Chapter 3

A week later, Sean received a court summons. He rushed to the hospital and stopped me at the hospital room door, his face was livid with anger.

Sean shouted, "Natasha, are you out of your mind? You really want to drag this to court?"

I looked at him calmly. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

"You!" Sean was shaking with rage. "Fine, you want out? Well, let me tell you, you're not getting anything from me!"

"The court will decide," I replied. I brushed past him and walked into the hospital room.

Sean roared behind me, "Natasha, you'll regret this!"

That night, Sean's mom, Ashley, called. She asked, "Natasha, what are you doing? No couple should go to bed angry."

Ashley sounded gentle, genuinely concerned.

Back then, I always bought into her act, convinced she was such a sweet mother-in-law. Thinking about it now, it was honestly ridiculous.

"This is between Sean and me. You really don't need to get involved," I said, my tone flat.

"Oh, but Sean is my son. How could I possibly stay out of this?" Ashley replied with a gentle sigh. "Natasha, just tell me. How much do you want to drop the lawsuit?"

Her words caught me off guard, but then I understood. 'She really thinks this is all just about money.'

"I'm not here for the money. I want a divorce," I said.

There was a brief silence on the other end. Suddenly, Ashley's voice went sharp. "Natasha, don't be so ungrateful.

"If Sean hadn't married you, with your background, do you really think anyone else would have wanted you?

"Now you think you're so independent, huh? Planning to run off and find yourself some random guy?"

I let out a cold laugh, hung up, and blocked her number. There was nothing left to say to someone like her.

The next day, Samara showed up at the hospital. She was dressed head-to-toe in designer brands, rocking sky-high heels and swinging a Hermès bag.

"Hey, Natasha long time no see." Samara greeted me with a bright, almost smug smile as she walked into the room.

Samara asked, "So, I heard you're really going through with divorcing my brother?"

I ignored her and kept slicing the apple.

Samara didn't get mad at all. She just kept going on, not caring if I responded or not. "Natasha, you really need to think this through. My brother is such a catch.

"Once you leave him, where are you ever going to find another guy like him? And honestly, he's treated you pretty well all these years, hasn't he? Always letting you have your way."

Samara paused, giving me a knowing look. "You know, my brother just sent me 15 thousand dollars yesterday. Told me to buy myself a new bag and have some fun.

"If he treats me this well, you know he won't treat you any worse. Just drop the lawsuit, and I'll put in a good word for you with him."

I finally looked up and met her gaze.

Samara thought I was wavering, and smugly tilted her chin.

"But," Samara suddenly switched gears, her voice turning icy, "if you insist on causing trouble, don't blame me for not holding back. You'll walk out of this marriage with nothing, not a single cent."

I set down the fruit knife and spoke slowly. "Samara, do you know how much Sean has sent you over the past five years? It's 300 thousand dollars."

Her smile froze instantly.

"Half of that came from me." I stepped closer to her. "You've been splurging on bags and clothes with my money, and now you think you can threaten me?"

Samara's face went ghostly pale, and she took a step back. "You're making that up. That money came from my brother."

"The court will figure it out," I replied coldly. "And that company you and Sean set up? I'm coming after that too."

Samara's face turned pale as a ghost. She opened her mouth, clearly wanting to say something, but nothing came out.

Then Samara bolted out of there in her heels, barely keeping her balance.

Watching her make that pathetic exit, I couldn't help but feel a wave of satisfaction.

In my previous life, Samara was the one flaunting my money right in my face.

And I was dumb enough to think she was just some innocent airhead.

This time, I was going to make her cough up every single thing she took from me.