In the country of Zephyria, the saying went that the Robinsons owned 30% of the nation's wealth, while the Whites and the Adamses together controlled 40%. They were the three major conglomerates that dominated Zephyria's economy.
The Robinsons, as the leading family among these titans, consistently ranked high on global wealth lists, with business interests spanning the globe.
Daniel Robinson, the youngest and most favored son of the Robinson patriarch, had been groomed as the heir apparent. He married Nicole White, the beloved youngest daughter of the White family.
Years ago, a family feud had led to the disappearance of Daniel's daughter, leaving Nicole devastated and on the brink of a breakdown.
Disillusioned, Daniel had renounced his position as heir and left Lumina. He settled in Auroville with Nicole and their five sons, where he built Silverline Industries from scratch. In just two decades, it became one of Zephyria's top six corporations.
The Robinson family kept a low profile. Despite their sons being industry leaders, few knew their true identities:
Thomas, 27, was a Wall Street sensation known for his financial acumen.
Joseph, a business prodigy, had successfully taken multiple companies public.
Ryan, a tech wunderkind, had recently won a major international award and was the youngest dean of the technology department at Zephyria's top university.
Nelson, a brilliant surgeon, had saved the lives of several world leaders and was sought after by countries worldwide.
William, an entertainment triple threat, had become a national idol in less than three years, with fans ranging from 5 to 80 years old.
The public knew the Robinsons primarily for their relentless search for their lost daughter. Even Selina, usually disinterested in gossip, had heard about it, never imagining she could be the one they were looking for.
If not for their timely appearance, she might not have survived.
She had thought David was just cold-natured, never realizing his heart and blood were truly ice. He showed no regard for their three years together, forcing her to have an abortion with complete disregard for her life. How could she have ever fallen for such a cruel man?
David returned to the mansion five days after encountering Selina at the hospital.
Four days earlier, Silverline Industries, a long-time reliable partner, had suddenly created problems with Horizon Global's most crucial project, throwing the company into crisis.
His uncle's family, especially his cousin - Christopher Wilson, seized the opportunity to stir up trouble, attempting to wrest control of the company.
Exhausted from working nonstop, David found himself instinctively returning to Belvedere Heights, a place he hadn't visited in a long time. To his surprise, he was greeted by darkness.
In the past, no matter how late he came home, Selina would always wait for him, eagerly bringing his slippers and asking if he'd eaten. The unlit villa was unusually quiet and bone-chillingly cold.
Realizing Selina hadn't contacted him for five days, which broke her usual pattern, David frowned as he entered the living room. His eyes immediately fell on an envelope on the coffee table.
He opened it casually, only to be confronted with the words "Divorce Agreement" in bold letters. Seeing Selina's signature already in place, his dark eyes narrowed. Did she think she could threaten him with divorce, knowing he had promised his grandmother to take care of her for life?
Already irritated, David felt a surge of anger. He picked up his phone to call Selina, his eyes quickly scanning the agreement.
It stated: "Leave with nothing."
Hadn't she used every trick to marry him for his status and wealth? How could she be willing to leave empty-handed?
The phone rang for a long time. Just as David's patience was wearing thin, Selina finally answered but remained silent.
"It's late, and you're not home. Where are you?" David asked irritably after a moment of silence.
"My business is none of your concern," Selina replied icily, mirroring his earlier coldness at the hospital.
Surprised by the usually docile Selina's continued anger, David rubbed his temples in frustration. "Are you done throwing a tantrum?"
Selina found his response laughable. "Since you're home, I assume you've seen the divorce agreement," she said sarcastically.
"You really want a divorce?" David's movement halted, a flash of anger crossing his eyes. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"My only regret is realizing too late," Selina's voice was devoid of emotion. "And I've changed my mind. For the divorce, I want $100 million."
David scoffed. So she was finally showing her true colors with this outrageous demand.
"You're certainly brave to ask for that much."
Selina stood her ground: "If you don't agree, we'll settle this in court. As for our marital assets, your affair means you should get less. Add in compensation for emotional damage, and it'll be much more than that figure."
"Selina Miller!" David gritted out her full name in warning.
Usually, when he angrily called her by her full name, she would humble herself and try to appease him in various ways.
Just as David expected her to back down as usual, Selina spoke nonchalantly: "You proposed a secret marriage back then. I'm sure you don't want this divorce to become public knowledge now."
After a pause, she continued leisurely: "I hear Horizon Global is in trouble. Christopher is buying up company shares left and right."
David's eyes darkened dangerously when he heard the implication in her words. "Christopher approached you? If you dare sell him those shares..."
"It's just business. The highest bidder wins," Selina cut him off, her tone patronizing. "Christopher offered $500 million. Out of respect for Grandma, I'm giving you the right of first refusal."
"Selina, know your limits," David's voice was tense. "Don't push it."
She was pushing it? Compared to what he had done to her, this was child's play.
"Tomorrow at 10 AM, County Court," Selina let out a cold laugh. "Otherwise, watch me sell those shares to Christopher."
David clenched his jaw, staring at the disconnected call, his gaze icy, wishing he could reach through the phone and tear Selina apart.
The woman who had relied on him for support was now turning the tables, daring to threaten him!
Suddenly, lightning struck, and a storm broke out. The downpour filled the quiet villa with an unprecedented chill, like a massive freezer.
After a sleepless night, David, dressed in a bespoke silver-gray suit and seething with anger, arrived punctually at the County Court entrance. To his surprise, Selina was indeed waiting there.
David glared ominously at Selina, who was surrounded by a group of bodyguards. His face was overshadowed by a menacing darkness, more ominous than the overcast sky.
She wore a long black coat and, despite the heat, was excessively wrapped in a scarf and hat. Her entire body was tightly bundled, yet she looked so frail that a gust of wind that might blow her away.
Against the black attire, her complexion was pale. Her face, no larger than a palm, was so thin her cheeks were sunken, making her eyes appear even larger. However, those eyes were devoid of any emotion, as if she were a cold, mechanical being, emanating an inexplicable chill. She was a far cry from the Selina who used to always greet him with a gentle smile.
David felt a pang in his heart, his intention to confront her suddenly dissipating. His brows furrowed, and his thin lips moved, but before he could utter a word, Selina strode over and handed him two documents.
"The share transfer agreement and divorce agreement. My account number is there. Don't forget the transfer."
She didn't even spare him a glance before turning and walking into the County Court.
David stared at the indifferent Selina, the words urging her to reconsider dying on his lips. He had an unsettling feeling of losing control, and an inexplicable anxiety churned in his chest.
Lowering his gaze to the property division section of the divorce agreement, the long string of numbers suddenly struck him as ironic. From beginning to end, wasn't everything she did just for his money?
