Chapter 4The Scent of Independence

The living room was brightly lit. My dad, Richard Jenkins, was sitting on the sofa. Seeing me walk in, he stood up, his tone carrying a rare gentleness: "Chloe, sit."

I didn't move. I stood by the entryway and cut straight to the chase: "Spit it out. Let's not waste time."

Richard sighed and sat back down: "Chloe, Dad knows you've been wronged. What Carter did was unacceptable."

"But think about the Jenkins family's current situation. We're only surviving because of the partnership with Sterling Group. If you divorce him, the deal falls through, the company collapses, and all your mother's and grandfather's life's work will be gone."

He looked up at me, his eyes faking a pleading look: "Dad is begging you. For the sake of this family, just endure it a little longer."

"Carter cares about his reputation. He won't actually let Mia replace you. You'll still be Mrs. Sterling, and the Jenkins family will survive. Isn't this the best outcome?"

"The best outcome?" I laughed out loud: "Richard, you have the nerve to tell me 'for the sake of this family'?"

"Back when my mom was lying in the ICU, terminally ill, without even the strength to open her eyes, what were you doing? You were out fooling around with other women!"

My voice spiked: "Your so-called 'family' shattered the moment you betrayed my mother. What you want to protect is never the Jenkins family, nor my mother's and grandfather's life's work,"

"It's your own status! It's your capital to continue living like a tyrant!"

Richard's face instantly went deathly pale. His eyes darted around in panic, his lips trembling, unable to form a word.

"Carter cheated, and I won't tolerate it." My eyes were resolute, leaving no room for negotiation: "The divorce is final. Don't even think about using the Jenkins family to blackmail me!"

"You! You ungrateful daughter!" Richard was shaking with rage.

I gave him a flat glance, turned, and left.