The Colonel’s Claim: After the Divorce novel Chapter 4

Fortunately, her hard work had finally paid off.

"Then, when do I meet with the team at Southmount Architects?"-

"Don't rush into that just yet, I haven't told you the bad news. Sigh, someone stole your spot. I asked around our professional circles, and the person seems to be Scarlett Yates. Mr. Hayes pulled some strings to make it happen for her. He sure does value his cousin..."

Clara felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

The man's voice continued, "I've seen Scarlett's resume, and she is genuinely impressive. She has a Ph.D. in architecture from a top overseas university, and she's only twenty-five."

That was undeniably outstanding!

But no matter how outstanding she was, she had no right to steal someone else's opportunity!

Besides, he felt her brilliance wasn't even half of Clara's.

Clara was the true genius. Back in her undergrad days, she was highly sought after by Professor Harrison from the Academy of Engineering.

It was a tragedy that she skipped grad school and jumped straight into marriage and motherhood right after graduation.

Clara listened in a daze. Realizing the full scope of the betrayal, she let out a bitter laugh, a flash of cold resolve crossing her eyes.

"Clara..."

Her friend called her name with deep concern.

Outsiders might be oblivious, but having known her for years, he was fully aware of the bitter feud between her family and Scarlett's.

And the one pulling strings for Scarlett was Clara's own husband. It was a knife straight to her heart.

"It's fine. We're getting a divorce anyway."

"What?"

Clara wiped the corner of her eye and replied, "I'll tell you the details when we meet up. Caleb is sick, so I have to catch a flight to Charleston soon."

Hearing this, the man did not press further, only reminding her to reach out if she needed anything.

Her heart warmed, and she hummed in agreement. At the same time, she couldn't help but marvel at the cruel irony—a friend could show her so much care, but her beloved husband and spoiled daughter could not...

How incredibly tragic.

She hung up the phone.

Clara grabbed her suitcase and headed straight for the door.

Downstairs, seeing her leaving, Beatrice walked over with a worried expression.

"Mrs. Hayes, are you..."

Clara stopped and said flatly, "I'm going to Charleston for a few days. Please take care of Stella. As for Dominic, when he gets back, tell him to call me."

She needed to finalize the divorce paperwork with him.

Beatrice wanted to offer words of comfort but couldn't find the right thing to say, settling for a quiet, "Alright..."

Years ago, when they were madly in love, he used to look at her with that exact same tender devotion.

But somewhere along the line, he had ruthlessly withdrawn all that love.

Clara stood frozen in place, her fingers tightening around her purse straps until her knuckles turned white.

If she had only suspected their inappropriate bond with Scarlett before, she was entirely certain of it now.

Clara suddenly let out a breathless laugh.

As if sensing her stare, Dominic glanced over.

Clara's eyes fluttered, a chilling numbness washing over her entire body.

But the man showed absolutely no guilt at being caught. His expression remained utterly impassive; he gave her a single, indifferent look before averting his gaze and calmly escorting Scarlett and Stella away.

Watching them leave, Clara felt no surprise whatsoever.

A moment later, the phone in her purse buzzed.

Guessing what it was,

She pulled it out to check.

Dominic: [I need to tell you something later.]

Clara gripped her phone tightly, assuming he was finally going to bring up the divorce.