When I graduated from university, I was sentenced to three years in prison for excessive self-defense after killing four people to protect my girlfriend.

After my release, we started a business together and quickly became a rising star in the industry.

Yet one day, without warning, Sheena, handed her male assistant the project I had just secured to elevate him to general manager.

During a company meeting, I confronted her about it. Yet, in front of everyone, she said coldly, "Lewis, don’t forget—you’re a convicted criminal. If I hadn’t taken care of you out of old sentiment, you’d probably be starving right now. How dare you compete with Ethan for this project?"

——

It was a major corporate meeting. The shareholders and senior executives were all present.

Sheena sat elegantly at the head of the table, tapping her fingers lightly against the desk as she declared, "I would like to announce that the redevelopment project for the old district area of Titan Core will be handed over to my special assistant, Ethan Campbell. For now, he will assume the position of acting general manager. Once the project is completed, Ethan will officially become the general manager of Titan Core Construction Group."

The moment she made this announcement, everyone turned their eyes toward me.

Because everyone knew—she was my wife.

But because of my criminal record, for the sake of the company’s image, I was only given the position of a business manager.

Yet they also knew that I had gone to prison because Sheena had almost been assaulted. I had risked my life to protect her, killing four men on the spot. My sentence was for excessive self-defense.

Most importantly, I was the one who had secured the Titan Core old district redevelopment project.

There had even been rumors within the company that once I successfully completed this project, I would finally be able to clear my name.

This project meant everything to me.

And yet, with just a single sentence, she handed it over to someone else?

At that moment, Ethan walked up beside Sheena, preparing to speak.

But before he could, Sheena suddenly stood up and affectionately adjusted his collar and tie—like a gentle wife caring for her husband.

But I was her husband.

I knew about Ethan. He joined the company last year, and thanks to his outstanding abilities, he was promoted to her special assistant this year.

What I didn’t know was that they had gotten this close.

Otherwise, knowing my temper, how could I have tolerated this?

Ethan shot me a provocative look and said with a smirk, "Lewis, don’t get the wrong idea. Sheena is my senior from university. She’s just being a little affectionate with me—taking care of her junior, that’s all. You’re not jealous, are you?"

His words carried an unmistakable undertone as though he was saying, "Lewis, I, Ethan Campbell, am openly cuckolding you in front of everyone, and all you can do is endure it."

I took a deep breath and fixed my cold gaze on Sheena. "I secured this project. What right do you have to give it to someone else?"

Sheena shot me a look of disdain and replied indifferently, "Lewis, I’m the chairman. I don’t need to explain myself to you."

Director Mills, a member of the board, rubbed his bald head and spoke up. "Chairman Webber, as Lewis said, he negotiated this deal. He’s fully capable of handling it. If you’re suddenly assigning it to someone else, the board deserves an explanation."

The other shareholders nodded in agreement.

Sheena’s lips curled into a sneer. "Lewis, I was trying to save you some dignity, but since you insist on making a scene, don’t blame me for being blunt."

She turned to the room and declared, her voice cold and decisive, "Because he is a convict. The old district redevelopment is a public welfare project. If the public finds out that a former criminal is in charge of it, it will damage the company’s reputation and make future operations difficult. Do you not even understand that?"

"A convict?" I clenched my fists, my voice sharp as a blade. "Sheena, no one knows better than you why I went to prison!"

Sheena merely laughed mockingly.

"Lewis, you went to prison to protect me. In return, I married you out of gratitude and have been supporting you ever since. Otherwise, as a criminal, do you think you’d even be able to find a job? Without me, you would have starved long ago!"

Every word Sheena spoke felt like a dagger piercing my heart.

But I have never been the kind of man to be defeated by pain. If anything, pain only fuels my desire to fight back.

Just like that night when Sheena was nearly assaulted—I had charged forward against a dozen men, knowing full well, I stood no chance.

At that moment, I had only one thought—anyone who dared to harm my woman must die.

That night, I was stabbed thirteen times, my head smashed by countless bottles, yet I refused to fall. Fueled by sheer rage, I killed four of them.

The last one had tried to run. I hunted him down and finished the job. If not for that, I wouldn’t have been sentenced for excessive self-defense.

"Lewis, a real man doesn’t keep using past favors to demand repayment." Ethan sneered.

A mid-level manager from the sales department chimed in, "That’s right, Director Newman. Our chairman has already been more than generous to you. She could have just paid you off, but instead, she married you. You should be grateful instead of acting entitled."

A woman from PR tapped her manicured nails against the table and said, "Exactly. Chairman Webber is a shining star in LA's business world. If you had any self-respect, you’d resign voluntarily—and divorce her while you’re at it."

Someone from marketing added, "Honestly, Chairman Webber and Assistant Campbell make a perfect pair, like a golden couple."

Another voice from the design department chipped in, "Why even call him an assistant? He’s basically the general manager already. It’s only a matter of time."

