Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 133

Julian was left completely speechless.

She was right.

Just days ago, Leo Hammond had actually suggested giving Elara a cut of the profits so they could part ways amicably.

If he told Leo what Elara wanted, Leo would absolutely support the transfer.

But Julian refused.

The entire reason he had kept Elara in the dark and delayed filing for divorce was to ensure she walked away with as little of his wealth as possible.

If he willingly handed over shares now, wouldn't all his scheming have been for nothing?

Elara gave him ample time to process. When he remained silent, she let out a bitter, disappointed laugh. "I knew it. You were lying."

"You claim we're husband and wife, that our interests are aligned. But the moment I ask for a fraction of your shares, you act like I'm asking for your life."

"And you were the one who asked what it would take..."

Her voice gradually cracked. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over before she quickly wiped them away.

"Forget it."

Elara rarely showed vulnerability. Not wanting Julian to see her looking so pathetic, she hastily turned away to open the microwave and grab her milk.

"From the moment I quit my job to become a housewife, I should have known this day would come."

"You're so brilliant. Your career is so successful. So many people admire and adore you—women who are young, have their own careers, and come from great families. Not like me, stuck at home bare-faced, raising a child, knowing nothing but groceries and laundry."

Her sudden breakdown caught Julian entirely off guard.

Even if it was the truth, Elara had never been the type to play the victim or complain.

In the decade they had known each other, he had never heard her sound so utterly defeated.

He couldn't comprehend the sudden shift and felt completely lost. "Elara..."

"Is this even a home anymore?"

Julian had no answer.

"We're adults. We can cope, we can grit our teeth and survive. But Melody can't."

"She's already incredibly sensitive, and this environment is destroying her. You've shattered her trust in you. She's broken down multiple times recently because of you. If we're at each other's throats every day, how long do you think she can take it?"

The grip on her shoulders tightened painfully. Elara glanced down, then calmly raised a hand to pry his fingers off her collarbone.

"Melody is our daughter, not our enemy. She shouldn't have to absorb our toxic emotions or suffer through this torture."

"She just turned four. Her only job is to grow up happy and healthy, not to be dragged into our adult warfare and robbed of her childhood."

The fierce protective instinct of a mother hardened Elara's features, stripping away the exaggerated theatricality she had used moments before.

"Julian, we both know the nightmare of a broken childhood. Do you really have the heart to force Melody down the exact same miserable path we walked?"