“I never expected Caden Sterling to sign this divorce agreement.
I contacted his lawyer today.
Caden isn’t willing to settle out of court.
Instead, it’s Vivian Sullivan who can’t wait for him to sign it.”
Ethan Paine’s words made Chloe Austin think.
He was right.
Since Caden had already stood her up once, it showed he had absolutely no sincerity in this matter.
“What should we do then?
Do I have no choice but to file for a contested divorce?
Tell me, how long will a lawsuit take?
If it takes more than a month, I simply can’t afford to wait.” Chloe honestly voiced her concerns.
For some unknown reason, she felt her belly was growing bigger by the day.
“It will take a month at the earliest, and that’s the most ideal timeframe.
You know how difficult it is to get a divorce nowadays, especially since you’re pregnant.
Caden doesn’t know about the baby.
If he finds out, it will be your biggest disadvantage in front of the judge.”
Chloe felt a bit helpless.
Caden was obviously the party at fault in their marriage, and she was the one who had to endure the hardships of a ten-month pregnancy, yet now, this unborn child had become the critical obstacle in her divorce.
“I don’t recommend you interact with Vivian Sullivan during this period.
She’s emotionally unstable.
If she goes crazy, she might hurt you.
Your health isn’t great.
If you get bumped or bruised, she’ll eventually figure it out.
Of course, it’s also best to keep your distance from Caden.
He’s a smart man.
If he wants to investigate you, it will only take him a bit of effort and time.”
“It’s not like you don’t know I’ve resigned.
Besides, how could Vivian possibly have that much contact with me?
As long as she doesn’t come looking for me, there’s no way I’d go looking for her,” Chloe said firmly.
Ethan smiled.
He seemed to really like seeing Chloe so feisty.
Chloe truly had no mind to care about what Vivian wanted to do right now.
Since she wanted to take the position of Mrs.
Sterling, then let her have it.
Caden could abandon her today for Vivian, and he could abandon Vivian tomorrow for someone else.
As the saying goes, the tides of fortune were ever-changing.
Chloe wasn’t anxious at all.
“If this is how you’re going to talk to me, I can accept it.
But don’t ever say the things you said this afternoon again.” Chloe took a deep breath and hung up the phone.
Ethan pulled up all the information related to Caden and scrutinized it carefully, only to find that these files were no different from what he had seen before.
He had already read through these documents back when Chloe and Caden got married.
At the time, he had been curious about what kind of man could make Chloe so resolutely decide to marry him.
Even when he was far away overseas, Ethan had only silently kept an eye on Chloe’s life, never reaching out to contact her again.
Chloe had gradually accepted the fact that Ethan liked her.
Without overthinking it, she had already started pondering how to reject him.
Although it was poor form to draw a clear line with someone right after using them for help, Chloe preferred to focus her energy on her child and her career.
Later that evening, Winona Hayes and Mark Austin returned home.
Both of them looked somewhat exhausted.
“Chloe, how are you feeling today?
How are things going with the divorce?”
“Mom, Dad, let me update you.
I’ve already asked Ethan Paine to be my divorce lawyer.
He’ll help me fight for what I rightfully deserve.
It’s just that Caden doesn’t seem willing to settle out of court, and if we proceed with a contested divorce, it might take a while.”
Winona’s heart immediately sank.
Chloe was already starting to show a bit.
Winona didn’t think dragging this out any longer would be a good thing.
Mark put his arm around Winona’s shoulders and patiently comforted her.
“Mom, Dad, you don’t need to worry.
Ethan will arrange for our divorce as quickly as possible, even if Caden refuses to sign.”
“I know why he’s unwilling to sign.
Isn’t it just because of that plot of land at Goldenleaf Gardens?
If he really wants it that badly, I’ll just give it to him,” Mark said.
“Austin Corp finally managed to squeeze into the final round of bidding, and you’re just going to give it up like that?
How are you going to explain this to the board of directors?” Winona frowned, not thinking this was a good idea.
“Doesn’t Caden just have an ulterior motive?
Since he wants to fight Austin Corp for this land, I might as well hand it over.
I’ll explain it properly to the board.
That piece of land wouldn’t have brought us much profit anyway,” Mark reasoned.
Chloe remained silent.
She didn’t want her own problems to cause her parents so much distress.
“Mom, Dad, just focus on the company’s affairs.
I can handle this.
If I can’t even manage this small matter, what will I do in the future?”
“What else would you do in the future?
Of course, you’ll stay at home with us.
Your brother can take care of you, and we can take care of you, too.” Upon hearing this, Mark immediately chimed in to reassure Chloe, his speaking pace unconsciously quickening.
“Okay, I know Mom and Dad love me the most.” Chloe squeezed in between Mark and Winona, acting affectionately with both of them at once.
Winona placed a hand on Chloe’s belly and asked how she was feeling today.
“Mom, I dreamed of a snake recently, but it didn’t hurt me.
I feel like this baby is definitely going to be very mischievous in the future.”
“Oh, the older generation always says dreaming of a snake means you’re going to have a son.
Though, I’m hoping you’ll give me a granddaughter.
Ideally, one who’s just as beautiful as you are.”
Winona laughed heartily.
Mark also began to imagine how wonderful it would be to have a granddaughter who looked just like Chloe.
“Oh, right.
Come here, Mom has a gift for you.
I haven’t given you anything since you decided to get a divorce.”
Chloe took a file from Winona’s bag.
Opening it, she felt a bit at a loss.
“Mom, what is this…?”
“This studio is currently called ‘Simplicity.’ It was originally founded by a group of young people, but most of them have since left the design industry.
The remaining members sold the studio.
I’ve bought it, and from now on, I’m handing it over to you.”
Although the studio’s space wasn’t particularly large, its location was excellent.
Right in the city center, the office building was directly opposite Austin Corp.
“Chloe, just accept it.
From now on, your brother can drop you off and pick you up from work.
It’ll give us peace of mind, too.”
“Thank you, Mom!”
Chloe hugged Winona and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Feigning disgust, Winona slowly pulled herself away.
“You didn’t like acting spoiled with us when you were little, but now that you’re grown, you’re getting better and better at it.”
Chloe’s smile froze as she once again reflected on her relationship with Caden.
When they were dating, Caden would fulfill her every request whenever she acted affectionately.
He was incredibly attentive.
But after they got married, he seemed to gradually change, right up until Vivian returned.
Everything had taken a massive turn.
Perhaps, more accurately, Caden simply couldn’t keep up the act anymore—and neither could she.