I stared at her dreamy expression, unconsciously biting my lip.

She was lying to me again.

For the past five years, she had strung me along—dangling one hope after another, always just out of reach.

Now, was she planning to use a child as another bargaining chip?

But she had long forgotten—on the very next day after we got our marriage certificate. I had already made the irreversible decision to never have children.

Why? Because Vivian told me she feared pregnancy—her own mother had died giving birth.

She said she loved me, and I couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering. So, I took the initiative and underwent a vasectomy.

She had forgotten that sacrifice.

“Hubby, is that okay?” she asked again, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Fearing she might see through my expression, I reached out and gently embraced her—but my eyes were already turning cold.

She mistook my silence for excitement, and quickly instructed the house staff to prepare a candlelight dinner. As she walked away, she looked back at me playfully, eyes full of promise.

I watched her retreating figure and whispered under my breath,

“Vivian… you once saved my life. But you’ve lied to me for five years. That debt is already repaid.”

After that, I sent another message to that number.

When my parents passed, no one was willing to lend a hand to the Cole family.

Back then, if I had dared to expose Gabriel, I would’ve stood no chance.

But in three days, he would hold a press conference for his new product.

That moment—that stage—would be my one and only shot.

Once it arrives, everything ends.

---

The next morning, when I woke up, Vivian was gone.

I hastily drafted a divorce agreement and went to the Chambers Group headquarters. But the front desk stopped me from cold.

Calls to Vivian went unanswered. Left with no choice, I rang her secretary.

“Mr. Cole, I’m so sorry. The front desk is new—she didn’t recognize you. I’ll be sure to correct her. Please go ahead and enter.”

I didn’t bother arguing with a low-level employee. But as I passed, I overheard a conversation behind me.

“Was that really Richard’s husband? Just now, I saw Richard come down personally to greet someone else—they were walking arm-in-arm. I thought he was her husband.”

“Secretary Angela, you can’t blame me. He looked so plain—who would’ve guessed?”

“Well, he is plain. Five years ago, his family couldn’t even survive in Toronto. Now he lives off Richard’s support. Just a kept man. I don’t understand what Richard sees in him.”

“But the man from earlier—he’s a different story. You’ve heard of Ford’s Medical, right? He founded it. If it weren’t for him during the Toronto epidemic, we probably wouldn’t be standing here now. That’s the kind of man who deserves someone like Richard.”

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms.

But I ignored their voices and walked straight to Vivian’s office.

Just as I was about to knock, I froze. I heard voices inside.

“Gabriel, have you been well these past few years?”

“I wrote you so many letters. Didn’t you know? I’ve had plenty of women around me these years, but I’ve only loved one person. It’s just… she married someone else. I wonder if I still stand a chance.”

Vivian looked up, teary-eyed, her voice trembling.

“Yes. You still have a chance.”

“Vivian, thank you. If you hadn’t helped me all along, I’d never have come this far.”

“I still haven’t seen Ethan before the press conference,” she said, voice faltering. “He misunderstood me last time. Back then, I was just a Cole family apprentice, and now I outrank him. I’m afraid… it’ll be even harder for him to accept.”

At that, I couldn’t help the sneer that curled on my lips.

A misunderstanding?

Is that what she thought this was?

When my first patent was rejected, I secretly launched an investigation.

I discovered that the composition of Ford’s Medical’s new drug was nearly identical to my formula.

I filed a formal complaint—under my real name—demanding they reveal their data sources.

And what was my reward?

I was arrested.

Charged with slander and rumor-mongering. Thrown into jail.

Everyone said I couldn’t handle failure—that I slandered others out of jealousy and resentment.

Only Vivian stood by me, appearing to defend me with unwavering trust. She claimed she believed in me, like always—unconditionally.

But the truth was, everything I had, she had quietly handed over to someone else.

Through the narrow gap in the office door, I watched as Vivian’s expression turned somber. She opened a drawer, took out a document, and passed it to Gabriel.

“This is Ethan’s latest research data,” she said quietly. “With this, you’ll have the leverage to firmly establish yourself in the American market during the press conference in three days. Think of it as a welcome-home gift.”

Gabriel accepted it with a satisfied smile, pride gleaming in his eyes.

Seeing the scene unfold, a surge of bitterness flooded my chest. I suddenly had no intention of speaking to either of them. Instead, I clenched the divorce agreement in my hand and turned to leave.

“Mr. Cole, that was quick. You’ve already finished meeting with Richard?” The secretary asked casually, her voice echoing down the hall.

The moment she spoke, Vivian’s head snapped toward the door. Her expression shifted to panic as she quickly stepped out and rushed toward me.

“Ethan? Why are you here? Is something wrong?” she asked, trying to sound composed.

“You remember Gabriel, don’t you?” I said flatly. “You took him in as an apprentice at the Cole Family Clinic. He just returned, saying he wants to collaborate with me. Even mentioned inviting me and my wife to dinner to show his appreciation.”

Vivian shot Gabriel a subtle glance. He instantly hid the document behind his back and stepped forward with a grin.

“Yes, Brother Ethan! I’ve been meaning to thank you in person. I hope I’m lucky enough to earn that honor!”

He extended his hand toward me—confident, polished, like a man of power.

For a moment, it felt like our roles had reversed—he, the accomplished professional; I, the struggling apprentice hoping for a chance.

I fought down the bitterness rising in my throat and replied coolly, “No need.”

Just then, my phone vibrated. Before I could check the message, Vivian quickly interjected.

