Chapter 1

On the television screen in a cafe, a financial news broadcast played. "The Nora Group has gone public in Hokora, with its stock price soaring and hitting the upper limit.

"The company's CEO, Eleonora Posher, has seen her net worth rise to nearly 300 million dollars, officially joining the ranks of millionaire businesswomen..."

The screen showed a stunning woman, smiling triumphantly as she rang the opening bell with her team.

Castiel Ignis watched his wife bask in her success with a proud smile.

For three years, he had silently supported her behind the scenes. Now, seeing her achieve her dreams, he felt genuinely happy for her.

Then, the crisp sound of high heels clicking against the floor echoed behind him.

Castiel turned around, and his face immediately lit up with joy. "Honey! You're here!"

The woman standing before him was none other than his wife, Eleonora Posher—the same woman who had just led her company's IPO celebration on TV.

But instead of excitement or affection, Eleonora's expression was cold and emotionless.

She pulled a document from her bag and placed it in front of him. "Castiel, this is a divorce agreement. Please sign it."

Castiel's smile froze. "Honey, y-you want a divorce?"

He was stunned.

"Why?" he finally asked.

Eleonora sighed. "I'll be blunt, Castiel. We've been together for three years, but you've done nothing with your life.

"You have no ambition, no career, no social connections. You've stayed stagnant while I've constantly moved forward.

"At first, the gap between us wasn't obvious. But now, I own a publicly traded company. I'm worth hundreds of millions.

"Do you really think we're still a match? If you truly love me, you won't hold me back from being with someone more worthy of me."

Castiel paused before asking, "So, this is why you asked me to meet you today?"

"It wouldn't have been appropriate to discuss this at home." Eleonora's voice was flat, and the warmth that once filled her eyes was gone. All that remained was indifference.

Castiel let out a dry chuckle.

He had been by her side for three years, handling everything—from household chores to dealing with family matters. He had worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help her company succeed. Yet, he was now being cast aside as if he were worthless.

And for what? Because she believed he wasn't "good enough" for her anymore?

Shaking his head, he said, "I won't sign it."

Eleonora's gaze remained calm. "You don't have a choice."

Anger flashed in Castiel's eyes. "I've done everything for you, for your family. Have I ever failed as a husband? Have I ever wronged you? Tell me, what crime have I committed to deserve this?"

Eleonora replied, "You're a good husband, Castiel. And a good man. I won't deny that. You've made my life easier over the years, and I appreciate it.

"Here's a check. Write any amount you want. As long as it satisfies you, I'll make it happen. But our marriage is over."

Castiel didn't even glance at the check. Instead, he let out a scornful laugh. "How generous of you, Ms. CEO. Throwing me a blank check like I'm just another business transaction."

Eleonora sighed. "I understand that you're upset, Castiel. But I need a man who is at least my equal. A partner who can keep up with me. Two people should grow together in a relationship. We're just not on the same level anymore."

Castiel's anger flared. "Then why didn't you mention it when we got married?"

"Back then, I didn't think about it much. I believed marriage was just about being together and getting through life as partners. But I've realized that it's not that simple. When two people live in completely different worlds, it becomes painful," Eleonora answered.

Castiel let out a bitter laugh. "You're right. You're the brilliant CEO of the Nora Group, mingling with the rich and elite.

"And me? I'm just an ordinary man. All I ever did was massage your shoulders when you were tired, take you to the hospital when you were sick, and make sure you ate and took your medicine.

"I let you use me as a punching bag when you were mad, absorbed your negativity. I was the one who made sure you wore enough layers so you wouldn't catch a cold, the one who worried whether you'd eaten enough.

"You're right—someone like me doesn't deserve someone like you."

His voice dripped with sarcasm, yet his heart felt hollow. He had given her three years of unwavering devotion, and this was his reward?

Looking at her now, unwavering in her decision, he realized there was nothing left to say.

Eleonora couldn't help but feel a pang, but it vanished as quickly as it came.

"Fine," Castiel said at last. "I'll sign. But can I ask you one question before that?"

Eleonora nodded. "Go ahead."

Castiel asked, "Are you leaving me for Mr. Monroy from Centrom?"

Eleonora was taken aback. "How did you know?"

A moment later, she took a deep breath and met his gaze. "So you've already figured it out."

Castiel let out a hollow chuckle. "Power and money mean that much to you?"

Eleonora shook her head. "You still don't understand, Castiel. No one can escape the influence of wealth and status. Without them, how can a person truly stand tall in this world? I simply made the best choice for myself."

Castiel laughed—loud and bitter.

"What a joke. You say I don't understand? Fine. Go ahead. Chase after your 'best choice.' Just don't regret it later."

Eleonora's voice was calm. "I never regret my decisions."

She gave him a once-over before adding, "Besides, what about you is worth regretting?"

That was the final straw. Castiel clenched his jaw, grabbed the divorce papers, and signed his name in bold, decisive strokes.

As for the check? He ripped it to shreds and let the pieces scatter onto the table.

Eleonora took the signed document and smiled in satisfaction.

Castiel's heart turned completely cold at her reaction. She couldn't wait to leave him. Disappointment flooded his chest like ice water.

Just then, his phone rang.

A robotic voice announced loudly in the notification, "Your account received incoming funds—1 billion dollars!"

It was loud and clear.

Castiel remained unfazed, while Eleonora's smile froze.