Chapter 3

My father chimed in, “That’s right, how many drinking parties have you attended over the years? I saw you drinking so happily back then, even when we told you not to go, you insisted.”

All these years, one had to maintain the image of a refined CEO, while the other had to uphold the dignity of a chairman. The task of shamelessly currying favor naturally fell to me.

Six days left, I counted silently in my mind. Then I took the wine glass that George was practically shoving into my mouth and turned it toward Helena.

Her face couldn’t hide her smug satisfaction. I raised my glass, enunciating each word clearly, “I wish you all get what you want.”

That night, the sharp cramping in my stomach yanked me out of a nightmare. Cold sweat soaked my nightgown as I curled up in bed, even breathing was painful to me.

I groped for the nightstand, searching for painkillers, but found nothing.

Only then did I remember that the family’s medicine cabinet had long been cleared out by the maid, who claimed Helena couldn’t stand the smell of medicine.

The huge villa was completely empty. They were probably all gathered around Helena’s room, fussing over her.

I struggled to get up and went to the hospital myself. In the emergency room, the doctor looked at my medical record, his brows furrowed deeply.

“How did you end up like this again? Didn’t I tell you to take proper care of yourself?”

He looked up at me, his tone full of reproach and said, “Wasn’t Mr. Gervase keeping an eye on you? When he came last time, he specifically instructed me to make sure you got the right treatment.”

My mind went blank. My first stomach attack had also happened here.

George had rushed me into the emergency room, his eyes red with panic. He grabbed the doctor’s hand and pleaded over and over, “What should we do?”

After I was discharged, he took all my work documents and personally cooked porridge for me. He would come to the hospital every few days to discuss my diet with the doctor.

Back then, he truly loved me. But that love vanished anyway.

Maybe I was too busy, too consumed to notice everyone’s emotions. I still remember our last argument.

It was because I hadn’t slept for three days and three nights on a project. Then I missed the trip I’d promised George.

He lost his temper with me for the first time. He accused me of being a cold-blooded monster who only knew how to work and hadn’t fulfilled my responsibilities as a wife.

I was somewhat bewildered at the time. I was just trying to be like my mother, wanting to give them a better life. What was wrong with that?

Running two companies kept me busy and exhausted. There was no time for me to dwell on things.

By the time I came to my senses again, everything had already become what it is now.

My phone vibrated, pulling me back from my reality. It was a message from George.

[Dad and I are taking Helena on a vacation to clear her mind. Transfer six million from the company account.]

I replied with a simple word just as I always had. [Okay].

Then I messaged the finance department, granting them unlimited spending authority. It wouldn’t be my company anymore anyway. Whether the cash flow dried up or not was no longer my concern.

The doctor was still nagging beside me, “You must follow medical advice. Don’t keep neglecting your health like this.”

I nodded firmly. “Okay, doctor. I won’t do it again.”

From now on, I’d only live for myself. I stayed in the hospital for several days. George didn’t make a single call.

Only the chief financial officer cautiously called once. “Ms. Fogolla, regarding Mr. Gervase, his spending at the overseas resort has already exceeded ten million. If this continues, the company’s cash flow will dry up.”

I leaned against the headboard, looking out the window at the gray sky. “Let them be.”

The chief financial officer grew frantic on the other end. “But Ms. Fogolla, the first payment for the South City project is due soon! If we use that money, we’ll be in breach of contract!”