Chapter 20 Expectations and Disappoinments
What surprised Claudia most was that Alan didn’t look shocked at all.
As if he’d been expecting it.
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Her eyes widened slightly. “You saw the divorce papers I left in the Garden bedroom!”
So he had seen them. Then why hadn’t he come to talk?
Alan picked up the document from the desk, his expression cold with a trace of mockery. “And what if I did? You’ve got some nerve, Claudia. Asking for three percent of the group’s shares as compensation? Are you out of your mind?”
So that was it. He didn’t come to her because he was dissatisfied with the divorce settlement.
But that was what she was legally entitled to.
This man, even in divorce, treated her like a business transaction–cold, calculated, everything about money and power.
Claudia had long grown numb from the years of heartache. Now, her heart didn’t even flinch.
She calmly dragged over a wooden chair and sat down across from him, ignoring the irritation on his face.”
“Three percent is me being generous.”
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“Not a chance.” Alan cut her off mercilessly.
His dark, fox–like eyes glinted with menace as he stared at her pale, delicate face. “Claudia, we signed a prenuptial agreement. If you want a divorce, you walk away with nothing. And don’t even dream of getting custody–or visitation.”
Seven years of marriage, and this was all that remained. Ruthless. Absolute.
Claudia laughed bitterly. She’d already given up custody–but even so, her heart still ached.
She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then said slowly, “Alan, divorcing me means you can finally give your beloved a legitimate title. I’m only asking for three percent. It won’t hurt you–it’s even a good deal.”
She met his eyes directly, steady and clear.
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Chapter 20 Expectations and Disappoinments
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“I’ll disappear from your life. That’s what you’ve always wanted. Now I’m giving it to you.”
Silence blanketed the room.
Alan frowned. At last, it seemed something dawned on him. “This is about Summer?”
So that’s what it was. Now he understood why Claudia was suddenly playing this game.
His fox eyes narrowed, irritation twisting his face.
“Claudia, jealousy is one thing, but you’re taking this too far. Pull another stunt like this and you can forget about being Mrs. Meng. Take this nonsense and get out!”
He flung the divorce papers at her face.
He truly believed Claudia still loved him–that this was just another childish jealousy act.
A ridiculous tantrum.
Claudia stared at that once–beloved face–so sharp and charismatic–and felt nothing but cold disgust and overwhelming exhaustion.
Like screaming into a void.
Did he really think this marriage was falling apart solely because of Summer?
She was just the spark that lit the fuse. The powder keg had been buried long ago.
Claudia caught the thrown papers, gripping them tightly, her voice low and steady. “Alan, I’m tired. I don’t want to fight anymore. I really don’t want to live like this with you. Let’s end it here. Set each other free.”
Maybe it was the finality in her tone, but for a brief second, Alan looked dazed.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the phone on the desk lit up–Summer.
Claudia saw the caller ID clearly from where she sat.
Before Alan could reach for it, she slapped the divorce agreement back onto the desk. “Sign this, and I’ll walk away right now. You can give your little sweetheart the title she’s been waiting for-”
The sharp sound of tearing paper shattered the air.
Claudia stared at the fluttering shreds, one corner of the agreement still clenched beneath
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Chapter 20 Expectations and Disappoinments
her palm.
Alan’s voice cut through the silence, harsh and thunderous.
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“I’ll let it slide this time. Go cool your head. You’re my wife, and you’re going to act like it. Love? Don’t even think about it.”
“Get out.”
Claudia let go of the shredded papers. She felt nothing–just a heavy weariness.
Her face was calm as she looked at Alan, who was still furious.
She said quietly, “You can tear one copy. I’ll just print another. I will divorce you. Even if I have to take it to court.”
Before Alan could explode, Claudia turned on her heel and walked out.
Bang.
The door slammed shut behind her.
And with that, their long–maintained façade of a marriage was shattered.
That night, Alan answered Summer’s call and left.
He didn’t return.
When Claudia woke the next morning and saw the empty bed beside her, she didn’t feel a thing.
She was glad he hadn’t come back. She didn’t want to share a bed with him again.
Nancy, on the other hand, blew up when she heard what had happened.
Claudia ate breakfast with Chase, Nancy, and Andy. Afterward, she used work as an excuse, saying she had to finish a project and would head to the Taurine family banquet by herself.
Nancy tried to persuade her to stay, but gave up when Claudia wouldn’t budge.
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