The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 18

She opened the phone box and found a handwritten note from Mathis: Passcode: my birthday.

Bianca cursed herself for being so pathetic. Even now, she recognized his handwriting instantly.

Having spent three years celebrating his birthday with him, it wasn't a date she was going to forget anytime soon.

Taking a deep breath, she resolved to carve Mathis completely out of her heart.

Who cared if it hurt? Given how utterly obsessed he was with Cynthia, staying with him would be nothing short of sheer torture.

She tossed the items aside and went to wash up, growing angrier by the minute.

Mathis truly was resourceful, managing to track down her new address so quickly. Then again, he was a major shareholder at Stellaride; her address was likely right on her employment file.

Bianca let out a bitter laugh. Throwing an unlimited credit card at her right as they were getting divorced?

Years ago, he had strictly warned her never to dream of touching his fortune. Knowing his vindictive streak, he'd probably demand every cent back once they went to court. She wouldn't touch a dime.

She refused to use anything he gave her. There was no telling what sort of trap he was laying.

Instead, she went straight to the store and bought a phone herself. Once her new patent launched, she was guaranteed a two percent royalty. Her pre-tax salary was already $1.6 million.

As long as she didn't try to force her way into high society, she could live incredibly comfortably.

She had zero interest in the scraps that bastard threw her way.

She was no longer the destitute, desperate college graduate she once was. From now on, she had the power to walk away.

"Alright. I'll see if I can get her to do it."

Hector elaborated, "The child's birth certificate would also work, provided his name is listed as the father. Alternatively, catching him in the act or getting a recorded confession of infidelity. Given his current stance, he will absolutely drag this out to an appeals court, which could tie you up for a mandatory two-year legal battle."

Bianca sighed heavily. "I recorded a confession yesterday, but he found out and destroyed my phone. The DNA report is my only shot. Thank you, Mr. Goodwin."

Hector offered a sympathetic reassurance. "Getting out of a wealthy marriage when the husband refuses is notoriously difficult. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Thank God you two don't have a child, or this would be infinitely worse."

Bianca glanced down at her stomach, her resolve to get the procedure hardening.

She took her broken phone to a repair shop, pleading with the technician to salvage it. Her eyes were red. "It has all the voice notes and photos of my late mother. Please, I'm begging you!"