My Reborn Apocalypse Begins with a Divorce novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Zac found himself swept up in Lauren’s logic too and nodded without thinking.

What mattered most was the lottery prize. The number still felt like a spinning blur; clear thought was hard to come by.

“We’re gonna be rich,” Lauren breathed, eyes bright. “Quit your job. We’ll emigrate–move overseas.”

Zac hesitated, then agreed. “Fine. I can’t stand the whispers anymore. My wife’s been screaming at me since last night–threats, talk of divorce, even suicide attempts. It’s driving me mad.”

He wasn’t precisely in love with his wife; his marriage gave him an easier lane in a hospital where his father–in- law had influence.

But maybe he’d had enough of crawling. Even half of that prize money was 20 million. Which country couldn’t they go to? Which mansion couldn’t they buy?

“Alright,” he said, trying to sound composed though his voice trembled. “Get ready. Make sure we move fast to secure the money.”

Lauren agreed at once.

She sat on the bed for a long time to steady herself, then went out into the living room. “Dad, Mom, Max, I have something to tell you…”

A short while later, the entire neighborhood seemed to be chanting with the same news. Within thirty minutes, the rumor had spread: Ray had hit the jackpot–50 million before taxes, and even after taxes, there was roughly 40 million.

But, people argued, it was marital property. Even if he collected the prize after the divorce, half still belonged to his wife. 50 million–no, 40 million net–were astronomical numbers to ordinary people.

The Gantts were rich, the neighborhood decided. Heaven had a strange sense of humor to bless them like this. Opportunistic neighbors immediately began circling: matchmaking, proposals, coy offers to introduce daughters. The thought of 20 million made a divorced man suddenly very

very desirable.

Then the phone rang. It was Henry.

“Freeze his accounts,” seemed already in the air. Lauren answered quickly.

“Ms. Gantt, I suggest you reach a settlement with your ex–husband,” Henry said, oddly clipped.

She blinked. “Why?”

Wasn’t he supposed to be freezing Ray’s money?

“Because your ex–husband purchased the lottery tickets after your divorce,” Henry said, voice flat and tired.

The case was effectively closed. The evidence left no room for argument.

“Impossible!” she blurted. She couldn’t accept it. The idea was intolerable.

“No,” Henry said. He, too, felt the disappointment–this was a career–making case involving 40 million. “Your divorce was effective at 11:30 a.m., and Ray bought the tickets at 2:11 p.m. The surveillance footage and the timestamps on the lottery tickets confirm it.

“Now he’s suing, accusing you of hiding Michael’s parentage and claiming severe emotional damages. I strongly

Chapter 17

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