3#03

3

I departed from my residence, cradling my daughter.

We journeyed in an opulent vehicle directly to an upscale hotel, where I secured a top-tier suite for our stay.

After settling my child, I indulged in a relaxing bath and contacted my former spouse.

The two residences our family occupied were obtained through his connections.

However, my sibling and mother assumed ownership of them without gratitude.

I informed my ex-husband of my desire to relocate the family to a new city for a change and healing. I requested he reclaim the apartments and convert them to funds for me.

Feeling remorseful, he readily agreed, viewing it as an opportunity to make amends, and immediately consented to my proposal.

The other property, which I had purchased pre-marriage for my mother, was inexplicably registered under my brother's name.

I asked my ex-husband to suggest a skilled attorney. Upon explaining the situation, the lawyer indicated that without a formal gift agreement, reclaiming the property might be feasible.

Reflecting on my pre-marital hard work and continued family support, only to be treated as a financial resource and discarded when no longer needed,

my emotions hardened.

As I was feeling melancholy, an additional fifty million appeared in my account.

My ex-husband was prompt and generous with the transfer. He expressed his desire to reconcile, but if I declined, he felt this compensation was owed to me.

Very well, no more sorrow.

With financial security, physical appeal, and a child, I, Divina, consider myself successful in life.

I possess more wealth than I could spend in my lifetime. I slept peacefully through the night.

Besides the property, I also demanded company shares from my former husband.

I cited the need to provide for our daughter's future. He agreed without hesitation and completed the transaction.

Within two weeks, I became the company's chief executive.

With my daughter, I acquired a lavish home and vehicle, underwent comprehensive beauty treatments, and felt a decade younger. Divorce? No matter. My ex-husband was pleading, and younger men were pursuing me.

In this state, I easily secured a position in my own company through an interview.

I intended to maintain a low profile to observe the company's culture.

One day, while diligently working, I received a call from my mother.

Anticipating her reaction, I held the phone at a distance, yet her angry voice was still audible.

'Divina, you ungrateful child! What have you done? The house has been sold at auction! And what about the other two properties? What do you mean they've been taken back? Now the tenants are causing trouble, and we're homeless! You need to come home and resolve this immediately!''

I laughed, ''Didn't you say it wasn't my home? Where should I return to?''

Jane hurled insults over the phone.

''Divina, have you no humanity? Andy was expelled and has nowhere to go!''

''How is that my concern?''

My mother threatened, ''Just wait, you think you can act defiant, don't you? I'll demand you pay for our upkeep!''

I chuckled, ''Mom, I'm just a jobless wanderer now, so I can't provide much financial support."

"But don't worry, I know a lawyer. I'll certainly sue Andrew first for neglecting parental support.''

Hearing this, my mother, distressed for her beloved son, wailed.

'Fine, just you wait! You think you're invincible now, don't you? Let me tell you, Andrew has influential connections now!''

I sneered, genuinely curious to see what would unfold.

If not for me, Andrew would be unemployed and still a dependent at home.

After ending the call, my former colleague Emily approached me, ''Divina, there's a team-building event tonight. You should attend. The team leader will be present too. I'll introduce you.''

I wondered why I hadn't met the team leader during the interview.

Emily explained that the leader was quite occupied,

but nearby employees exchanged knowing glances and smirked mockingly.

Clearly, something was amiss.

That evening, during the outdoor barbecue, I was mingling with employees from various departments while enjoying a lamb leg when I heard a shrill voice inquiring, ''Divina, why are you here? Who hired you?''

It was Jane.

Promptly, a sycophantic employee approached and whispered that Jane was the team leader's spouse.

And that family members were permitted at the event.

To my astonishment, the unreliable team leader was my brother.

I was contemplating his dismissal

when Jane began publicly denigrating me.

'Do you know she lacks skills? She just exploits men. She's completely unqualified and should be terminated immediately.''

Emily, who interviewed me, swiftly defended me.

'That's inappropriate. Divina is quite competent, as everyone can see.''

She then turned to me, ''Is there a misunderstanding?''

I smiled and shook my head, ''No, she's my sister-in-law.''

The onlookers were intrigued.

My brother, inebriated, was dragged over by Jane and pointed at me, cursing.

''Divina, you're homeless now, aren't you? I'm going to fire you right now!''

Before he could finish, the tardy general manager spotted me and respectfully addressed me.

'President Smith! What brings you here? I was just about to present the annual work plan to you!''