

The last one was sent five minutes ago.

I scoffed, a cold laugh escaping me, and with a tap of my finger, deleted her contact.

At eight PM, there was furious pounding on the door.

"Alex! Open up!"

It was Chloe's voice.

I looked through the peephole; she stood at the door, her face dark.

"I know you're in there," her voice was icy, "Open the door, let's talk."

I didn't move.

"Alex," she knocked on the door, "Don't make me get nasty."

I still didn't move.

"Fine," she sneered, "You think hiding will solve anything?"

"I'm telling you, I've frozen your accounts."

"All your money is in my hands."

"Without me, you can't even afford this hotel!"

"Open the door right now, or..."

"Or what?" I spoke through the door.

She froze for a moment, then grew angrier: "Or you won't get a single cent!"

"Oh," I said, "Then don't give it."

"Chloe," I said softly, "Do you know?"

"The one thing I'm never short on is money."

"Alex!" she exploded, "Open the door for me, now!"

"You..."

"Chloe," I cut her off, "If you don't leave, I'm calling the police."

"The police?" she scoffed, "Go ahead! Let's see who dares to intervene!"

I took out my phone and dialed 911.

"Hello, I have someone harassing me here."

Before I finished speaking, I heard footsteps outside the door.

Then the sound of the elevator closing.

I hung up.

I opened my laptop and logged into my email.

Three years ago, I gave up a Ph.D. opportunity, focusing solely on starting a business to make money for Chloe. My mentor once told me:

"Alex, with your abilities, you shouldn't just be your wife's assistant. You can always come back."

Now, it was time to go back.

I sent an email to Professor Clark:

[Professor, is there still a position available for the project you mentioned three years ago?]

Then I made a call.

"Jeff, can you help me check Chloe's recent call records?"

The other end was silent for a few seconds.

"Okay."

Jeff was my college roommate and the champion of a national hacking competition.

Back then, I had helped him secure a coveted position at a prestigious research institution.

After hanging up, I dialed another number.

"Marta, it's me."

The voice on the other end immediately became excited: "Alex! You finally contacted me!"

Marta was a classmate from college, now a partner at a renowned law firm.

Back then, I had helped her get established at SKY Group; now it was her turn to help me.

"Marta," my voice was calm, "I need your help."

"Tell me," she said immediately, "What do you need?"

"Help me prepare divorce papers."

The other end was silent for a few seconds.

"Alex," her voice was slightly choked, "You finally came to your senses."

Hanging up, I walked to the window, looking at the distant SKY Group building.

Those lights, one of them used to shine for me.

Now, I was going to shut them down, one by one.