Chapter 2 The Death Pronouncement

Though Brinley muttered an apology, a victorious gleam danced unmistakably in her eyes.

Corinna took a moment to truly observe Larry standing beside Brenden, startled by how strongly the child resembled him.

Now it made sense why Brenden questioned Daniela's paternity-he already had a son with Brinley, nearly the same age as Daniela.

Standing in judgmental silence, the three seemed to symbolize the cruel irony that had enveloped Corinna's life these past years.

"By the way, Corinna," Brinley casually interjected. "I stopped by to check on your father earlier. The doctors said there's nothing left to be done, so you'll need to sign his death pronouncement."

Corinna stared in disbelief. "What did you just say?"

First, divorce papers; now, a death pronouncement.

Feeling the room spin, Corinna struggled to keep her balance as she rose from her seat.

Nearby, Brenden remained unmoved, acting as though Corinna's father was merely an acquaintance that didn't really matter.

His only objective in coming here today was ending his marriage with Corinna.

"I'm genuinely sorry, Corinna," Brinley added with artificial sympathy. "If you hurry, you might still catch his final moments."

Corinna bolted toward the emergency room without another word.

Her father had suffered severe burns trying to rescue Daniela. Now that her daughter was already gone, accepting his passing was even more unbearable.

Yet the sight of his bed draped in stark white broke her restraint, tears falling uncontrollably.

"Mrs. Roberts." A nurse gently approached. "We did everything possible, but his injuries were too severe. Could you please sign here to confirm?"

With trembling fingers, Corinna grasped the pen, every stroke feeling impossibly heavy.

It was finished; everything she cherished was now gone.

Today had stolen her entire family, and she realized even Brenden's love had been a cruel illusion.

All because of Brinley!

Remembering Larry's innocent expression-so like Daniela's-sent a fresh wave of anguish piercing through Corinna's heart.

Hatred flared intensely in her eyes.

Masking her pain with an expressionless face, Corinna swiftly typed a message, saying, "Brinley, if you truly want to be Mrs. Roberts, meet me at the warehouse behind the hospital in an hour. I'll personally hand you the signed divorce papers."

...

Brinley read the message, her initial shock quickly turning to satisfaction. She hadn't anticipated the devastation would actually force Corinna to surrender Brenden willingly.

Driven by greed and triumph, Brinley left the boy with Brenden and hurried toward their agreed meeting spot.

The warehouse was in a state of decay, filled with the sharp smell of rot and neglect, almost overwhelming Brinley as she stepped inside.

"I'm here! Hand over the divorce papers," Brinley said harshly, dropping her previous pretense.

Corinna stood silently in the middle of the dim space, calmly withdrawing a folded paper from her pocket. "Here's your precious divorce agreement. Come and get it."

Excitement flashed in Brinley's eyes upon seeing the document, though Corinna's unsettling calmness gave her pause.

Nonetheless, Brinley had worked far too diligently for this moment, and there was no turning back now.

Determined, she awkwardly advanced, her heels scraping noisily against the gritty floorboards.

Reaching forward greedily, Brinley tried to grab the document from Corinna's outstretched hand.

Deftly stepping aside, Corinna smiled coldly. "Slow down, Brinley. You haven't even heard my conditions yet."