Elara's mind went blank. It was as if a tidal wave had crashed over her, tearing at her body and fueling a storm of anger and humiliation.Her expression remained calm as she reached out and picked up the necklace, while Niamh's eyes lit up with a mocking gleam.Harvey leaned against the sofa, and looked away. He was convinced that Elara was like a dog—neglected one moment but wagging her tail the next the moment he beckoned her.Elara hooked a finger under the necklace around Niamh's neck, pulling it forward. She then held the two necklaces side by side."Niamh, the mother-of-pearl on your necklace is of much better quality. How about we trade?"She didn't call out the fake necklace directly as Niamh would have no shortage of excuses to dodge responsibility. Elara wanted Niamh to silently swallow the loss.The delicate chain tightened against the back of Niamh's neck, and she froze awkwardly. Her earlier anticipation of Elara foolishly wearing the fake necklace out in public and
Elara handed Harvey the pen.Niamh widened her eyes at that moment, unable to hide the glimmer of hope shining within them. When she saw Harvey sign the divorce agreement, a secret sense of triumph lit up her face."Elara, you're being so dramatic! I'd wake up laughing in the middle of the night if I had a husband like Harvey!"Elara shot Niamh a faintly mocking glance. "Do you hear how desperate you sound?"Harvey tossed the signed divorce papers at Elara. "You can throw your tantrum, but don't vent your frustrations at Niamh."Uninterested in arguing further, Harvey lowered his voice and spoke to Bambi. "If you ever want to come home, you can always call Daddy."Bambi tilted her head up and looked at Harvey. She didn't say a word and only tightened her grip on Elara's hand.His gaze toward Elara was cold and indifferent. "Bambi is my daughter, so she's welcome to come back anytime, but you… It won't be so easy for you to return."Harvey seemed like a god perched high above as
Niamh's suggestion was tempting, but Beau hesitated. "But if I turn in such a simple project, I'll never get a star.""I can order tons of stars online and give them to you! Then you'll have plenty of stars!"Beau looked at Niamh as if she were an idiot. "Niamh, do you usually wear fake stuff when you go out?"Niamh immediately denied it. "I never wear fake things!"Beau raised his voice. "If I take those stars you bought to kindergarten, won't I just get laughed at by the other kids? Only the stars the teacher gives out are real stars! Haven't you heard of the story called The Emperor's New Clothes?"He huffed angrily before saying, "You're just fooling yourself!"Being reprimanded by a five-year-old left Niamh's expression a chaotic swirl of embarrassment and frustration. "Fine, fine! I'll help you finish building the space fortress."If Elara could build a space fortress out of plastic straws, there was no way she couldn't.Ten minutes later, Niamh accidentally crushed the n
Bambi protested, "The space fortress was something Mommy stayed up all night making for you!""Mommy's space fortress was junk! It already fell apart! Niamh made me a new one, and it's the best!" Beau boasted as his face brimmed with pride.Bambi clenched her little fists at his words.She and Beau had both seen how Elara stayed up late working on their craft projects. Why did Beau treat their mother's hard work like it was nothing?The truth was, Elara didn't want to push herself so hard either.She had once paid the household staff overtime to help finish Beau and Bambi's craft projects. However, the staff had reported her to Ethel."The reason we allowed a Hawke University genius like you to marry into this family wasn't so you could shirk your duties, Elara. Your only job is to dedicate yourself fully to raising the Fisher family's heir. "Beau's future is your life's work. How dare you delegate his homework to the staff?" That was what Ethel had said to her.While the hous
The craft enthusiast who helped Niamh assemble the space fortress had warned her that the large structure could easily collapse once the box was opened.They specifically told Niamh to handle it with extreme care, as any damage would be her responsibility.Beau nodded earnestly, placing his trust in Niamh.Bridget, however, spoke sternly. "Ms. Jones, you can't do this! Beau's craft project hasn't been displayed or voted on yet, so giving him a spot on stage is unfair to the other children!"Niamh responded with a carefree laugh. "Do you know Madam Fisher is a board member of this kindergarten? Or that Beau's father is coming to the auditorium today to hear Beau's speech?"Beau's eyes lit up instantly. "Daddy is coming to school?"Bambi could hear Beau's excited voice while sitting in her seat, and her heart skipped a beat. Her own eyes brightened as well."Daddy's so busy with work—why would he come to school?" Beau asked in disbelief.Niamh grinned smugly. "If I tell him to co
Elara's gaze froze as she looked at Harvey.It was unbelievable. It was as if the sun had risen in the west. She had tried countless times to get Harvey to attend the kindergarten's parent-child activities, yet Harvey always said he was too busy.Even Ethel had scolded her, telling her not to bother Harvey with such trivial school events. She told Elara that raising and managing everything related to the children was her duty as Mrs. Fisher.Yet now, Niamh and Harvey were standing in front of her."Elara, I brought Harvey with me!" Niamh declared brightly.Harvey noticed the unfocused look in Elara's eyes as she stared at him, and he found it amusing.How could she not love him? The way she looked at him still showed love—he was sure of it.Harvey sat down next to Elara, with Niamh taking the seat on his other side.The other wealthy mothers in the room turned their attention to them, already buzzing with interest as though they were watching a drama unfold."When Beau showcas
