Chapter 3A Decade of Deception

Children had always been a sore spot for Adam.

He found them troublesome, but couldn't do without one. After all, his business empire needed a legitimate heir.

Adam was the typical rich second generation.

Spoiled by his family since childhood, he excelled at smoking, fighting, and racing cars.

It wasn't until he got into trouble and his family had to cover it up that he finally cleaned up his act and took over the family business.

But Adam had a younger half-brother from his stepmother, ten years his junior, who was about to come of age and take on responsibilities.

The two were at odds, destined for a fight to the death.

Adam's father favored his younger son and had always been strict with his eldest.

As luck would have it, several major business partners withdrew their investments at this time.

Adam was overwhelmed, barely able to come home once in a while after working late into the night.

Seeing his son's career setbacks, Adam's father began gradually handing over control of the company to his younger son.

Adam fought this for a long time before his father finally relented slightly.

He could have the company, but Adam needed to produce an heir first.

After all, he was already in his mid-thirties with no children, inevitably raising doubts about whether Adam had some hidden condition.

If that were the case, the company would naturally go to his brother, who would inherit after Adam's death anyway.

I had miscarried once a year ago.

And now Zoe, who I had just hit over the head with a wine bottle, had been frightened into miscarrying.

The heavens were not on Adam's side.

I almost wanted to applaud.

I thought Adam would stay at the hospital with Zoe for a long time, but he called me very soon.

"Come to the hospital," he said.

His tone was so cold it seemed to seep through the phone.

I carefully applied my makeup and walked to the hospital room in high heels, only to be hit in the face with a heavy medical chart as soon as I entered.

"Apologize," Adam commanded.

He stood imposingly by the hospital bed, his gaze ice cold.

Zoe leaned against the bed, her small face pale as paper, her eyes glimmering with laughter.

This wasn't the first time I had seen Zoe.

Before smashing the wine bottle over her head, before I knew Adam had a wife, I had hidden in corners many times, watching her like a voyeur.

She liked to wear cream-colored sweaters, gently taking Adam's suit jacket.

She loved rose-scented perfume, subtle and elegant. When Adam held me at night, the rich scent of roses would envelop me.

She enjoyed doing small crafts. Adam still wore the red string bracelet she had made on his wrist.

Adam was covered in traces of her. This woman asserted her dominance without a sound.

I tried to deliberately ignore these things, but they only became more glaring.

Especially when Adam stood beside her.

I clutched my stomach where the medical chart had struck me, meeting Adam's warning glare.

...I couldn't fight back.

I wasn't ready to openly defy Adam yet, so I could only swallow my pride and apologize to Zoe.

"I'm sorry, Miss Chen. I was wrong."

Hearing me give in, Adam also relaxed. He turned and took Zoe's hand, his face full of tender caution.

"It's my fault. You focus on getting better. I'll end things with her. From now on, we'll have a good life together."

A faint smile bloomed on Zoe's pale face.

Like a delicate white flower swaying in the wind.

I rolled my eyes, but she immediately caught it.

"Adam, can you ask her to leave?"

Adam obeyed her every word. I don't know where she got such charm.

"Go outside...handle some company matters. Don't disturb me unless it's important."

Adam's phone was tossed into my arms. I got up, limping towards the door.

As I was leaving, I turned back and waved the phone at Zoe.

She lifted her head from Adam's embrace, her eyes curving into crescents.

Silently signaling to me with her gaze.

The corners of my mouth twitched upwards.

-- The plan had succeeded.

[Cut-off point]

Because Zoe had always been in poor health, this miscarriage took a severe toll on her already fragile body.