Chapter 3 Three

CLARE's POV

I left Sky High after resting a bit and took the taxi back to the Blackwood Residence. Once we got there my heart began to race. I could feel my palms sweating, and my mouth drying up.

"Here we are, miss," the driver said, his voice soft.

I nodded, my eyes fixed on the mansion in front of her. "Thank you," I said in a firm voice.

And with that, I stepped out of the taxi. I got inside, the divorce papers in my hands.

I entered my room, packed my bags, my heart heavy with emotion. Just as I was finishing up, I heard someone come in - Mark. I took a deep breath and went to meet him.

Mark stood in the hallway, his eyes pleading. "Clare, please," he said, his voice soft. "Don't do this. Let's talk about it."

I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. "There's nothing to talk about, Mark. I've made up my mind. I have signed the divorce papers."

Mark's face fell, and he stepped forward. "But why? What did I do wrong or Is it because of money?"

I sighed, my heart aching. "You didn't do anything wrong, Mark. You just didn't do anything right. You never put me first and never prioritized my needs over Serena's. And I'm tired of it. Besides, I'm not collecting any thing from the divorce settlement."

Mark's eyes narrowed, "So this is about Serena, then? You're not thinking about the consequences, Clare. Serena needs your blood to survive."

I laughed, a harsh sound. "Survive? You mean control, don't you? "

"What? No, Clare, don't be ridiculous. That's not true. Serena is ill, Clare." Mark replied, his eyes wide with disbelief. "She's practically family and you are being paranoid," Mark said, his voice pleading.

"Paranoid? You're the one who's been using my blood for Serena's gain, who loves you more than a brother but you're too blind to see it" I shot back, her voice rising.

Mark's mother and sister arrived at the mansion from their weekly body reset, their faces twisted with scorn to see Clare's belongings all packed up. "I always knew you were a gold digger, Clare. You're just after my son's money," his mother, Mrs Mellisa sneered.

"Yeah, and a woman who can't even carry a child to full term. What's wrong with you, Clare?" Mark's sister, Rose snickered.

Clare's eyes narrowed. "That's it, I've had enough of your insults. I'm leaving."

Why can't Mark stand up for Clare? Why is he allowing his mother and sister talk rudely to her?

I stepped out of the Mansion feeling a sense of liberation wash over me. I took a deep breath, feeling the warm sun on my skin and the fresh air filling my lungs. I looked down at my bag, packed with the few belongings I had.

Just as I was about to move, I heard Mark's voice behind me. "Clare, wait!" he called out, his footsteps echoing on the pavement.

I turned to see him walking towards me, a check in his hand. "Clare, please take this," he said, his eyes pleading. "You have nothing, and I feel bad that you didn't get anything from the settlement. I can't let you leave like this."

I couldn't help but think to myself, "He doesn't know, does he? I'm the secret heiress everyone talks about. I have more wealth and power than he could ever imagine."

Because of the agreement between her and her grandfather, her bank card account was frozen, and she had to hide her true identity, otherwise it would be considered a violation of the agreement.

Blackwood family doesn't look at her as rich, including the maid. If they knew she was the only daughter of Sterling family - Clare Sterling - one of the richest families in the country - a female billionaire worth hundreds of billions, what would they think?

She still remembers the days at Blackwood's house, one time she knelt and begged her mother-in-law to lend her money to treat a friend of hers.

Mark's mother arrogantly took out a platinum card, not to give it to her but to show off, "Guess how much money is in here? One hundred million dollars, you probably haven't seen that much money in your whole life."

"I would rather use this money to buy dog food than lend you money. Because in my eyes, your friend is not even as good as a dog."

I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I took the check from him, and with a look, I tore it in half. "I don't need your money, Mark," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Who is that?" Max's sister asked spotting two cars - a sleek black Ford and a Highlander - pulling up to the curb while coming out of the mansion. "What's happening?" Max asked looking at me.

My brother's bodyguard, Tate, stepped out of the car, flanked by two burly bodyguards. "Good day ma'am ," he said, with a nod. "Time to go."

I smiled, relief washing over me. "Thank you."

Mark's face turned red with anger. "Were you cheating on me, Clare? Is that the real reason you're leaving me? You'll regret this."

Jake just laughed. "You don't know who you're dealing with, Mark. She is not just any ordinary woman."

Mark and his sister looked at each other in confusion, trying to understand what the strange man had said.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I handed my bag to one of the bodyguards, and he ushered me into the car.

As I settled into the plush leather seat, I looked back at Mark and his family, still standing on the sidewalk, looking confused and concerned.

"Goodbye, Mark," I said, with a wave before turning to meet my brother, Joshua Sterling.