"Beau, hurry up and take out the space fortress!" Niamh said.She reached for the box, but Beau immediately closed it while shaking his head frantically. "No! We can't take it out.""Take it out!" Niamh barked in a low voice. "I worked so hard to make this space fortress for you, and now you're hiding it? This is embarrassing!"Beau threw himself on top of the box, pressing his body against it to stop Niamh from opening it. Niamh tried to pull Beau away, but he clung to the box with all his strength.Suddenly, the box toppled over.Plastic straws spilled out in all directions, scattering across the stage. Among the straws was a pink sticky note that fluttered to the floor.The words on the note were caught by the camera, and it was projected onto the large screen for everyone to see.It wrote, "You think 200 bucks is enough to make someone stay up all night building a space fortress? Dream on!"Beau collapsed onto the stage floor, staring in shock as the straws rolled across th
Niamh quickly covered Beau's mouth. "What's the point of calling your mom now? Do you think she can make you win first place?"Beau choked back tears, and his blurred gaze shifted toward where Bambi stood.Bambi's craft project was already labeled as an Outstanding Work. She was standing in line at the edge of the stage, waiting for her turn to present."Mommy can definitely help Bambi win first place!"Niamh scoffed with a sneer. "Bambi won't win first place!"Beau's tearful eyes were filled with disbelief as he stared at Niamh."You don't believe me?"Niamh smirked and gently squeezed Beau's shoulder. "Just watch me!"Nearby, Bambi had a large plastic bag beside her, containing her craft project. With a sly smile, Niamh walked over and casually pressed her foot onto the bag.Bambi noticed Niamh's movement out of the corner of her eye. Though she was much shorter than Niamh, Bambi was quick.She grabbed Niamh's ankle and flipped her over completely with a strong tug."Ack!"
Paisley stood at the center of the stage and bowed, thanking the audience. Meanwhile, the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. Several parents who knew Rosalie turned to praise her."Ms. Fisher, you've done such a wonderful job raising her.""Paisley's dancing was beautiful. With her on stage, the whole performance became so pleasing to watch."Parents from the same class chimed in as well. "Rosalie made the right call by having Merida step down from the rehearsals. If Merida had performed, it definitely wouldn't have turned out this well.""Exactly. Rosalie really has great foresight."As they spoke, their glances drifted—intentionally or not—toward Elara.In the microcosm of the school community, parents were sorted by social circles. Even if they acknowledged Elara's competence, to them, she still had no real backing.And without that, she might as well have had nothing. In the world of elite parents at one of Capitol's top schools, Elara stood on shaky ground. Those ho
Rosalie let out a disdainful snort. "Does someone like Elara even deserve to step into the Fisher family's circle?"Her voice turned icy and shrill. "She's only dragging me down!"Luxury brands existed precisely to distinguish those who could afford them from those who couldn't. If commoners could easily buy Louis Vuitton or Hermès, how would the wealthy flaunt their status?Ever since Elara married into the Fisher family, Rosalie felt her own standing had been diminished. Now that Elara had been kicked out, Rosalie wouldn't give her another chance to mingle with high society.Harold lowered his voice. "Put in a good word for me with the Fisher family. Help me become Xavier's tutor."Though Beau had resumed his elite homeschooling, Xavier still attended the same classes—and far outperformed him. Harold had a strong premonition that the Fisher family would focus on cultivating Xavier.Though not Leonard's biological son, Xavier was his sole heir since Leonard had no children of hi
Rosalie took her seat beside Harold and immediately noticed him repeatedly glancing in Elara's direction."What are you looking at?" Her voice turned dangerous.Harold instantly trembled, quickly straightening his posture. "Nothing! I wasn't looking at anything!"Rosalie wouldn't let it go. "You kept staring at Elara! Why were you looking at her?"Flames burned in Rosalie's eyes as Harold hurriedly explained, "I just saw Xavier sitting in her lap and got curious! I never expected that child to be so close with her."He then gossiped with Rosalie, "Do you think if Elara dotes on Xavier like this, she might end up becoming Harvey's aunt?"A mischievous smirk spread across Harold's face."Only vulgar minds would come up with such vulgar thoughts!" Rosalie snapped.As a Fisher family member, her first reaction was utter disgust at such disgraceful speculation. How could she ever hold her head high in Capitol's elite circles if this happened?"How could Leonard possibly do such a t
