Chapter 2

I didn't care what Julian was feeling behind my back. It couldn't be anything good.

But I knew his stubborn, petulant nature all too well. He wouldn't give up easily.

Exhausted, I drove back to the Vance estate.

Lately, I had been buried in corporate projects, working late into the night almost every day.

As I walked through the door, I massaged my aching temples.

An hour ago, when my parents texted me on Snapchat that my brother was back, my entire body had frozen.

I always knew this day might come, but when it actually did, it still caught me off guard.

I hung my briefcase on the rack and spotted a pair of high heels on the floor.

I blinked, quickly forcing my usual polite, perfect smile onto my face.

"You're back?" a warm voice called out.

I turned around. Audrey was wearing a black lace nightgown. Even in simple sleepwear, her stunning curves, porcelain skin, and flawless features were captivating. A gentle smile played on her lips.

She frowned slightly, concern washing over her face.

"Why do you look so exhausted? Haven't you been sleeping?"

I smiled. "Just too many things at the office. Did you have fun on your trip? How is Lily?"

Audrey walked over and slid into my arms.

She pressed her face against my chest, her slender fingers gently tracing my back as she whispered,

"Lily loved it. She was so tired she fell asleep immediately. The only pity was that you weren't there. Next time, we'll go as a family of three."

"I missed you," she murmured, her voice laced with intimacy.

I kissed her soft hair, but my heart felt as cold as ice.

When her soft lips pressed against mine, my body stiffened. My mind was completely flooded with the venomous words Julian had said to me earlier.

For the first time, I didn't kiss her back.

Instead, I gently pushed her back, creating a small distance between us.

"I..."

I stopped mid-sentence because I felt Audrey's body freeze.

My sharp instincts told me she was unhappy.

After a long, tense silence, Audrey smiled, finding an excuse for me.

"You're just too tired. Go take a shower and get some sleep."

She saved us from the awkwardness.

With that, she gave me a quick peck on the cheek and let me go.

I nodded and headed upstairs.

Behind me, standing in the shadows, Audrey's expression darkened. The warmth drained from her face as her sharp gaze locked onto my retreating back.

The next morning, I drove out of the estate to head to work. Right outside the residential gates, a familiar figure blocked my path.

My hands gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white.

Julian saw my car. He ran straight into the middle of the road, forcing me to slam on the brakes. The cars behind me honked furiously.

It was morning rush hour.

The neighborhood security guards rushed over, trying to pull Julian away.

But Julian fought them off, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Ethan! Stop hiding in your car! You stole my woman! Have you no shame?"

His screeching voice drew the attention of everyone nearby.

I pulled my car over to make sure I wasn't blocking the gate, then got out.

I glared at him. Julian offered a smug smile, running a hand through his messy hair.

He sneered, "What? Embarrassed? Or are you afraid Audrey will dump you once she knows I'm back?"

My voice was like ice. "Julian, you are harassing me. This is my final warning. Stay away from me."

Julian didn't take my warning seriously at all.

Instead, his smile turned triumphant.

"Stop acting. You're terrified. You've lived in my shadow your whole life, Ethan. It's only natural that you'd be jealous of me and try to steal my life."

He took a few steps closer, leaning in to whisper in my ear.

"Too bad a parasite always gets thrown out in the end. I'll wait right here. When I see Audrey, I'll explain everything. She'll take me back."

"And Lily? She's my daughter. We share the same blood. You'll never be her real father!"

Without a word, I got back into my car and drove off.

This time, Julian didn't block me.

In the rearview mirror, I could see him smiling as my car sped away.

A chill ran down my spine.

Julian had been spoiled since childhood. He had no boundaries. Whenever things didn't go his way, he threw tantrums like a giant toddler.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.

Over the past ten years, I had poured my heart and soul into this marriage and my career.

If we divorced, both Audrey and I would suffer massive financial and reputational losses.

Audrey had a family empire to fall back on.

But I only had myself.