Chapter 4 Divorce Agreement

Edward Gilbert tightened his lips, a flicker of anger evident in his eyes.

Orphaned young, Stephanie clung to her older brother for everything. He, in turn, made it his mission to shield her from any hardship.

If he hadn't made a promise to Stephanie about concealing her identity, he would have confronted Erik directly already.

Stephanie, worn out from crying, rasped, "I want to end the marriage."

She had pieced it together. If Erik truly cared for her, he wouldn't have permitted Vivian to conspire against her in such a brazen manner.

In the name of love, she had sacrificed way too much and even severed connections with her family and friends -all for Erik.

But she refused to relinquish her pride, nor did she desire to.

Edward tenderly tousled her hair. "Alright, Teffy.

As we discussed earlier, I'll handle my own business, and mom and dad's inheritance is yours. Since you've opted for divorce, return and take charge of the family business."

Stephanie nodded. "Thank you, Eddie."

Edward smiled gently. "Quit thanking me. Let Korbin acquaint you with things first. If there's anything unclear or challenging, don't hesitate to ask for our help. Everything is yours now, little princess."

Stephanie nodded, feeling a sense of warmth.

When Stephanie arrived at the Palmer household with the divorce papers, Erik wasn't there. Only Lacey was home.

Upon seeing Stephanie's return, Lacey recalled the allowance Erik had withheld from her for a month and couldn't help but feel indignant. "Crawling back with your tail between your legs, are we? Thought you were tough. Turns out, you're just around for my brother's money!"

"This is the divorce agreement. Have Erik sign it when he returns and send it to me by mail. The address is written on the attached paper," Stephanie said coldly.

"You..." Lacey scrutinized Stephanie, noticing her attire-a piece from the latest Paris fashion show. It was said whoever wanted to have one for their own would have to wait until next year.

"Your outfit must be fake! Stephanie, just because my brother has been searching for you for two days doesn't mean you can act superior. Hurry up and cook; the servant has the day off, and I don't want takeout," Lacey asserted domineeringly.

Unable to contain her pent-up grievances, Stephanie threw the divorce agreement at Lacey.

"Take a good look. I'm done serving you all! Do your friends know how mean you are? Open your eyes and see; only low-class people like yourselves treat their family like servants!"

"You... How dare you curse at us like that!" Lacey stared at her in disbelief.

Stephanie had never responded or engaged in such confrontation before.

"What's wrong with cursing you? If I were you, I'd start using my brain. You exude nouveau riche vibes just by standing there without uttering a word. What are you gonna do if your brother won't be around to clean up you mess one day, huh?" Stephanie replied sharply.

Lacey was left speechless, unable to retort immediately.

After Stephanie left, Lacey finally found her voice back. "Stephanie, you wait. I'll inform my brother!"

Pushing open the office door, Lacey stormed in, brandishing the divorce agreement, which she slammed onto Erik's desk. "Erik, Stephanie is too arrogant. She insulted me!"

"She's back?" Erik's eyes held a glimmer of hope.

"Yes, just returned home earlier and demanded a divorce," Lacey replied, realizing the gravity of the situation as she looked at the document in her hand. "She doesn't even have any money, yet she wants a divorce? It must be a ploy. Let me tell you, Erik, women like her..."

"Shut up!" Erik interjected, his head throbbing from Lacey's incessant chatter.

The divorce agreement lay before him, undeniable.

His fingers tightened around the document, knuckles turning white. "She wants a divorce?"