Chapter 4
With William and my colleagues nearby, I didn't say the word "divorce" out loud.
But Adam suddenly looked up, his eyes cold and almost sinister. "Claire, fine, divorce it is. But your apartment and all your assets—we go 50-50!"
The medical staff around us were all stunned.
William looked at me in disbelief. "Dr. Simmons, he's your husband? And Lily..."
I stared at Adam—the man I'd thought I knew better than anyone—yet right now, he felt like a complete stranger.
I pressed my nails deep into my palms, letting the pain help me stay calm.
From the moment I realized Adam had another pregnant wife, it hit me—he was nothing like the sweet, thoughtful man I'd believed in for the past three years.
But I never expected he'd shamelessly demand half of everything I own, as if it was his right.
Maybe this was the real reason he married me all along.
"Dr. Grant, Adam is my husband—we've been married for two years. I only just found out he has another wife here," I said.
It dawned on everyone immediately.
Someone couldn't hold back. "That's disgusting—it's bigamy! And you have the nerve to extort Dr. Simmons?"
Rachel sprang up from the floor, pointing right at my nose. "Half your assets? All your money should go to Adam! You killed my grandson—how are you going to pay for that?"
Frank nodded along behind her. "That's right! You call yourself a doctor? Just wait, you'll be behind bars soon!"
The staff who assisted me in surgery knew the real story.
Meanwhile, patients and their families started gathering around.
Adam's parents seized the moment, raising their voices even louder.
"Everyone, you be the judge. This woman—some big-shot city doctor—she killed my grandson on purpose, all because of some personal grudge. And she took out my daughter-in-law's uterus too! She's trying to wipe out our family line!"
The crowd kept growing, and people began pointing at me, shooting me looks of disgust and contempt.
Some started pulling out their phones and recording everything.
Adam slid over to my side, speaking in a hushed voice. "Honey, if you stay with me, I'll pretend nothing happened today.
"But if you insist on divorce, forget about splitting any assets."
He paused, a smug grin spreading across his face. "And if we take this to the authorities, you can say goodbye to your medical career—and you might even end up in jail.
"You're smart—you should know what to do."
He paused, staring at me with absolute certainty, like he was convinced I'd give in.
But the second he called me "honey," it made my skin crawl.
The mask was off—I saw right through Adam now. He just wanted to keep me around since Lily couldn't have kids anymore.
Fighting back the urge to gag, I stared Adam straight in the eye. "The divorce is happening. You cheated—and we both know there's more. You think the law will let you off easy?"
Adam stared at me suspiciously for a long moment, then decided I was bluffing.
He sneered, "Claire, don't try that bluffing game with me. If you don't agree to my terms, I'll report you to the authorities!
"Just think about what'll happen to you—you could get suspended, or even end up in jail! Wasn't being a doctor your whole dream? If you lose that, that'll be hell for you, won't it?
"Think about your parents. All those years of sacrifice, raising their brilliant daughter—only to watch her lose her career and go to prison. Your dad's heart going to hold up through that?"
As he spoke, a nasty smirk twisting his lips.
Every word he said hit me where it hurt most—my deepest vulnerabilities.