End of POV

Clare had barely left by the time Serena walked in. "I don't think it's a good idea for me to stay here," Serena said, "Clare wouldn't like it." her voice laced with false concern.

Mark's mother waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, don't worry about Clare. Mark kicked her out and divorced her. She's likely being pitiful at some place".

She was happy when she saw Clare's bag all packed up when she returned from the spa and was delighted to hear that her son divorced her. She thought that Clare didn't know her status, like a poor orphan with low social class, how could she be suitable for her outstanding son.

Serena widened her eyes in surprise. But Mark did not say anything instead he pursued his lips, his mood a complete contrast to his mother's excitement.

He even felt a little uncomfortable and had an inexplicable sense of guilt.

Previously, he thought that Clare would not easily go through with her threat of a divorce because he knows how much she loves him, but this time around she proactively proposed a divorce and went through with it, she didn't even collect a penny as a compensation even after he somewhat begged her to.

After the divorce, she will become a person with neither money nor relatives. How will she live? How will she survive in the future?

Although Mark had never asked, he simply assumed she was an orphan because she never mentioned her relatives throughout their dating phase even in their marriage.

He sadly looked outside, and remehmbered how Clare looked at him before leaving.

Those eyes were cold as ice.

Many times he and his family treated her poorly, but she still gritted her teeth and endured it. But this time...why is she so...determined to divorce?

She even pretended to be resilient, not needing a single penny.

Does she think she can survive without money?

He didn't want to care about her life, but he felt a choking feeling in his chethe beginning of when she had made that threat to when she left Blackwood Residence with that man, there was an unknown anger, making him feel uncomfortable.

Serena's gaze flickered with jealousy, but she maintained her innocent facade. "I'm not a little girl anymore, Mrs. Blackwood," she said, her tone sweet. "I don't want to be a bother since you have already done enough in my favor."

Mark's softened countenance showed that he was unaware of Serena's ill motives. "You are not inconveniencing me at all Serena. You saved my life by giving me one of your kidneys. I have to return the favor in one way or another because you are my best friend.."

Mrs. Blackwood nodded in agreement. "Yes, you're always welcome here, Serena. You're part of this family."

Serena's eyes locked onto Mark, her heart burning with passion. She had been waiting for just the right time to make her move; Clare's leaving provided that chance.

"Should I stay in Clare's room then?" Serena asked, her innocently.

Mrs. Blackwood smiled, "Of course, dear. Make yourself at home."

Serena settled into Clare's old room, she couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. She would go to any lengths to win Mark over, even if it meant destroying Clare's reputation in the process.

CLARISSA POV

I walked into the grand foyer of the Sterling Estate, feeling a mix of emotions but mostly pain. It had been a while since I'd been back home, and the familiar surroundings brought back a flood of memories. Joshua, followed me closely behind as we proceeded into the mansion. Our grandfather, Henry Sterling, sat waiting for us, a warm smile on his face, his eyes shining with a deep affection that puts me at ease.

"Grandpa!" I burst into the parlor, sobbing.

"Ah, Clare, my dear," a man in his 50s said, opening his arms for a hug. "You're crying. What's wrong?"

Josh said from the chair. "She's been crying since we left the Blackwoods, Grandpa."

My grandfather's eyes crinkled with warmth. "Clare, it's so good to have you home. We've missed you."

I tried to stop crying as I hugged him. "I've missed you too, Grandfather."

I took a deep breath. "I was wrong to marry Mark. I thought he loved me but...it was all a lie."

My grandfather's face turned serious. "Are you okay, Clare?

I hesitated but grandfather's concerned eyes made me open up. "They used me as a blood bank for years."

Josh's eyes went wide. "What? That's crazy!"

I nodded. "I know. But I'm free now. I got divorced."

"We'll keep you safe from those bastards, Clare. You're safe now. Divorce is good and we have more than enough to take care of you" Grandpa said in a serious tone

I smiled as I felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Grandpa. But I want to be my person."

"Are you saying you're ready to run Sterling Industries, Clare?" her grandfather asked, his eyes piercing as he studied her face. "Are you ready to take on the responsibilities that come with our family's legacy?"

I nodded, my heart pounding. "I'm ready, Grandfather. I want to learn everything and take on more of the company."

Josh yawned and stretched his arms above his head. "Finally I'll be free of all this and if you need my help I'll be happy to show you the ropes...from my home office, that is."

I smiled. "Thanks, Josh."

Grandfather chuckled and patted my hand. "We'll start making plans for you to start at the office soon Clare. But for now, let's just enjoy being a family."

We chatted for a few minutes about our personal lives, enjoying each other's company and making plans for the future. It was good to be home with the people I loved.

"I hear your former fiance from 2 years ago is still around" Grandfather said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief.. "