Xavier eyed his surroundings warily, refusing to let anyone touch him as he walked between bodyguards. The backstage area bustled with people and large props. Some children wore exaggerated stage makeup and brightly colored costumes.Like a kitten caught in traffic, Xavier trembled with fear at the unfamiliar environment."Xavier!" Merida's loud, cheerful voice cut through the noise.Spotting Merida and Elara in the crowd, Xavier's dark eyes immediately lit up. He broke into a run toward them.Merida dashed forward too, leaping to meet Xavier. She scooped him up effortlessly, lifting him high into the air.Xavier soared upward, his face breaking into a smile at Merida's beaming expression.After spinning him around once, Merida carefully set him down—knowing more spins would make him dizzy."Xavier! I'm so happy you're here! Did you come to watch my performance?"Xavier nodded earnestly.His fingers reached out to touch the fringes on Merida's vibrant pink costume, his admirin
Rosalie's lips curled into a mocking smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, you'd get selected no matter what you perform. I mean, having a school board chairman for a father does wonders."Nearby parents exchanged knowing glances.Elara asked calmly, "Ms. Fisher, did Harvey say something to you?""Not at all," Rosalie replied."Then are you just spreading rumors?" Elara continued. "My daughter's performance earned the arts department's approval. What does that have to do with the Fisher family?"Rosalie lifted her chin, her gaze turning condescending. Since Elara's divorce from Harvey, Rosalie had looked at her like royalty observing an ant beneath her feet."The arts teachers only approved it because Harvey's on the board."Elara simply smiled. Rosalie was clearly trying to pick a fight, but Elara wasn't interested in proving herself. She had no intention of arguing over whether her daughter's opportunity to perform was the result of favoritism from Harvey.Instead, sh
Niamh's mouth opened, her voice trembling as she muttered, "Why… Why would Harvey say that?"By pushing all the blame onto her, wasn't Harvey essentially sentencing her to death? It was no wonder Abel wanted to kill her! Niamh shivered violently, feeling as if her heart might split apart.Abel pointed at her face and growled, "After I break your legs, I'll drag you to the Fisher family to beg Harvey's forgiveness!""Dad! No! Harvey's lying! What he's saying isn't true!"She knew with certainty that Abel would truly break her legs. Disaster was coming for her!Benjamin interjected coldly, "What you should consider is why Harvey would say this. Regardless of the truth, when Harvey shifts all the blame to you, it means you've become worthless to him!"To him, you're just a scapegoat now!"Tears welled in Niamh's eyes. Had Harvey forgotten Dawn's dying words? How could he do this to her?"Dad, I've been framed!" Niamh murmured despairingly.Abel refused to listen. "I don't care if
The hospital room door suddenly swung open from the outside. Benjamin entered to find Abel pressing a pillow over Niamh's face.Without hesitation, he charged forward, shoving Abel away with his body. Abel stumbled backward onto the nightstand, still clutching the pillow in both hands."What the hell are you doing?" Abel roared at Benjamin as he looked at him, as if the younger man had interrupted him trying to discipline Nimah.Benjamin saw Niamh's eyes rolling back. Her face had turned blue, mouth gaping but unable to draw breath. He immediately administered chest compressions, reviving Niamh just in time.Abel threw the pillow at Benjamin. "How dare you push me?""You nearly killed her!" Benjamin snapped back.Spittle flew from Abel's mouth. "She's disgraced me personally and ruined our family's standing in Capitol society!"Benjamin retreated a step with a cold laugh. "Then go ahead and kill her!"Saving lives was instinctual, but now he regretted intervening. Had he stayed
"Wah!" Beau burst into loud sobs, his cries weak but desperate."I want Mommy! Daddy! I only want my mommy!"Harvey's handsome face froze over with icy detachment. Without another word to Beau, he turned and left the children's room.When the door closed behind him, Beau's wailing became muffled.…Harvey returned to his bedroom, but even in the quiet emptiness, he still couldn't catch his breath. A cold sensation crept up from his feet.Striding to the walk-in closet, he yanked open every drawer. He pulled out ties, watches, cufflinks, and pins, scattering them across the floor.Did Elara give him this one? Did she buy him that? Frustration crept in as he realized he couldn't remember.The gifts from business associates stood out clearly in his memory, but he couldn't distinguish which items came from Elara versus his stylist. With growing dismay, Harvey realized he'd never properly looked at any present from Elara—not even once.Now he couldn't recall which accessories were
Beau was laying on the bed. His large, pitch-black pupils occupied most of his eye sockets, leaving only tiny whites that emitted a faint blue glow in the dim room.Harvey opened his mouth, only to feel as if someone had stuffed a wad of paper down his throat. His voice caught abruptly. Yet Beau's gaze was still brimming with longing and expectation.The boy tightened his grip on Harvey's sleeve."She already divorced me..." Harvey said slowly.How could he possibly reconcile with Elara? He would never return to what he'd left behind. After all, when they signed the divorce papers, he declared Elara would be the one begging him!When they obtained the divorce certificate, the thought of turning back never crossed his mind! Even if Elara had pleaded with him, it would still be impossible!Yet for Beau's sake, Harvey decided to make his greatest concession."If your mother comes begging for reconciliation, I'll consider it." As he spoke these words, Harvey clenched his fist—the st