Her Divorce, His Downfall (Sophia and Damian) novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142

Michael lifted his gaze toward him, his lips parting briefly before sealing shut again, trembling too much to form any words.

He knew he was on shaky ground. Back then, he’d relied on the wedding gift from Elaine’s family to pull through the crisis. If her family hadn’t come looking, and Sophia had truly died, then her assets would have naturally fallen into his name.

But now, with Elaine’s relatives standing right here, he couldn’t possibly claim what was never his.

Jeffrey let his gaze linger for a moment before shifting it to Rhea’s deathly pale face. He watched her with a look one might reserve for something unpleasant, his voice cold as winter frost.

“All these years, you’ve taken everything you could get your hands on what was yours and what wasn’t. What have you ever done for the Anderson family’s benefit?

“While you and that useless daughter of yours indulged in luxury and extravagance, did you ever stop to think where the money came from? Should I shove the receipts in your face?”

As he spoke, he rose to his feet and raised a hand, casually curling his index and middle fingers in a gesture.

An attendant waiting nearby immediately stepped forward, 13:08

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placing a plain paper envelope into his open palm.

Jeffrey tore it open with practiced ease, drew out a thick stack of printed bills, and flung them at Rhea’s face as if discarding trash.

“Jewelry, designer labels, yachts, five–star hotels, exclusive clubs, private hot springs…not a single dollar of it was earned by

you.

“When Sophia worked at Zenith Corporation, the Hall and Moore families were willing to share resources for her sake.”

Jeffrey moved closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over Rhea, and posed a chilling question.

“Now that she’s gone, how long do you parasites think you can keep feeding off her corpse?

“The Moore family has waited until today to make a move- that’s already more consideration than Michael deserves. If you still don’t know when to stop…”

He paused, a flicker of amusement crossing his eyes as though a thought had just occurred to him.

“The sharks in international waters must be getting hungry lately. If you’re interested, I wouldn’t mind taking the trouble to escort you personally for a swim with them.”

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At the mention of being “escorted to the sharks,” the last trace of color drained from Rhea’s face, replaced by a surge of wild, desperate reckoning.

The Moore family had already stormed in–what good would staying silent do now?

Could things possibly get any worse?

If that was the case, she might as well let it all out. If she made everyone else miserable, maybe then she’d feel better.

Pushing Isabelle, who had only just begun to regain her senses, into Michael’s arms, Rhea shot to her feet.

Her finger trembled as she pointed at Jeffrey and his brother, her voice breaking into a raw cry.

“Sophia had the best of everything since she was a child! She was raised by the Anderson family, sent to France for elite education, and came back to inherit the family business–wasn’t that what she owed this family?”

Her chest heaved violently, tears streaming down her cheeks as she sobbed between words.

“But what about my Isabelle? Until she was six, we lived in a leaky apartment in the slums, looked down on by everyone, 3/6

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counting every penny just to afford a little meat!

“During the hardest times, I carried her on my back while scrubbing dishes with frost–cracked hands in the winter, just so we wouldn’t starve!

“You think she turned out this way because of me? If Elaine had just allowed us into the household earlier, would we have had to suffer so much?”

At this, Rhea whirled toward Michael, her eyes burning with bitterness, her voice rising sharply enough to pierce the air.

“Michael, you were the one who pursued me first! After Elaine found out about our affair, you begged for her forgiveness, then tossed me some money to disappear!

“Yes, you got your revenge and went back to playing the perfect husband and father! But what about me? Was I just a toy for you to use and discard?

“I carried your child, went through ten months alone, gave birth alone, and raised her alone until the money you gave me ran out when she was two.”

She turned back to face the crowd, unleashing the fury and resentment she’d bottled up for years.

Later, when Michael found out I’d kept the child, he anteqt09

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bring us home. But Elaine threatened divorce, and this coward went begging her again!

“We waited like rats in the gutter, day after day, until Elaine finally fell ill and died–that was the only way we stepped into the Anderson Manor.

“She died after all. So what if she came from a wealthy family?”

A sudden, twisted laugh burst from Rhea, her face contorted with vindictive pleasure.

“She still died before me! I’m the one who ended up on top! No matter how much Michael loved her, she couldn’t withstand being worn down by a husband who couldn’t stay faithful.

“She kept hoping Aaron would save her, but Michael refused to divorce her. Slowly, she wilted like a rose with rotten roots, beyond any cure! Her biggest regret before she died must have been marrying Michael, don’t you think?

“So after all the suffering we’ve endured, what’s wrong with enjoying the finer things now? The Anderson family owes me this! All of you owe me this!”

A sharp, heavy slap landed across Rhea’s face. Stunned, she pressed a hand to her stinging cheek and stared in disbelief at Michael, whose face was contorted with rage.

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“You hit me?” Hot tears welled and spilled over as she glared back, her voice shaking with outrage.

She demanded, “Tell me, Michael, did I say anything that wasn’t true?”

“Elaine loved me. Don’t you dare spread lies about her and Aaron! I’m the one who failed her in this life,” Michael retorted.

He closed his eyes briefly, pain flickering across his features. When he opened them again, his usual mask of cool authority had returned, though tinged with clear remorse.

“I’ve done my best to make it up to you and your daughter. I’ve given you the life and the status you wanted. Please…don’t speak ill of Elaine anymore. She’s gone. Have some decency.”