Chapter 2

Arthur's eyes lit up when he received the money. He pulled out two bottles of his finest reserved wine, declaring we'd drink to our hearts' content that night.

As I started cooking, Arthur happily joined me, picking, washing, and chopping vegetables. I knew he truly saw me as his personal ATM this time.

After Eleanor brought Leo back from preschool, I messaged Charlotte on SnapChat, asking when she'd be off work and telling her to drive carefully.

Then, I arranged the cooked dishes on the table, finally placing the birthday cake in the center.

In the glow of the candlelight, I looked at the familiar yet strange faces around me, a cold laugh echoing in my heart.

Charlotte urged us not to drink too much, but Arthur, beaming, said he was so happy to have such a great son-in-law like Alex that he wanted to drink until he passed out tonight.

Before we even finished dinner, Charlotte received a SnapChat message. She said something urgent came up at work and she had to go in for overtime, thoughtfully telling me to just sleep at her parents' house if I drank too much.

Ha. I knew exactly what Charlotte was up to. My eyes hazy from drink, I looked at her. "Honey, if you didn't eat enough here, grab something else to eat on your way, don't go hungry."

After Charlotte left, I received several photos and a video on my phone – all of Charlotte and that man.

The first time I discovered her affair, I'd hired someone to monitor their every move. Now, my cloud drive was full of evidence of their infidelity. These would be very useful later.

After Arthur passed out, I played Plants vs. Zombies with Leo for a while, then Red Light, Green Light. I made sure he drank his warm milk, then told him stories to lull him to sleep.

I had spoiled him into being the little king of the house, letting him live without restraint. I had only one goal: I wanted him to be completely dependent on me.

When I divorced Charlotte, I certainly wouldn't want him. Then, I'd let Leo resent her, and watch mother and son tear each other apart.

Thinking of this, I felt much lighter. I handed Leo over to Eleanor and went home.

Now, my novel royalties far exceeded Charlotte's salary.

Two years ago, I used to give all my royalties to Charlotte.

After discovering her affair, I only gave her a small portion, but it was still twice her salary, so she didn't suspect anything.

To be safe, I used my father's ID to apply for another pen name, and the bulk of my royalties went into his account.

Besides, the house we lived in was my pre-marital property, so it would naturally remain mine after the divorce.

Therefore, my assets wouldn't be significantly affected after the divorce.

Charlotte didn't get home until the middle of the night. A twisted urge suddenly surged through me.

She had just closed the front door and hadn't even turned on the lights when I lunged out of the darkness, embracing her and letting out a strange, cackling laugh.

She thought I was staying at her parents' house and wasn't prepared. My sudden action scared her badly.

She cursed me, calling me insane.

She wasn't wrong! I was like a lunatic now!

But then again, if she hadn't cheated, how would I have ended up like this? My mind growing darker, more twisted!

After Charlotte fell asleep, I lay awake in the dark, my eyes wide open.

More and more evidence, like magma secretly surging beneath the earth's crust, accumulated, seemingly waiting for the final eruption.