Chapter 2

When Vivian brought Leo back, she couldn't even wait to step through the door before bursting with the "good news."

"The Vance family is sending a representative to pick up the heir in seven days. Ethan, pack Leo's bags."

I sat quietly on the sofa. I didn't look up as I said, "Perfect. Since you're ready, sign these."

The joy on Vivian's face faltered slightly. Her eyes landed on the divorce papers I had laid out on the coffee table.

She froze, a flicker of disbelief passing through her eyes.

"You... you already had them ready?"

I nodded, my voice completely flat. "Didn't you say they're coming in seven days? It's better to be prepared early."

A look of guilt flashed across Vivian's face. "Ethan, there's no need to rush. As long as Julian's family officially recognizes Leo..."

I waved my hand, cutting her off. "If Leo is going back to claim his inheritance, he has to be recognized as a legitimate Vance child. If you don't marry Julian quickly, people will gossip. It won't look good for Leo."

"Mom! He's right!" Leo ran in, holding a brand-new, expensive remote-controlled racing car—obviously a gift from Julian.

He tilted his chin up, looking at me with absolute disdain. "Hey, Ethan! If you know what's good for you, sign the papers and let us go!"

Vivian frowned slightly and scolded him, "Leo, don't be rude. Even if Mom takes you to the Vance family, Ethan will always be your dad. You'll just have two dads in the future..."

"I don't want him!"

Leo spun around and spat on the floor right in front of me. "Who would want such an embarrassing dad? You have no money, no power, and you do nothing but cook and clean all day! My real dad is Julian! He's a billionaire, a real elite heir!"

With a mocking grimace, he ran off to his room.

On his way out, he kicked his old toy car—the one I had bought him—smashing it to pieces.

"I don't need this cheap garbage anymore!"

Now that he had a shiny new toy, why would he care about the one I bought him?

But the spoiled brat had no idea. The limited-edition model car I had gifted him was actually worth more than the actual sports car Julian had driven to pick him up from school today.

"Ethan."

Vivian looked at me, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Don't... don't take it to heart. Julian hasn't seen the boy in years, so he's naturally spoiling him a bit too much. Leo is still a child. He's just easily swayed by shiny things. I'm sure... I'm sure he'll appreciate you again in the future."

"I know. I won't hold a grudge against a child."

I pushed the divorce agreement closer to her, urging her to sign.

But Vivian hesitated. She picked up the pen, stared at the papers for a few seconds, and then threw them back onto the table in frustration.

"I'll look over them later," she muttered before heading upstairs.

I stared at the empty living room, a bitter taste in my mouth.

Things had already reached this point. Why was she still hesitating to cut ties?

...

Three days later was my birthday.

Vivian had promised to spend it with me. But the moment I finished cooking a full table of food, her phone rang. She claimed there was an urgent crisis at her office.

"I'm so sorry, Ethan. I really have to handle this. I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back tonight. We'll celebrate then."

I simply nodded. I boiled a simple bowl of pasta for myself.

"It's fine. It's just a regular birthday anyway. Go do what you have to do."

Vivian smiled, leaning in to kiss my cheek, but I pulled away.

"I have garlic butter all over my face," I said quietly.

She giggled. "You and your simple pasta. It's your birthday, Ethan. Why didn't you order something nice?"

She forgot.

She completely forgot that this simple pasta was the exact meal she had made for me on the day we first met.

A dull, throbbing pain bloomed in my chest.

As I sat alone eating my cold pasta, the doorbell rang. It was Julian.

"I'm here to pick up Leo. He said he wanted me to drive him to his after-school sports program in my new convertible today."

"Thanks for the trouble, Julian."

I didn't even look up. I just called up the stairs for Leo.

"Oh, it's no trouble at all, Ethan. You've taken care of my son for so many years. You're the one who deserves the thanks."

Julian's smug, patronizing face made me want to throw up.

"Julian!" Leo squealed with excitement, running down the stairs and throwing his arms around Julian's neck.

"Leo, make sure you behave on the way—"

"Shut up! Julian is my real dad. I don't need a loser telling me what to do!" Leo sneered, glaring at me from Julian's shoulder.

Just then, my parent-in-laws, Richard and Helen, walked out of their room dressed in formal evening wear. Helen gave Leo a mild, half-hearted scolding. "Leo, don't talk to Ethan like that."

Then, Helen turned to me with a sigh. "Ethan, we know it's your birthday today. I actually ordered a cake for you, but Richard and I have a very important business gala at the Grand Plaza Hotel tonight. You'll have to eat by yourself."

A tiny spark of warmth flared in my heart.

For all these years, I had done everything to take care of Vivian and Leo. In return, Richard and Helen had generally treated me with some level of respect.

It seemed my silent support of the Hayes family—covertly pulling strings to elevate them into the high society of this city—hadn't been entirely in vain.

For instance, the exclusive VIP banquet hall they booked at the Grand Plaza Hotel tonight—if I hadn't personally called Jim to arrange it, they wouldn't have even made the waiting list.

After Richard and Helen left, I called Jim.

"Jim, my in-laws are heading to the Grand Plaza tonight. Make sure they are well taken care of."

"Of course, Ethan. But... are you not joining them? I see your wife and young Leo are already here. Along with... Marcus Vance's grandson, Julian."

In an instant, it felt as though ice-cold water had been poured down my spine.