Chapter 2

The doorbell kept ringing, pounding like a death knell.

Peeking through the peephole, I saw Daniel and Melinda outside, their expressions icier than the winter snow.

Melinda clutched a suitcase, looking like she was ready for a showdown.

I opened the security door and gave them a frosty stare.

"What are you doing here so early?" I asked coldly.

Daniel pushed past me and dumped the suitcase on the floor.

"Pearl, have you had your fun yet? Unfreeze the accounts now. The company needs the money to keep running," he snapped.

I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"It's my money. If I feel like unfreezing it, I will. If not, it stays right where it is," I shot back coolly.

Melinda stormed over, jabbing her finger at me. "You are a heartless woman. That money is supposed to be joint property. How dare you hog it all for yourself?"

I gave her a faint smile, keeping my voice steady.

"Mom, you're mistaken. Those are assets I had before the marriage, kept in the joint account for convenience. Legally, they're mine," I replied.

Daniel's eyes were bloodshot with anger. He snapped, "We've been married for three years. Your money is my money. Don't draw lines between us."

I pulled out my phone and tapped play on a recording.

It was a phone call between Daniel and Cassandra from last night, where he was scheming to transfer the house and move the savings.

The recording echoed through the living room, every word sharp and unmistakable.

Daniel turned white as a sheet. Melinda gaped at me.

They had no idea I'd pull something like this.

I stopped the recording and slipped my phone back into my pocket.

"Now it's clear, isn't it? You are trying to shift the assets. So you will leave with nothing," I said.

Daniel lunged at me, trying to snatch my phone. I sidestepped and shoved him away.

He stumbled back a few steps and banged into the shoe rack.

"You want to get physical? Domestic violence is a crime, you know. That'll make the divorce go even smoother for me," I said coolly.

Daniel stopped in his tracks, glaring at me but not daring to say a word.

Right then, Daniel's phone started ringing. It was the bank calling.

He answered and listened in silence, his face getting uglier with every word.

A staff member said, "The account's been frozen due to unusual activity. You need to come in person, and the authorized person's approval is required."

I was the authorized person. If I didn't show up, there was no way that account was getting unlocked.

He'd barely hung up when another call came in. It was his company assistant.

The suppliers were chasing him for payment. The company's cash flow was completely cut off, and if he didn't send the money today, they'd take him to court.

Daniel's hands were trembling, and his phone nearly slipped from his grasp.

He looked at me, his eyes begging for mercy.

"Pearl, I'm begging you. Unfreeze the accounts this once. The company can't go under," he pleaded.

I shook my head. "You started the company. Whether it makes money or goes under, that's your problem. My only concern is the divorce."

Melinda suddenly dropped to the ground. "Pearl, I was wrong.

"I shouldn't have said those things. For Daniel's sake, please help him this once."

I watched her and felt absolutely nothing inside.

In my previous life, I was the one on the ground, begging them not to throw me out.

In the end, they still kicked me out, left me to freeze to death out on the streets.

This time, it was their turn to beg me.

I stepped right over Melinda without a second glance and made myself comfortable on the couch.

"If you want my help, here's the deal. Sign the divorce papers and leave with nothing. The house and car stay with me, and all the debts are yours," I said.

Daniel yelled, "This is highway robbery. I'm taking you to court!"

I smirked. "Be my guest. I've got solid evidence you tried to move assets. Once the court sees it, you won't get a single cent, and all the debt will be yours."

Daniel slumped to the floor in defeat, while Melinda was still wailing. The living room was left in utter chaos.

I glanced at my watch. It was time for the lawyer to arrive.

The doorbell rang again. This time, it was a delivery guy.

I got up, opened the door, and took the envelope. Inside were the lawsuit papers.

"If you won't sign, we'll settle this in court," I said icily.

I threw the documents to Daniel. "Look closely. That's your summons. Court's next week."

Daniel clutched the summons, his hands shaking uncontrollably.

The obedient wife he once knew was gone for good. Now, standing before him was a stranger, an ice-cold woman he didn't even recognize anymore.

Melinda scrambled up and tried to rip the summons, but I caught her hand before she could.

"Tampering with evidence will only make things worse. You want to go to jail for that?" I said coldly.

She jerked her hand back, too scared to try anything else.

The room was dead silent, with only the sound of fireworks popping outside, making the cold inside feel even sharper.

I pointed at the door. "That's all I have to say. Please leave. I've got to pack. I'll be at a hotel tomorrow."

Daniel stood up, his eyes dark and menacing. "Pearl, don't get too full of yourself. Even a rabbit bites when it's pushed to the edge."

I locked eyes with him. "I'm not scared of you lashing out. Actually, I hope you do. Makes it easier for the judge to throw the book at you."

Daniel clenched his jaw, dragged Melinda out, and left without another word.

I let out a sigh of relief as soon as the door closed behind them.

I'd won the first battle, but this was the beginning.

Cassandra hadn't made her move yet. She was the real mastermind behind it all.

I picked up my phone and dialed a number.

"Hey, check every account Cassandra has for me. I want everything," I said.

After hanging up, I headed to the bedroom to keep packing.

I left all the furniture and appliances for Daniel. I was the one who paid for them.

When the court settled things, Daniel and his family would have to compensate me for their value anyway.

After I finished packing, I sank onto the couch and took a slow sip from a cup of warm water. The heat settled in my stomach, chasing away the last bit of cold from the chaos.

My phone vibrated, my lawyer texted: [All the evidence is ready. We can go to trial anytime.]

I replied: [Fine.]

I set my phone down and gazed out the window. The snow was falling harder now, covering up all the ugliness outside.

It was just like I was about to do, which was leaving my old weakness behind and starting fresh.

Daniel and Cassandra's good life had come to an end.