Chapter 4

When Marcus brought Tiffany back, I was about to leave.

Seeing my glum face, Tiffany feigned embarrassment and a pitiful look.

"Eleanor seems a little upset. Maybe I shouldn't move in after all."

I said coldly, "This is the Thorne family home. You can stay as long as you want. I won't interfere."

With that, I quickened my pace.

Marcus caught up and grabbed my wrist.

"Are you really okay with this? If you mind, Tiffany and I can stay somewhere else."

I pulled my hand away, my heart dead, my voice eerily calm.

"I just have some work to take care of. I really don't have an opinion about you and Tiffany."

He sighed in relief, his voice softening.

"Okay, you go handle your work. Call me when you're done, and I'll come pick you up."

After leaving the Thorne house, I never went back.

On December 31st, Marcus's company held a gala.

He informed everyone, except me.

Coincidentally, I was passing by the hotel where they were hosting the event that day.

I happened to see Marcus holding Tiffany's hand, and Tiffany holding my son's hand, as they went on stage to give a speech.

In everyone's eyes, they were a picture of a happy family of three.

Marcus held the microphone, his voice cheerful and sincere.

"This year, I've gained so much. I want to thank my wife, for all her support and warmth."

My eyes felt like they were being pricked by needles.

The microphone was handed to Leo.

He smiled innocently and happily at Tiffany.

"The person I want to thank most is my mommy. Thank you, Mommy, for giving me so much love. I love you."

With that, Leo spontaneously hugged Tiffany.

The audience erupted in applause.

Tiffany, on stage, saw me.

As I turned to leave the banquet hall, she rushed out alone, stopping in front of me to provoke me.

"Eleanor, you're incredibly patient, aren't you? I know you're scared to make a scene because you're terrified of leaving the Thorne family and losing this opulent lifestyle. But do you really think you can keep your place as Mrs. Thorne just by enduring?"

I sneered at her.

"We'll see about that."

She smiled scornfully, full of confidence.

"We'll see! Your son, your husband, they've both declared my place to the world! What do you have left to fight me with?"

I ignored her, quickening my steps.

She'd soon realize that what she'd so desperately fought for was nothing but a worthless pile of garbage!

On New Year's Eve, the Thorne house was decorated brightly, full of festive cheer.

Every year, I personally prepared the New Year's Eve dinner.

Marcus finally remembered to call me, but he tried several times and no one picked up.

He felt an inexplicable anxiety.

Tiffany, ever so understanding, said, "Marcus, it's my first New Year's Eve at home. Let me make dinner. Eleanor is probably busy in the lab again. After I'm done, you can call her back for dinner."

Marcus's expression remained normal, but he felt a strange panic in his heart.

When Tiffany finished dinner, Marcus still hadn't gotten through to me.

Mr. Jenkins, the butler, brought him a package.

"This is from Mrs. Thorne, sir."

Marcus opened the package. The words "DIVORCE AGREEMENT" blazed up at him, striking with the force of a physical blow.

His phone rang. It was Jamie, his assistant, voice tight with panic.

"Mr. Thorne, emergency! Mrs. Thorne has revoked all patent licenses. The company can't operate!"