I glanced at Mr. Cox and sure enough, there was a noticeable shift in his expression — a glint of doubt in his eyes.

Suppressing my anger, I turned to Madeline.

"We worked out that 5% margin together. And now you’re just letting a new employee run his mouth? Aren’t you worried this will ruin my relationship with Mr. Cox?"

Trevor was just a sales rep. As long as Madeline stood by me, Mr. Cox wouldn’t take this nonsense too seriously.

But instead of backing me up, Madeline snapped, as if she’d been holding it in all along.

"Trevor wasn’t making things up. We both know a 10% discount would still be fair for both sides, but you pushed for a bigger cut to pad the profits."

"I’m not going to cover for you anymore. Mr. Cox has done business with us time and time again—he deserves honesty."

"Just because I’m your wife doesn’t mean I’m going to lie for you."

Her words hit hard. Mr. Cox’s face darkened, his disappointment clear.

"Horatio, I thought we were friends. But you’ve been treating me like an idiot this whole time?"

Trevor, clearly savoring the moment, plastered on a smug grin and stepped closer to Mr. Cox, his tone dripping with fake concern.

"Mr. Cox, don't waste your energy on someone who only sees dollar signs," Trevor said, clasping Mr. Cox’s shoulder as if they were old pals.

"The president and I rushed over today to protect your interests. Please, calm down. We're just trying to make things right."

Madeline didn’t miss a beat, seizing the moment.

"If you’re disappointed in Horatio, Mr. Cox, you’re more than welcome to work with Trevor in the future. He’s an accomplished professional with international experience and a solid understanding of business models and project management."

Just like that, it all became crystal clear.

Madeline wasn’t just throwing me under the bus—she used this opportunity to prop Trevor up, laying out a clear path for her ex-boyfriend’s success.

I wasn’t about to stand there and take it. I fixed her with a cold stare. "I just hope you don’t end up regretting what you’ve done today."

Her expression hardened. "Horatio, have you forgotten your place? I’m the sole decision-maker in this company. It’s not your role to question me."

Madeline and I had built this company from the ground up, together! Because I loved her, I never cared about titles or recognition.

She wanted to be a successful businesswoman and I supported her every step of the way. When she claimed she needed me to step back for the sake of the kids, I accepted it without protest.

Even when she told others I was nothing more than a “mooching husband” to protect her own image, I bit my tongue.

But what did my patience and sacrifices turn into? They didn’t earn her respect—only gave her the audacity to undermine me.

I glanced at Trevor who were standing beside Madeline and sighed. I tried to held back the frustration boiling inside me.

I was willing to give Madeline one last chance.

After all, our five-year-old son, Nellson, was at home. I didn’t want him to grow up with the pain of his parents splitting up.

"If you want to help Trevor get ahead out of nostalgia or guilt, that’s your call. But this project won’t go beyond a 5% discount. That’s my final offer."

Sure, the 10% discount was something Madeline and I had calculated together. But that number didn’t account for the actual costs of labor and materials.

Once those expenses were factored in, 5% was the most we could offer without sinking into the red.

Anything more than that? It wouldn’t just mean losing profits — it would mean taking a massive financial hit.

The company had done well over the years, but no business could withstand reckless decisions like this.

If I let this slide once, what would stop it from happening again?

But she didn't even reconsider, Madeline’s expression hardened. There wasn’t a trace of doubt—or remorse.

"Do you think you can push me around just because you’re a man?" she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Let me make one thing clear—women are just as capable in business as men. I said 10% and I’m not going back on my word."

Before I could respond, Mr. Cox suddenly burst into applause, his grin widening.

"Well said! Ms. President, you’re bold and decisive — a woman of your word! With that kind of confidence, how could I not choose your company for this collaboration?"

Trevor’s smug grin widened as he turned to me, clearly reveling in the moment.

"Some people think marrying into the family gives them control over the company," he sneered. "But they forget—a kept man is just that. When it comes to real business, he doesn’t get a say."

He wasn’t even trying to be subtle. The insult was clear and the only thing missing was him pointing a finger directly at me.

Madeline didn’t flinch.

No outrage, no defense from her—not even a glance in my direction. Instead, she smiled sweetly, raising her glass to toast Mr. Cox, as if Trevor’s words had been perfectly acceptable.

Sensing his advantage, Trevor pressed on, his voice dripping with mock concern.

"There was a full 10% margin on the table, but you told Mr. Cox it was only 5%, just to pocket a little extra for yourself. Now, out of the kindness of his heart, he’s still willing to move forward with the deal. Don’t you think you owe him something for that?"

I held his gaze, my expression cold.

I might not hold the same sway in the company as I once did, but I was still the vice president — a title I’d earned. Trevor, on the other hand, was just a newly hired sales rep. Yet, because of Madeline’s blatant favoritism, he clearly thought he had free rein to humiliate me.

And he wasn’t done. Flashing a self-satisfied grin, he lifted his glass.

"At the very least, you should down three drinks to apologize. That’s the bare minimum. And don’t try the ‘alcohol allergy’ excuse. Everyone knows a real businessman can handle a couple of drinks."

