Chapter 6

I knew I'd lost a lot of weight recently.

In just half a month, I must have dropped over ten pounds.

Julian sat down by my bed, sighing.

"Scarlett, why do you put yourself through this? Staying with him, you're only hurting yourself."

He knew about the discord in my marriage with Alex.

His expression was filled with pity. "Get a divorce. I'll represent you."

This time, I didn't refuse.

I nodded. "Okay."

Julian's face froze. He hadn't expected me to agree so readily.

He was right. I used to deliberately drag things out.

Alex and I had long lost any affection for each other, and neither of us wanted to continue.

But it was a matter of pride; neither wanted to be the first to suggest divorce or concede.

We'd discussed it during our worst arguments.

But Alex had always claimed it was my wicked schemes that tore him and his first love apart.

Therefore, I should walk away with nothing.

All the business dealings between Thorne Industries and Hayes Corp. should also end with Hayes Corp. bearing all the losses.

I could never agree to that.

I, on the other hand, believed he should leave empty-handed.

He should return all the advantages he gained by marrying me.

Including his position as CEO of Thorne Industries.

Then he could go live a romantic but hard life with his first love.

Naturally, our arguments never reached a consensus.

So for all these years, we'd both been dragging each other down.

But now, I didn't want to die still carrying the title of "Mrs. Thorne."

It was frankly sickening.

I told Julian my thoughts.

"Thorne Industries is a huge corporation. It'll be hard for me to gain much by suing Alex."

"But Alex's father and grandfather are reasonable enough."

"So I'd like your help to gather evidence of Alex's infidelity."

Julian nodded. "With that evidence, you'll have a stronger case for fighting for assets."

I agreed. "I don't really care about the assets."

"My mom already has plenty of assets; she wouldn't even be able to spend more money if she had it."

"I just want the Thornes to know that Alex is at fault."

"So they won't make trouble for my mom in the future."

Julian frowned. "Your mom might not need the assets, but you do, Scarlett. You're still young, you have a long life ahead of you. Can you really have too much money?"

I gave a bitter laugh.

My lips were cracked, and I tasted blood.

"I won't be around to spend it," I whispered. "I don't have that kind of luck."

Seven years of constant conflict.

Now, I just wanted a clean break from Alex.