Chapter 2

My words left Vivian utterly speechless.

Jason's eyes, however, gleamed with surprise and delight.

He feigned distress. "Ryan, what are you doing?"

"I know you've never liked me. If you don't want me taking your VP role, just say so. Do you really have to use divorce to threaten Vivian?"

Vivian clearly took the bait. Her expression darkened as she glared at me, her voice turning sharp. "You've grown bold, Ryan."

"Trying to play mind games with me? Threatening me with divorce? Do you really think a cheap trick like that could ever control me?"

"Ryan, you underestimate me!"

"Go ahead. Draw up the papers now. Let's see if I'm afraid to sign!"

Vivian had completely lost control!

She was absolutely convinced that I couldn't leave her, that I'd never give up my status as the 'trophy husband' of the Vivian family, so she acted with such impunity.

Without a moment's hesitation, I walked out of the office and quickly prepared my resignation letter and the divorce papers.

When Jason saw the clause in the divorce papers stating I would leave empty-handed, his eyes betrayed an even greater, barely concealed excitement.

He continued his phony act, saying to me, "Ryan, don't be ridiculous."

"Vivian is already pregnant. How can you threaten her with such tactics at a time like this? What if she gets upset and it affects the baby? That would be terrible."

"Besides, you love Vivian so much, how could you bear to divorce her!"

"If you don't want me to take your position, I'll just continue being Vivian's assistant."

"In fact, if you're sick of seeing me, I'll resign right now! Wouldn't that be enough?"

"You and Vivian absolutely can't let your marriage fall apart because of me, or I'll be to blame."

As Jason spoke, he put on a show of being wronged, his eyes slightly red as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

Jason's theatrical performance disgusted me.

But Vivian, ironically, fell for his act completely.

Vivian shot me a fierce glare, then signed the divorce papers without hesitation.

She said coldly, "Your resignation is approved. I've signed the divorce papers. You can go!"

"Ryan, without me, all your glory will vanish instantly."

"You'll regret this. I'll wait for the day you come back begging me!"

I looked at her deeply, said nothing, and turned to leave.

I already regretted it!

Regretted the day we met, fell in love, and walked down the aisle!

The moment I stepped out of the company's main entrance, I let out a long breath.

Though a part of me still felt sad, my whole being felt like a heavy burden had been lifted.

Back then, Vivian saw me as her only anchor, and I wholeheartedly devoted myself to safeguarding her. For years, I had poured every ounce of my energy into ensuring Vivian Corp flourished.

At the same time, Vivian and Jason's flirtatious behavior had filled me with anger and helplessness, and I'd been indecisive, dragging my feet.

Now, after cutting ties cleanly, it was time for a good rest.

In the company parking lot downstairs, as I pulled out my car keys to drive away, Linda, the company accountant, jogged over.

She gave me a strange look, then cautiously spoke. "Ryan, Ms. Vivian just instructed me that since you've resigned, the car you're driving is company property, so-"

She didn't finish, but I understood perfectly.

I gave a bitter laugh, tossed her the car keys, and walked away without a word.

When I took a taxi back to the gated community, the security guard at the gate stopped me.

The property manager, Mr. Peterson, was standing there too, wearing an awkward smile. "Mr. Ryan, Ms. Vivian just called. She's revoked your access card and facial recognition. You're no longer permitted entry!"

"Did you two have a...disagreement?"

"Perhaps you could give Ms. Vivian a call now and sort it out? This puts us in a rather difficult position."

What else could I say?

How much money I'd earned for Vivian Corp over the years, others might not know, but Vivian certainly did.

And I hadn't received any commensurate compensation.

In Vivian's words, what was hers was mine; we were a married couple, no need to distinguish things too clearly.

So, to this day, I owned no property. The luxury car and villa were all in Vivian's name.

Even my bank account had less than a hundred dollars!

As I stood blocked at the entrance of the villa community, I let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Laughing at how foolish I had been.