Chapter 7

Nicole cast a cool glance at Lucy, who was crying even more "heartbrokenly" than herself, and let out a cold laugh.

"Actually, I pity you. Not only are you physically disabled, but you're mentally disabled too."

Lucy's face - it couldn't simply be described as ugly anymore.

Despite her perfectly applied makeup, her complexion shifted between ashen and red as rage built inside her.

But she swallowed her anger and once again put on her harmless, pitiful act.

"Nicole, I know you're jealous that I have Travis's love. But why stoop to insulting me? If you're still angry about Travis, I can kneel and apologize to you, would that help?"

Listen to that submissive tone - anyone who didn't know the truth would think Nicole was bullying a disabled person.

In the past, whenever Lucy pulled this trick, Nicole would lose her temper, screaming and shouting, completely losing her composure.

Looking back, she realized how foolish that had been.

It had only pushed Travis further away.

But now, Nicole no longer cared what Travis thought of her.

Nicole crossed her arms and turned to face Lucy, speaking with mockery, "Fine then. Kneel and apologize to me right now!"

Lucy froze for a moment, triumph flashing in her eyes.

This was exactly what she wanted - Nicole appearing arrogant and bullying her.

The more Nicole bullied her, the more Travis would despise her.

Sure enough, when Travis heard Nicole demanding that Lucy, confined to a wheelchair, kneel and apologize, he immediately objected.

"Nicole, don't go too far!" Travis snapped at her.

But instead of intimidating Nicole, his anger sparked her defiance.

She pointed her index finger first at Lucy, then at Travis's thunderous face.

"Too far? Really? A woman constantly calling my husband, and my husband spending nights at another woman's house - am I the one going too far, or are you two? Have you no shame? Is this how brazen adultery has become these days?"

In past arguments, Nicole's desperation made her emotional and incoherent, giving Lucy opportunities to twist her words and mock her.

But now, Nicole spoke with calm composure, her accusations precise and logical, leaving both Travis and Lucy speechless.

Nicole, not wanting to waste more time, took advantage of a servant announcing guests in the living room to help William out of the study.

Outside in the courtyard, she softly apologized to William.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa, but I'm divorcing Travis."

William gave a bitter smile.

"Don't apologize. I understand - I've seen everything. After what they've done to you, your body and spirit... how could I selfishly ask you to stay with Travis, to keep loving and caring for him? Go, find someone who truly loves and cherishes you."

"Grandpa…”

Nicole choked up, leaning against his shoulder.

After the birthday celebration, Nicole said goodbye and waited for her rideshare at the street corner.

She used to own a Range Rover.

But she'd been forced to sell it to pay her hospital bills and Richard's $150,000.

Now she had less than $10,000 left in savings.

She couldn't even afford a private car service - she had to use the carpool option.

After she waited for nearly twenty minutes, her ride finally arrived.

As she reached for the door handle, someone grabbed her wrist.

She turned to find an angry Travis.

Nicole gave him a cold look. "Get your filthy hands off me."

Her tone was impatient, her eyes full of disgust and contempt.

Her unfamiliar response unsettled Travis, and he tightened his grip.

"Watch your tone with me, Nicole!"

Nicole found him almost laughable.

Perhaps this was typical of people born with silver spoons in their mouths.

Used to ordering around those beneath them, but quick to anger at the slightest disrespect.

But Nicole wouldn't play that game anymore. She yanked her hand away. "This is my tone now. If you don't like it, go run to your precious Lucy."

Hearing this, Travis was secretly pleased, convinced Nicole was just jealous and throwing a tantrum.

He replied arrogantly, "That's right, I prefer Lucy. She's ten times better than you!"

Nicole frowned at his smug expression and said slowly, "You need professional help."

"Honk! Honk!"

The rideshare driver, growing impatient, rolled down his window and shouted, "Miss, your three-minute wait time is up. Are you getting in or should I cancel?"

Nicole apologized quickly, "Sorry, I'm coming right now."

Travis blocked her path. "You're not leaving until you apologize to Lucy."

Nicole looked at Travis blocking her way, then brought her heel down hard on his expensive shoe.

Travis's mouth opened in pain as he instinctively bent down to grab his injured foot.

Seizing her chance, Nicole quickly jumped into the car and slammed the door.

The driver immediately hit the gas.

By the time Travis recovered, hopping on one foot trying to chase the car, all he got was a face full of exhaust fumes.

Furious, he ripped off his jacket and threw it to the ground.

"Nicole, let's see how long you last out there! I'll be waiting for you to come crawling back!"

Travis shouted at the disappearing car.

He was convinced Nicole was just throwing a tantrum and would eventually return.

After all, she'd had no career or job during their marriage, and he'd never given her money.

How could a woman with no money and no job survive without him?

So Travis was confident Nicole would soon come home meekly, begging for forgiveness.

It was 10 PM when Nicole returned to her rented apartment.

After a quick shower, she began checking responses to her job applications online.

She had a promising freelance project, but she wanted a stable job too. Richard was like a time bomb, ready to demand money at any moment - she needed to be prepared.

She'd applied for a teaching position at the Medical University.

The school had sent her an interview invitation for Tuesday.

Tomorrow was Monday, giving her time to prepare.

But first, she needed to finalize the divorce.

For years, to maintain the Graham family's image, she'd never dared to work openly, only taking freelance jobs under pseudonyms. Now she didn't need to hide anymore.

The next morning, Nicole didn't even need an alarm.

She woke exactly at 7 AM - a habit formed during her marriage to Travis.

Throughout their marriage, she'd risen early to make his breakfast. Now it was just her biological clock.

Nicole had a simple breakfast, applied perfect makeup, and put on a figure-hugging dress before heading to the courthouse.

As Travis stepped out of his Maserati, he saw Nicole standing at the courthouse entrance. She looked ethereal - tall, elegant, and stunning - but her face was cold as she watched him approach.