The mention of my allergy wasn’t accidental. It was calculated.

Trevor wasn’t just trying to embarrass me — he wanted to see me crumble. And judging by the amused glint in his eyes, he was loving every second of it.

I glanced at Madeline.

She looked uneasy, but she held her ground. "Trevor told you to drink, so drink. It’s not like it’ll kill you."

She knew exactly how dangerous that was. I wasn’t just allergic to alcohol—I had a serious stomach condition.

Years ago, when Madeline said she wanted the company to grow quickly, I did whatever it took to make that happen.

I attended endless meetings, pouring drink after drink to win over investors. I pushed myself until the alcohol tore through my stomach lining, landing me in the hospital.

I can still see her, sitting beside my bed, tears streaming down her face. She clutched my hand, swearing nothing was more important than my health. She made me promise I’d never drink again, vowing she’d never forgive me if I did.

But she was totally different now.

I gave her a long, steady look and nodded. "If that’s what you want, then I’ll oblige."

But after three glasses, we were done, I thought.

The liquor burned like fire, scorching my throat and igniting the pain in my gut. I swallowed it down without flinching, my face betraying nothing.

Without a single word, I turned and walked out of the private room.

Laughter echoed behind me, careless and smug. Trevor’s voice rang out, loud enough for me to hear.

"Madeline, I always thought you were living the high life while I was overseas. I never imagined you’d end up marrying a spineless freeloader like him."

"Did you see how he had the audacity to glare at you in front of Mr. Cox? The nerve of that guy. Completely out of line."

My steps slowed down. I paused just beyond the door, waiting. I needed to hear what Madeline would say.

Madeline barely hesitated before her response.

"Compared to you—a master’s graduate fresh from overseas—he’s just a lowly community college dropout. A few years in management and he’s already forgotten his place."

"Tomorrow, I’ll be making an official announcement at the company. He’s getting demoted."

Trevor was quick to chime in, eager to please.

"That’s why you’re such a great leader. People like him, who think a little experience and some old connections give them power, should’ve been dealt with a long time ago."

I didn’t wait to hear more. Their words were enough.

Trevor had insulted me over and over in front of our business partners and Madeline—my wife—hadn’t just let it happen. She encouraged it. Whatever loyalty I’d held onto had been chipped away until there was nothing left.

I was done.

By the time I stepped out of the hotel, the nausea hit hard. My stomach burned, twisting with pain. I barely made it to the side before I threw up, cold sweat dripping down my face.

The nearest hospital was an hour away, but home was only thirty minutes. My meds were there. That would have to do.

Before getting in the car, I pulled out my phone and sent a message to my attorney.

"Draft the divorce papers. As soon as possible."

I drove in silence, the dull ache in my stomach refusing to subside.

When I finally arrived, the house was dark. Nelson was already asleep, his soft breathing barely audible through the cracked door. I climbed the stairs quietly, not wanting to wake him and took my medication.

The bitter taste lingered as I swallowed, but at least the pain began to dull.

Then I heard the front door unlock. Normally, I would’ve gone to greet Madeline the moment she walked in. But not tonight.

Madeline barely made it a few steps before her voice rang out with sharp accusations.

"You stormed out without saying a word and now you’re just standing here like a corpse? Can you stop being so damn childish for once?"

Nelson woke up from the commotion, his soft cries breaking the silence.

I forced myself up despite the lingering pain, but the moment I stepped into the hallway, I froze.

Trevor was already there, standing in the doorway of Nelson’s room like he belonged. He wore a smug, self-satisfied grin, the picture of a doting father.

However, what hit me the hardest was how quickly Nelson had calmed down.

The same little boy I usually spent ages comforting was now clinging to Trevor’s neck, happily munching on a fried chicken drumstick.

"Trevor Daddy, you’re the best!" Nelson giggled, his small arms wrapped around him. "My daddy never lets me eat this. He’s so mean!"

My stomach twisted.

Nelson had a sensitive stomach, just like I did. I rarely let him eat fried food because I didn’t want him to suffer through the same unbearable pain I’d experienced.

Madeline knew about that. She knew it better than anyone. Yet she just stood there, watching it happen, not saying a word.

When she finally noticed me standing pale-faced by the door, there wasn’t a trace of concern in her eyes — only irritation.

"Ugh, whatever," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I’m not going to argue with you."

"You’re feeling sick? Well, whose fault is that? You refused to eat earlier. What, am I supposed to feel sorry for you now?"

With an air of exaggerated annoyance, she tossed a crumpled black plastic bag onto the table. The greasy smell of takeout wafted through the room.

"If I didn’t remember your precious stomach condition, I wouldn’t have bothered at all. Do you know how humiliating it was to ask for leftovers to-go? Seriously, I won’t be doing that again."

She said it like I should be grateful. As though bringing home cold scraps of food was some act of self-sacrifice.

The sheer disdain in her voice was impossible to miss.

The only reason I was had this searing pain in my stomach was because of her and Trevor.

They’d intentionally dragged me through the mud in front of Mr. Cox, backed me into a corner and forced me to drink, knowing full well what it would do to me.

