Chapter 1

"You don't have a job, so let Olivia have the second floor and move yourself to the attic," my mother-in-law, Eva Waller, said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

My husband, Tristan Waller, peeling shrimp, echoed, "Do as Mom told you."

I flipped the table. "I want a divorce. Take your mom and get out of my house."

Eva took her time sipping her coffee and said, "I'm just saying, Ruth. Olivia doesn't have anywhere to stay. It's sad."

The coffee beans were brought back from abroad at my request and cost over one thousand per pound.

The dress she was wearing was also bought by me, custom-made, with intricate embroidery. She treated it as if it were priceless.

Now she sat there with her legs crossed, acting like she was some rich lady.

"That sunroom on the second floor is empty. It's perfect for Olivia to move in," Eva said.

Tristan was sitting nearby, busy peeling shrimp for Olivia.

"Ruth, listen to Mom. You're not painting anymore, so that studio's collecting dust," he said.

He said it so casually, not even looking up, and dropped the peeled shrimp straight onto Olivia's plate.

"Pack up your stuff and move to the attic on the fifth floor. It's quiet up there," he added.

Olivia kept her head down, looking like she was about to cry.

"Tristan, are you sure about this? Ruth won't be happy. Maybe I should stay in the basement. I really don't mind," she said.

I nearly burst out laughing in disbelief when I heard that.

*****

My parents left this five-story manor to me.

When we got married, Tristan's family was so broke that they couldn't even afford a proper wedding house.

Back then, Eva grabbed my hand, crying her eyes out, snot and tears everywhere, and promised she'd treat me like her own daughter.

I must've been crazy. My heart softened, and I let their whole family move in.

And this was how that turned out.

They were living in my manor, burning through my money, and wanted to banish me to the attic.

"Mrs. Waller, that sunroom was my dad's studio when he was alive. All the furniture in there is solid rosewood," I said.

I set down my fork and looked at her calmly.

Eva's face fell, and she slammed her coffee cup down on the table.

"Ruth, what did you call me? Mrs. Waller? Do you have any manners at all?" she snapped.

"Don't forget you're eating my son's food, living in his house, and even this coffee was bought with his money. And you still think you have the right to talk back?" Eva snapped.

I glanced at the coffee, then at the dress she was wearing.

I sneered, "This coffee costs one thousand dollars a pound. Can Tristan's salary even buy a few pounds?

"And that dress you're wearing? Thirty thousand dollars. Is your son's bonus even enough to cover a single sleeve?"

Eva was stunned for a second, then raised her voice and started shouting, "My son is capable.

"Tristan's about to be promoted to vice president, and he'll be raking in 300 thousand a year.

"You're just a jobless freeloader, so what if you spend some money? Pretty soon, this house will be under my son's name anyway."

I turned to look at Tristan.

He finally put down the shrimp, frowning as he tugged at his tie.

He said, "Ruth, can you stop being so petty? Mom's trying to do what's best for the family.

"Besides, the money your parents left you is probably almost gone after three years, right? Who else is going to keep this family afloat if not me?"

So that was what he really thought.

He thought I was broke, that I was nothing but a burden to him.

He was already counting this house as his.

My temper finally snapped.

Suddenly, I stood up and flipped the entire table.

Plates and bowls crashed to the floor, red wine spilled everywhere.

Eva screamed, and Olivia dove straight into Tristan's arms.

"Ruth, what the hell is wrong with you?" Tristan shouted.

"Yeah, I must be crazy, crazy enough to let you parasites mooch off me for three years," I snapped back.

I wiped my hands with a tissue, staring at their faces, and I felt filthy just looking at them.

"Tristan, we're done. Let's get a divorce. Right now. Take your mom and your side chick and get the hell out of my house," I said coldly.

Eva finally caught on, hands on her hips, laughing out loud.

She sneered, "Divorce? Great. After the divorce, let's see where you go to beg for food.

"Tristan, go handle the paperwork and put the deed in your name tomorrow. From now on, this house belongs to the Waller family."

She was still daydreaming, lost in her own delusions.

I didn't bother with her, picked up my bag, and headed straight out the door.

As soon as I stepped outside, the breeze washed over me, and I felt lighter all over.

I found William Underwood's number in my contacts and called him.

William picked up right away, his voice low, "Hello."

"William, I need you to take care of a few things for me," I said.

I stood under the streetlight, my voice cold and calm. "First, cancel all the secondary cards under my name, especially Eva's.

"Second, tell property management that No. 18 Harbor Lane is scheduled for renovation. Starting tonight, cut off the water, electricity, and internet.

"Third, calculate the rent for the past three years. They've been living in my house and eating my food. They're not getting away with a single cent."