Chapter 3

Chloe buried her face in my chest. At first she sobbed softly, but soon she couldn't hold back and started wailing. "Dad, did I really do something wrong?"

My heart ached for her as I held her close, gently stroking her hair. "No, sweetheart, we didn't do anything wrong. Don't cry. Tonight, Dad will set things right for you."

Tonight was the Burnett family gathering. When Chloe and I showed up, everyone had already arrived.

Maria, Chloe's mom, spotted the cast on Chloe's arm and gasped, "Chloe, what happened to your arm?"

"She just took a tumble," Ellen jumped in before I could say anything.

Concerned, Maria reached out, gently touching the cast. "Sweetheart, you have to be more careful next time."

Chloe just nodded, looking downcast. I didn't say anything more, just led her to sit down beside Ellen.

When I settled into my seat, I finally noticed who was sitting on Ellen's left—Neil.

Noticing who I was looking at, Maria quickly flashed a warm smile and said, "This is Neil Whitaker, Ellen's junior. I've met him quite a few times. He's a really good guy."

Neil gave me a cocky smirk.

He stuck close to Ellen, effortlessly charming Ellen's parents.

Seeing the smugness growing on Neil's face, I couldn't help but grin inwardly. 'The real drama's only getting started,' I thought.

When I spotted my chance, I pulled the divorce papers from my folder and slid them decisively across to Ellen. "Ellen, we're getting a divorce."

Everyone went dead silent at the table.

Ellen's expression went stiff. Then her cheeks burned with anger. "Oscar, must you make a scene? Wasn't today embarrassing enough for you?"

I chuckled, "Embarrassing? Then let's show everyone who's really the disgrace here."

I slammed my phone down in front of her, the screen lighting up with a video of Chloe being shoved down the stairs.

I said, "This is surveillance footage from the chess tournament of Chloe being pushed. And the culprit? Neil's son.

"I was going to call the police, but you stopped me, brushing it off as kids messing around. You even accused Chloe of lying just to frame your precious boyfriend."

All eyes snapped to Neil, whose face drained of all color.

I switched over to the hospital recording. Neil's voice cut through the silence in the living room, every word clear as day. "Oscar, mark my words—one day I'm going to replace you."

I said, "Your lover and his son have both trampled over me and Chloe. If I don't divorce you, am I supposed to just let you two cheating scumbags stomp over us until we're dead?"

With every word I said, Neil's face went a shade paler, his earlier swagger vanishing.

Ellen stared at the screen, her expression darkening with fury.

"E-Ellen, please, let me explain. I..." Neil stammered.

Ellen raised her hand and slapped Neil hard across the face. "Neil, how dare you lie to me."

Neil clutched his cheek in shock, staring at her in disbelief.

Ellen's eyes were icy. "So, Neil, you deliberately lied to me to turn me against my husband and daughter, huh?"

Neil pressed his hand to his burning cheek, biting his lip in resentment.

Maria, who'd been singing Neil's praises minutes ago, was now flushed with anger. She glared at Neil. "You're so vicious. I won't let you off for how you bullied Chloe today."

Maria turned to me. "Oscar, what do you suggest we deal with Neil?"

I shook my head and said softly, "Nothing."

When I finished, the sound of police sirens grew louder outside.

I looked out the window and said slowly, "I'll settle my own scores."

Several police officers charged into the Burnett house. The lead cop flashed his badge at Neil.

He said, "We received a report that you coaxed a minor into committing a crime. You'll have to come with us."

Neil's terror was obvious. "No, I'm not going."

He grabbed Ellen's hand, eyes red as he pleaded, "Ellen, help me. I don't wanna go to jail."

Ellen shoved his hand away icily. The cops moved in, cuffing Neil and escorting him out.

The house fell silent.

Ellen glanced at me. "Oscar, I'm so sorry for what I did before. I..."

I shut her down coldly, expressionless. "We're done, Ellen. I've already prepared the property division and the divorce agreements—just sign them as soon as possible."

With that, I turned and walked out. Chloe instantly understood, grabbed my hand, and left with me.

Ellen reached out, trying to grab me, but her hand grasped nothing but empty air.

With Chloe by my side, we left the Burnett house and I flagged down a taxi.

As we were climbing in, I saw Ellen rush out after us, the divorce papers in hand.

I turned my gaze away as the taxi slowly drove off.

Chloe hugged me tight and asked, "Dad, where are we going?"

I gently stroked her head, my voice gentle. "We're going abroad, to a place where no one will ever hurt us again."

Chloe nodded obediently. "As long as I'm with you, Dad, I don't care where we go."