Just then, Nelson's innocent voice cut through the tension. He pointed at the black plastic bag on the table, his wide eyes full of confusion.

"Isn’t that a trash bag? Daddy, are you going to eat garbage?"

My heart sank.

Madeline, seeing my lack of reaction, furrowed her brows, her tone dripping with irritation.

"There weren’t any other containers," she said dismissively. "And this bag’s sturdy enough. What’s your problem? It’s not like you’re one to be picky."

Then she sneered, her words landing like a slap.

"Or have you forgotten where you came from? You crawled your way up from nothing. Isn’t this more your style?"

Her voice sharpened. I could tell she meant those words.

"Weren’t you the one digging through trash to survive? Fighting stray dogs for scraps?"

The room suddenly felt colder. She said it so easily, like it was just a fact — like it wasn’t meant to tear me down.

But it did. She knew everything.

I’d trusted her with my past—the part of me I rarely spoke about.

After my parents died, I’d been left to fend for myself. I scavenged what I could, spent nights on the streets and relied on the occasional kindness of strangers just to get by.

But I didn’t let that define me.

With sheer determination, I worked my way through school. My first year after graduation, I built a small software program, earned my first real income and repaid every bit of kindness I’d ever received—double.

When I told Madeline my story, she cried. She held me, promising I’d never feel that kind of pain again. She swore she’d stand by me, help me heal from those years of struggle.

But now she stood there, using the most painful chapters of my life as a weapon.

Worse, she said it in front of our son.

She had exposed my past, about the days when I scavenged for food, fighting stray dogs just to survive.

I forced myself to meet Nelson's eyes, determined to tell him that relying on yourself wasn’t something to be ashamed of. I wanted him to understand that strength comes from enduring hardship.

Before I could even get a word out, Nelson's face twisted with disgust. "Ew, Daddy! That’s gross! People who dig through trash are all smelly! No wonder you smell too!"

His words hit harder than I expected.

"You always tell me not to eat dirty food," he continued, his voice trembling with anger. "But you fought dogs for food? You lied to me!"

Then, without warning, he spat at me.

"You're disgusting! I don't want you to be my daddy! I want a new daddy! I want Trevor!"

Trevor, still holding Nelson like a trophy, put on his usual act of false modesty.

"Now, now," he said with a condescending smile. "You already have a daddy. How could I possibly replace him?"

But Nelson’s tears only intensified.

I reached out instinctively, desperate to calm him down. But before I could touch him, he lunged forward and sank his teeth into my arm.

I gasped as pain shot through me. His bite was hard, too hard for a five-year-old and within moments, blood welled up where his small teeth had broken the skin.

I didn’t pull away. I was afraid of hurting him.

And he didn’t stop. Fueled by rage, he kicked me violently. One blow landed squarely against my stomach—the same stomach that was already wracked with pain from the alcohol.

A fresh wave of agony tore through me. I doubled over, clutching my side, struggling to stay on my feet.

Nelson just laughed. "Bad Daddy!" he jeered. "That’s what you get for not letting me eat fried chicken and burgers!"

"I beat you! You have to listen to me now! Are you gonna let me have fried chicken and burgers whenever I want?"

Nelson's smug small face was nothing like the sweet, innocent son I remembered. It was as if he had become someone I didn’t recognize.

When I didn’t respond, Nelson’s frustration flared. He swung his fists and kicked at my stomach, his small voice filled with anger.

"Are you gonna let me have fried chicken and burgers now? If you don’t, I don’t want you to be my dad anymore!"

Pain shot through me, the lingering burn from the alcohol and my stomach condition twisting into something unbearable. I tried to endure it, but when Nelson threw another punch, I instinctively raised my arm to block it.

He stumbled backward and fell to the floor with a thud.

For a moment, the room went silent. Then, the air filled with his piercing wails.

"Daddy hit me! Daddy hit me!"

Instead of the usual wave of guilt and worry, all I felt was emptiness. Just a dull, exhausted numbness.

Trevor swooped in, lifting Nelson into his arms. His expression twisted with exaggerated concern.

"Horatio!" he sneered, shaking his head. "He’s just a kid! No matter what he said, how could you raise your hand to him?"

Nelson buried his face into Trevor’s shoulder, his sobs echoing through the room.

Madeline’s eyes narrowed in disgust. "It’s humiliating enough for Nelson to have a father like you."

She crossed her arms, her tone dripping with disdain. "Don’t bother coming to his parent-teacher conference next month. Trevor and I will go instead."

"And you don't need to come to the company anymore. You’re no longer vice president. From now on, you’ll report to Trevor as his assistant."

The words struck like a punch to the gut, but I refused to let the pain show.

My vision blurred as the searing ache in my stomach threatened to overwhelm me. I bit down on my tongue, forcing myself to stay upright.

In that moment, as I stood there with the weight of her contempt bearing down on me, I knew one thing—whatever we had left was beyond saving.

"Fine, as you wish." Summoning the last of my strength, I spoke, my voice steady. "Madeline, I want a divorce. You can keep the kid."

"What?"

"I said I want a divorce. And I don’t want custody."