She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 17

First thing on the morning of the tenth, Shera received a message from Caden containing a lawyer's attestation and two photos of the divorce agreement, now bearing his signature and thumbprint.

Caden: [Satisfied?]

Shera nodded in approval. That sharp, arrogant handwriting definitely belonged to him.

Even with a lawyer's witness, if Caden really wanted to back out, she knew she couldn't win that legal battle. But... she didn't think he would waste any more time or energy on her.

Just as he had said, he didn't need her. Now that Helga was back, her role as his business partner was officially obsolete.

Shera: [Barely passable.]

Caden: [I'll have the driver pick you up tomorrow at noon.]

Shera: [Fine.]

——

The Hayes Manor was nestled in Mount Lyrion in the southern suburbs of Aurelia City. Surrounded by lush mountains and tranquil waters, the sprawling sixty-acre estate boasted classical landscaping.

Before his stroke, Dewitt loved playing golf, so the estate featured a private course in the backyard—though these days, it was mostly used for walking the dogs.

Caden originally intended to arrive with Shera, but Marcus had claimed there was an urgent family matter to discuss, forcing him to head over early.

When the car pulled up, a maid rushed forward to open the door, and Shera stepped out in her heels.

She wore a fitted sheath dress that perfectly accentuated her slender, graceful figure. Embroidered vines wrapped around her waist, with intricate birds perched on the branches. The moonlight-colored damask silk shimmered beautifully in the daylight.

Her long hair was pinned neatly into an elegant updo, secured by a jasmine flower hairpin, and a pair of simple yet stunning pearl earrings framed her face.

She was naturally radiant and striking, requiring only the lightest touch of makeup to stand out. Tall, poised, and breathtakingly elegant, she looked like a vintage socialite stepping straight out of a painting.

The maids standing nearby were completely dumbstruck. Was this really the same meek, submissive wife they remembered, the one who always trailed silently behind the young master?

Her lilting voice tickled his eardrums, and Caden felt something stir deep within his chest. He had never realized how incredibly pleasing that pet name could sound.

Without breaking eye contact, he smirked and wrapped his large hand over the fingers pinching his arm, leaning in close. "Barely passable."

Shera scoffed coldly, shooting him a glare. "Take me to greet your father."

Under the gazebo in the backyard, Dewitt Hayes was playing a game of Go with a guest. Dressed in a dignified tailored suit, he exuded a powerful, imposing aura.

He had fully recovered from his stroke through careful rehabilitation, though a lingering weakness in his legs meant he still frequently used a wheelchair.

Rolling a smooth stone between his fingers, he thought for a moment before placing it deliberately on the board, securing his victory.

The man sitting across from him leaned forward, chuckled helplessly, and tossed his remaining stones back into the bowl. "I see I still can't beat you after all these years."

The surrounding guests immediately chimed in, showering Dewitt with praises for his masterful skills.