Chapter 5

"And you," my child stated frostily, "are merely a caretaker who has looked after me for 18 years. Family ties are stronger than any others. I trust you won't interfere with our family's reconciliation."

His statement pierced my heart like a sharp dagger.

Elara grinned victoriously, stepping closer as if to deepen the wound.

"Arabella," she taunted, "if you desire a child, why not have one of your own? Stop clinging desperately to my offspring!"

Before I could reply, Axel suddenly produced divorce papers and tossed them on the table alongside a hundred-yuan note.

"The business is my premarital asset," he announced with a disdainful smirk. "Sign these documents, relinquish the company and the child, and allow our trio to reunite. Consider this hundred dollars your payment for those years of running my enterprise and raising my son."

The bystanders erupted in anger.

"Outrageous! They're treating her like hired help!"

"A hundred dollars? Does he believe that's sufficient for years of dedication and effort?"

"This isn't just mistreatment—it's contemptible!"

"Arabella, don't let them push you around! Stand your ground!"

The atmosphere was charged with resentment as onlookers voiced their support for me. Some even offered to assist in filing a lawsuit to reclaim what was rightfully mine.

Yet amidst the uproar, Axel and Elara remained unnaturally poised, as if they had foreseen every reaction. They stood there, arrogant and self-assured, confident in their triumph.

I, however, met their haughtiness with a serene expression.

"Very well," I responded calmly. "I will assist your family."

Murmurs of shock rippled through the crowd as I picked up the pen and signed the divorce papers without hesitation. The room fell quiet, except for the sound of pen on paper.

Both Axel and Elara were momentarily stunned by my compliance. Then, seemingly reassured by my apparent surrender, they exchanged victorious glances and eagerly inspected the document.

After verifying its authenticity, their smiles broadened.

"At last," Elara remarked, her voice laden with satisfaction. "You've made the sensible decision."

As they basked in their perceived victory, I spoke again, my tone light but carrying an undercurrent they couldn't quite identify.

"Since you've presented me with such an... extraordinary surprise, it's only fair that I reciprocate."

Axel's brow furrowed, the smugness on his face wavering.

"A significant gift?" he repeated cautiously. "What sort of gift?"