Chapter 1The Price of a Mistress

"An educated woman would never lower herself to be a mistress. So, I hope you can withdraw voluntarily."

I looked up at the young woman in front of me.

"Does Julian know about this meeting?"

She raised an eyebrow arrogantly.

"This is our mutual decision. As long as you don't go overboard, we will try to meet your demands."

"Okay."

I slowly curled my lips.

Adults don't make choices. Everything you have...

I want it all.

* * *

"Tell me your story first. After listening, I'll consider the divorce."

The woman rested her chin on her hand, her eyes instantly softening with a romantic filter.

"We met at an industry cocktail party. He is knowledgeable, witty, and taught me a lot. Although he is eight years older than me, we have no communication barriers."

She paused, corners of her mouth lifting slightly.

"Of course, we are compatible in every way."

The air grew thin. My ears buzzed.

But nearly forty years of life experience told me now was not the time to flip the table.

"Didn't you just say educated women disdain interfering in other people's marriages? Yet you climbed into another woman's husband's bed so quickly?"

The woman felt no shame.

"He wasn't wearing a ring at the time. Besides, anyone can see your marriage doesn't nourish him. A healthy relationship should be mutual achievement, not a one-sided burden."

I nodded in agreement.

"So, you are very capable at work?"

She straightened her back.

"I'm eight years younger than you, and I'm about to be promoted to VP of Finance. By the time I reach your age, I'm confident I will become Julian's indispensable right hand."

"Well said."

I clapped my hands.

"It seems you are the partner who resonates with him spiritually and realistically. I am old and can't keep up with his pace."

The woman hid a trace of smugness.

"So, you are willing to withdraw and let us be?"

"Of course."

"I trust Julian's taste. Finding such an excellent stepmother for my son is my son's blessing. You deserve it."

"Stepmother?"

The expression on her face froze instantly.

"What do you mean?"

I looked more confused than her.

"Didn't Julian tell you we have a seven-year-old son?"

"Your son, what does he have to do with me?"

I scoffed lightly.

"Young women are everywhere. You should understand these principles better than me. If you want to be Julian's right hand, don't consider having children. Instead of letting Julian find some unreliable slut, I'd rather it be you."

I looked her up and down.

"You won't understand until you are a mother. Custody is just a legal procedure. Who gets the money is the substance. I don't mind you raising my son, as long as you are willing to package your second half of life and give it to him."

The smile on the woman's face stiffened instantly. Replaced by shock and fear.

The next second, the waiter brought the bill.

"Hello, who is paying?"

I pointed to the girl opposite me.

"Of course, it's her. This is my son's stepmother, the VP of Finance at a state-owned enterprise. By the way, you don't mind if I take a few cakes to go, right?"

I pointed casually at the counter.

The woman's face turned black as she slowly took out her phone.

"Your son has nothing to do with me. I won't raise him, nor will I accept him. I will discuss custody with Julian again."

With that, she grabbed her bag and stormed off.