Chapter 2

I was about to reply.

Ivy's phone rang-on speaker.

Julian's voice came through, deep and tender in a tone I'd never heard from him before.

"Hungry, baby? I picked up your favorite pho. Be there in fifteen."

I knew that place. It took three hours in line, clear across the city.

Once, when I was laid up at home with a broken leg, I'd mentioned craving something light like pho.

He'd just sat by my hospital bed, peeling an apple, and hadn't even looked up.

Ivy blew a kiss into the speaker.

"Love you most, hubby!"

They were still cooing when I stood and walked to the bathroom.

I noticed there were more men's toiletries on the counter than we kept at home.

I sent a message to my assistant, instructing her to thoroughly investigate Julian's financial records.

If he thought he could spend the fortune I'd earned on another woman, he would learn what it cost.

Just as I reached for the doorknob, Julian's eager voice carried in from the living room.

"Look what I got for you!"

Ivy cheered. "Is it the sapphire I saw yesterday when we were shopping?!"

"I only looked at it for a second, and you already bought it!"

"Then I have a surprise for you too!"

Ivy, feigning mystery, ran to tap on the bathroom door.

"Mrs. Thorne, are you done?"

I turned off the faucet and pulled open the bathroom door.

Ivy bounded excitedly between Julian and me, joyfully flapping her arms.

"It's perfect that Mrs. Thorne is here too, because I have monumental news to share with both of you!"

"Hubby gave me a sapphire! So I'm giving hubby a baby!"

My body jolted, and I looked up at her sharply.

After giving birth to Leo, I had always longed for a sweet daughter.

Julian always found excuses, always put it off. Turns out, he just didn't want to have another child with me.

Julian's smile was still wide. His gaze swept past Ivy, locking with mine.

His pupils instantly constricted. The smile vanished, as if I were the villain who had intruded upon their perfect world.

"What are you doing here?"

I walked back to my seat, my eyes drifting between the two of them.

My silence seemed to him like a challenge.

He pulled Ivy behind him.

"Whatever you have to say, say it to me. Don't touch Ivy."

Ivy looked confused, tugging on his sleeve.

"Isn't she your mother?"

Julian froze, then scoffed. "Silly girl, you have good eyes. She does look old."

"Unfortunately, she's my legal wife."

Ivy's eyes widened. She suddenly realized who I was, her face draining of color then flushing crimson. She clapped her hands over her mouth.

"Mrs. Thorne... no, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that just now."

"It's... it's me..."

She couldn't find the words, her face flushing with frustration.

Julian pulled her close and turned a cold stare on me.

"She doesn't owe you an apology."

"Eleanor, get out."

From the shelter of his arm, Ivy peeked out at me-a quick, triumphant glance.

I drained the last sip of tea, picked up my coat, and walked over to her.

"Your request from earlier? I agree."

As the elevator doors began to close, Julian rushed out, jamming his hand in the way.

He looked at me, perplexed that I wasn't demanding answers as usual. His expression was complex, with a hint of panic I couldn't quite decipher.

"Eleanor, this was an accident."

"You know pregnant women can't handle emotional stress."

"Divorce would cost us a fortune. She won't threaten your position."

Julian knew I treated our company like my own child, and divorce would mean splitting half of our assets.

He was threatening me.

I knew he wouldn't let go if I didn't respond.

I gave a quiet hum, waving my hand to dismiss him.

Julian visibly relaxed.

Suddenly, a bag of trash appeared at my feet.

"Take this down for me."

As the elevator doors closed, I kicked the bag right back out.

Did he really think I came here unprepared today?