Chapter 4Divorce and the Full-Time Housewife's Revenge

As soon as they left, I packed my bags and moved out.

I hit the ground running, starting my new life!

Actually, the moment I was reborn, my career plan was already mapped out.

In my past life, because of Jessica, I entered the corporate world.

In my 30s, with zero experience, I couldn't compete with the young grads. I ended up a laughingstock and got fired.

Go back to running a street food cart?

In a few years, thousands of college grads would flood that market. They were willing to hustle, their food was trendy, and they knew how to market themselves online.

The only reason I managed to scrape by in that brutal market back then was pure, grueling effort.

I set up earlier than everyone else, and stayed later than everyone else. I hauled my cart from location to location just to sell out my daily prep. Then I came home to check my son's homework and help him study.

That's why my body broke down so fast.

Now, I knew my limits, and I knew how to leverage my strengths.

If I entered the high-end domestic staffing industry...

First, I was relatively young and had a degree from a top-tier state university.

Second, I was an absolute master at childcare and household management. I could endure incredible hardship.

My weaknesses would instantly become my greatest assets!

I was confident I could build an empire in this industry!

In my past life, when I was still at that corporation, I heard a rumor that the CEO, Mr. Sterling, was a single father with a daughter about to enter high school.

He posted a massive bounty across the company, asking for recommendations for a reliable, elite estate manager.

Someone who could manage their household and tutor his daughter in high school subjects.

The salary he offered was staggering. If you passed his interview, he was willing to pay $8,000 a month!

After I was fired, I was incredibly tempted to try for it.

But when my son heard I wanted to be a "nanny," he threatened to kill himself. He said I was embarrassing him. Plus, he argued I hadn't touched a textbook in decades, so how could I possibly tutor a high schooler?

But now, none of those things were problems!

I confidently called Mr. Sterling, claiming someone from his company recommended me.

He asked me to introduce myself.

"I scored a 1550 on the SATs back in the day, and if I took a practice SAT right now, I guarantee I wouldn't score any lower!"

I spoke eloquently, though a wave of bitterness washed over my heart.

Back then, I wasn't just smart; when I started college, I was easily one of the prettiest girls in my class.

After marrying Mark right after graduation and spending over a decade as a stay-at-home mom, I had become old and overweight, completely losing my former radiance.

After my son finished the SATs in my past life, I secretly took the test myself at home.

I scored a 1580.

Every single point was built on my profound, agonizing love for my son—a love he treated like garbage.

"As for my tutoring style, you can test me in person."

I didn't flinch on this point either. I managed to drag my absolutely atrocious, rebellious son into a top university. I refused to believe there was a student I couldn't teach.

Mr. Sterling then asked about my household management experience.

I gave a bitter smile: "Does 16 years as a live-in maid count?"

"My special skills include cooking one-handed while holding a baby, eating one-handed while holding a baby, and mopping one-handed while holding a baby."

"I can also flawlessly mix baby formula and change diapers in my sleep."

"In emergencies, I have the stamina to stay awake for 48 hours straight taking care of a crying, sick child."

Mr. Sterling laughed. "You have a great sense of humor, Ms. Chloe. And it sounds like you truly know the meaning of hard work."

I smiled back, tears pricking my eyes. "Absolutely. Mr. Sterling, never underestimate a woman forged on the battlefield of domestic life."

Mr. Sterling had a good first impression of me and invited me for an in-person interview.

But even though we had a great conversation, he said he still needed to think about it.

I knew I still lacked some of his requirements.

Finally, he politely declined: "I have a daughter about to start high school. If you had certifications in nutrition, health management, or formal estate management, I think you'd be a much more competitive candidate."

Hope instantly flared in my chest: "Understood! I hope Mr. Sterling will give me another chance in the future!"

As soon as I hung up, I frantically enrolled in massage therapy classes, childcare certification courses, and even a holistic nutrition program.

I also signed up for a premium gym and yoga studio.

I didn't bat an eye at dropping $100 an hour for personal training sessions!

Now, I knew how to invest in myself!

Having lived through death, I knew that relying on anyone else was useless; you can only rely on yourself.

Besides, I was currently technically a housewife, spending Mark's money.

If I didn't spend it, someone else would.

Mark broke very quickly. He called me, demanding I come back and finalize the divorce.