“Ethan, go take care of whatever it is you’re working on. I still have some things to go over with Gabriel. I’ll see you at home later, alright?”

The way she hurried to send me off—her impatience was all the answer I needed.

“You two go ahead,” I said with a calm smile. “See you tonight.”

---

After returning home, I quietly packed all my belongings. Not long after, a delivery team from an auction house arrived at the Chambers' residence.

Apparently, Vivian had purchased something a week ago, but left the wrong contact number. Unable to reach her, they found me instead.

As I signed the delivery slip, the auction staff opened the package to verify its contents.

Inside the box was a pair of exquisitely crafted wedding rings.

I froze, stunned. I looked down at the plain, almost crude, rings in my own hand—and felt a sharp chill settling in my chest.

Right on cue, Vivian called.

“Ethan, I bought a piece of jewelry for a client, but my phone died earlier. Can you bring it home for me? I’ll have Secretary Angela pick it up later.”

“Oh, and don’t overthink what happened today,” she added. “You and Gabriel are in the same field. It wasn’t easy for me to persuade him to offer some guidance.”

“You’ve always hoped my father would recognize you. This could be your best opportunity.”

Listening to her speak as if everything she did was for me, I almost laughed out loud.

She had betrayed her own values—become a thief—for Gabriel’s success.

And now, with her goals within reach, she wanted to use the Chambers family’s approval as chains to bind me once more?

“I know you mean well,” I replied calmly. “Take care of yourself. I’ll wait for your good news.”

She exhaled, her tone softening, reassured by my apparent trust.

I hung up and carefully placed the box aside.

Vivian, you’ve lied to me countless times.

This will be my first—and only—lie to you.

That night, her secretary came by to collect the box, explaining that something had come up at work and Vivian had to leave on a sudden business trip.

But the next morning, a photo flooded the headlines—one of a mysterious female billionaire proposing successfully to her long-time love.

Though the image was pixelated and the faces obscured, I recognized the rings on their hands immediately. They were identical to the ones in that box.

So that was your "business trip."

Beneath the article, I left a comment:

"Wishing you a happy marriage and a child very soon."

Until the morning of the third day, Vivian finally sent me a message, inviting me to attend Gabriel’s press conference.

Just as I reached the entrance of the venue, a security guard stepped forward and blocked my way.

“Sir, may I ask your last name?” he said.

I remained silent. He handed back my invitation and said coldly,

“Sorry, you’re not allowed in. Our boss gave strict orders: no one with the surname Cole is to be admitted—ever. Please leave immediately.”

The crowd waiting behind me started whispering, their eyes sharp with disdain.

“Isn’t that Richard’s husband? Still clinging to the title of Cole family heir? What nerve to show up here.”

“If Richard hadn’t honored his promise and married him, he’d have no place in Toronto at all. After all, the Cole family’s antidote killed the hotel owner’s parents!”

“The Cole family may be old and prestigious, but that’s no excuse. I heard Richard sold off his entire empire to back his research 99 times in five years—and failed each time. What a hopeless man wasting a good wife!”

Their words stung like venom, but before I could reply, Gabriel appeared, flanked by his entourage.

Immediately, the crowd parted respectfully, and the security guards hastened to open the doors for him.

“Mr. Ford is here! Please come in, the venue is all prepared. If there’s anything amiss, just say the word—we’ll fix it immediately.”

“We hope you’ll say a kind word to Richard, so we can secure future Chambers family events here.”

The security guard roughly pushed me aside.

“Get out of the way! Didn’t I tell you to leave? We don’t welcome anyone from the Cole family here. Don’t make me get rough.”

Gabriel’s humble facade vanished as he stepped forward, eyes flashing with pride.

“Stop this nonsense,” he said, voice calm but commanding. “This hotel’s attitude is embarrassing. I welcome whoever wants to attend my banquet.”

“Brother Ethan, here is my benefactor. Without him, I wouldn’t have even met Richard. Call your boss and tell him this is Gabriel’s guest—he’ll have to respect that.”

“But this time, Brother Ethan,” Gabriel continued with a sly grin, “if you want the formula for my new medicine, just ask. Don’t sneak around stealing it like last time.”

His words reignited the murmurs and whispers in the crowd, many of them dripping with contempt.

“Did you know why he hasn’t achieved anything despite the Chambers family backing? Because everything he has is copied! He took in President Ford before just to exploit his talents!”

“So shameless. I pity his parents—they must be spinning in their graves.”

Once, I would have fought back fiercely to protect Vivian’s reputation.

But now? I just wanted to disappear.

The crowd’s accusations rumbled louder, praising Gabriel as the nation’s paragon of gratitude and success.

I was completely isolated, surrounded by eyes filled with scorn.

I couldn’t stop the bitter sneer curling in my chest.

Gabriel—let’s see how long you’ll be laughing.

After what felt like an eternity, Vivian finally emerged.

She weaved through the crowd with effortless grace and casually took my arm.

“Why aren’t you going in? What are you standing around for?” she said lightly.

Gabriel immediately stepped forward when he saw her.

“Brother Ethan, let’s go in together. It’s my fault—I forgot the boss here hates the Cole family,” he said with a forced smile.

Vivian pulled me inside the banquet hall and began introducing me to the guests.

She stayed close to Gabriel, helping him network with influential figures.

Toronto had never liked me, and now, no one paid me the slightest attention.

Their laughter echoed through the room, light and easy, as Gabriel’s hands often found their way onto Vivian’s waist.