Chapter 2

The night wind was bitterly cold against my face, finally clearing my head.

I reached into my pocket and touched the peach-wood charm.

It still held the warmth of my body.

My phone began vibrating violently in my pocket, and Chloe’s name flashed across the screen.

I answered the call.

“Ethan, where the hell are you?”

Chloe’s cold voice came through the receiver.

“Get your ass back here right now and apologize to Ryan.”

“His face is swollen because of you.”

I took a deep breath and kept my voice calm.

“Chloe, I told you. We’re getting divorced.”

“Be at the courthouse at ten tomorrow morning.”

There was a one-second silence on the other end before Chloe let out an even angrier roar.

“Ethan, have you grown a backbone?”

“Don’t forget that you eat my food and live in my house!”

“Once we’re divorced, you won’t even be able to afford a bowl of hot noodles!”

At that moment, Ryan’s weak cough came through the phone.

“Chloe, don’t yell at Ethan.”

“This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have made him angry.”

“My face is fine. It just hurts a little. Don’t argue with Ethan.”

The moment Chloe heard Ryan’s voice, her tone instantly softened.

“Ryan, you’re just too kind. That’s why this violent man can bully you.”

Then she spoke to me again.

“Ethan, did you hear that?”

“Ryan is still speaking up for you!”

“You ungrateful bastard. You disgust me!”

Diane’s loud voice joined the conversation.

“Chloe, why are you wasting your breath on that freeloader?”

“Tell him to get out! Let’s see how many days he can survive on his own!”

“Without the Bennett family, he’s nothing but a beggar!”

I tugged at the corner of my mouth.

“Then wait and see which one of us ends up begging.”

I hung up and blocked every way Chloe could contact me.

The world was finally quiet.

Looking at my phone screen, I dialed another number—a number I had not called in five years.

The call was answered after only one ring.

“Young Master?”

Uncle James, the head butler of the Hart Group, sounded as though he were trembling.

“It’s me, Uncle James.”

I spoke softly.

“I’ve decided to come back.”

“Can you send a car to pick me up?”

Uncle James began crying with excitement on the other end.

“That’s wonderful! Your father can finally rest in peace!”

“Young Master, where are you? I’ll arrange a whole motorcade immediately!”

“I’ll also prepare all the company documents for you!”

I gave him the name of the intersection where I was standing.

Ten minutes later.

An entire line of black Rolls-Royces slowly pulled to the side of the road.

The doors opened in perfect unison.

Dozens of bodyguards in black suits quickly got out and formed two lines.

Uncle James jogged toward me and bowed respectfully.

“Young Master, welcome home!”

I got into the back seat, where the leather seats felt incredibly comfortable.

I watched the streets slide past outside the window.

Chloe, you thought I was nothing but a penniless loser.

You had no idea what I had given up for you.

Now, I don’t want you anymore.