I listened to their words, and for some reason, I laughed.

"Sheena, do you want me to resign?" I sat back down, my voice was calm.

She met my gaze, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Yes. Your status as an ex-convict is damaging to the company. It would be best if you resigned. As for divorce, I never considered it."

"I’ll resign, but on one condition."

She frowned slightly. "What condition?"

"Divorce."

I turned to the company’s legal counsel.

"Contact Attorney Gibson. Have him draft the divorce papers."

"Are you insane, Lewis?!" Sheena slammed her hand against the table, her voice laced with frustration.

"I only said you weren’t suited for the company—I never said I wanted to divorce you! Do you have to make a scene in front of everyone?"

I shook my head.

"Judging by how naturally you adjusted Ethan’s tie just now, it’s clear this isn’t the first time. You two are more than just a superior and subordinate. Since you’ve already betrayed me, there’s no point in continuing this marriage."

The PR woman immediately jumped in, "Chairman, hurry up and agree! This is your best chance to get rid of him!"

Many others joined in, eagerly egging her on.

I memorized their faces.

Since when did employees in this company dare to gossip so openly, even interfering in the chairman’s marriage issues?

"I’m not getting a divorce!" Sheena suddenly slammed the table again, her voice sharp. "Enough, Lewis! I only asked you to resign. I still have feelings for you."

I lit a cigarette, took a slow drag, and exhaled calmly.

"Sorry, but I no longer have feelings for you. And I, Lewis Newman, have never worn second-hand shoes. They’re too filthy."

Silence.

The entire room fell into stunned quiet. Even the shareholders hadn’t expected me to say something so ruthless.

The only one smiling was Ethan—he could barely contain it. He must have thought his victory was near.

Sheena stared at me in disbelief. "Lewis, what the hell did you just say? I’m your wife, and you’re calling me second-hand shoes?"

I nodded seriously and said, "I don’t care whether you and Ethan have crossed the final line or not. But as my woman, the way you treat him has already gone beyond normal boundaries. To me, you are no different from a used shoe."

"Do you even have any shame, Lewis?"

"You act like you’re some big deal, but don’t forget—it’s Sheena who has been supporting you all this time!"

"Without her, you would’ve starved to death ages ago."

"But the way you talk, it’s like you’re the one supporting her instead!"

Ethan mocked with a smirk. "Exactly! A freeloading ex-con like him—who gave him the guts to act this way?"

"The chairman has spoiled him too much, that’s why he thinks he’s somebody!"

"An ex-convict, daring to disrespect the chairman in a company meeting? He should know his place."

The same group of people chimed in again.

I ignored them completely and turned to Sheena. "There’s nothing more to say. We are getting a divorce."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "You can’t do this to me!"

But what did that have to do with me?

Without sparing her another glance, I stood up to leave.

Just then, Director Mills also got up and walked out with me. As we left, he said, "The major investor for this project will be attending tonight’s banquet. Since you were the one who secured the deal, even if you’re no longer handling the project, you can’t afford to miss it."

Ethan quickly leaned in and whispered to Sheena, "Sheena, I think we should keep an eye on him. If he goes out and talks recklessly, it could harm the company."

She wiped her tears, then glared at me with resentment.

"You’re not allowed to leave! As of now, you are still a company employee. I order you to attend the banquet!"

I stopped, turned back to them, and chuckled. "You’re the ones insisting. Don’t regret it later."

With that, I walked out of the meeting room.

But Ethan chased after me, blocking my way. Once Director Mills had stepped away, he flashed a smug grin.

"Lewis, there’s something you don’t know, isn’t there?"

"The major investor for this project isn’t only interested in you. I met with them yesterday, and they were quite impressed with me."

"That’s why I made sure you’d attend the banquet—I want to watch you make a fool of yourself in public."

"So, what do you say, Lewis? Do you have the guts to stay?" His voice was dripping with arrogance.

I looked at him like he was a complete idiot.

"Do you even understand how capital works? You think this is some easy game? You’re way too naïve."

Then, without another word, I walked away.

Outside the corporate building, I lit a cigarette.

The security guard at the entrance wandered over and crouched beside me, lighting his own cigarette.

I glanced at him and said, "Stop working security. Things might get messy soon—gather some men and follow me instead."

"Sure thing." He rubbed his bald head and grinned.

I didn’t waste time dwelling on things. I had no reason to.

Like I said—pain couldn’t break me. It only excites me, and makes me want to strike back harder.

The conflict between Sheena and me stemmed from her betrayal—it was her fault, not mine. I had no reason to punish myself.

Before long, I arrived at the banquet hall.

The company’s employees soon followed, and the moment they saw me, they didn’t even try to lower their voices as they whispered.

"He really had the nerve to show up?"

"Some people just don’t know their place."

"If I were him, I’d step aside for Assistant Campbell without hesitation."

"He insulted the chairman with such awful words—men like him deserve to be wiped out."