Chapter 7
As soon as Serena’s mother heard those words, her expression–pale with grief just moments ago–shifted instantly into a bright, almost gleeful smile.
“You’re absolutely right, Ricky. This is fate.”
“It’s obvious now–Bryan’s bloodline is tainted. Even the heavens have rejected it. Your child with Serena is the one truly chosen to inherit the Portman Family legacy!”
The surrounding aristocrats and elites nodded in enthusiastic agreement.
“Yes, why else would the accident happen that day of all days–just when Serena was carrying Assistant Ricky’s child? It couldn’t be coincidence. It’s divine will!”
“Bryan’s betrayal of the Portman Family must have angered heaven itself. His son’s death is heaven’s warning–he’s not worthy to leave behind a legacy in this family.”
“In fact, this tragedy is a blessing in disguise!”
“Exactly. Ricky Assistant and Ms. Serena are a match made in heaven. Only their child is worthy of leading the Portman Group to even greater heights!”
As I watched the scene unfold, my heart–which had already gone numb–sank even further.
My son… from the time he was little, he had always admired Serena. She was his hero.
He studied hard because he wanted to make his mother proud.
He once told me he wanted to become someone as great as her.
I used to worry–if he ever saw the real Serena, if he saw her fall from that pedestal, it would shatter him.
But now, seeing her stand here… having caused his death and shedding not a single tear…
I was no longer worried. There was nothing left to fear.
Amidst the crowd’s murmuring, Serena turned to Ricky, her eyes filled with emotion.
“Hao… over the years, we’ve fought side by side, weathered countless storms together.”
“In that time, I found myself drawn to you.”
“I couldn’t give you a proper place before–because of Bryan and because of my son…”
“I’ve always felt guilty.”
“But now… everything has changed.”
“My son is gone. I can never go back to Bryan.”
She took a deep breath and looked at Ricky with resolve.
“Will you marry me?”
“I believe with your abilities, you’ll raise our children to be even more remarkable than I ever imagined.”
A hush fell over the room as everyone turned to Ricky.
Then, the applause began–quickly growing into a chorus of cheers and encouragement.
“Mr. Ricky, say yes! With just one word, you’ll become the husband of the wealthiest woman in
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the country!”
“This is fate! Two lovers, finally reunited after so much hardship. Don’t waste this chance!”
“Say yes! Say yes!”
Even Serena’s mother grabbed Ricky’s hand, her face glowing with excitement.
“Ricky, I knew from the moment I met you–you were the one for our family.”
“And now, Serena is carrying your child… isn’t that destiny?”
“Don’t hesitate. Marry my daughter. The title of Portman Family son–in–law is yours for the taking.”
The same woman who had spent years looking down on me now beamed at Ricky as if he were a rare jewel.
Ricky’s cheeks flushed as he gave a shy smile.
“Auntie, I’d love nothing more than to say yes…”
“But…”
n
He trailed off and glanced at me, feigning hesitation.
Serena caught on immediately.
She turned and ordered someone to bring out the divorce papers I had already signed.
Right there in front of everyone, she picked up a pen and scrawled her name across the document.
Then, without a second’s pause, she flung the divorce papers at my face.
Her voice was sharp and final.
“Bryan, from this moment on–we’re done.”
“From now on, Ricky is the only son–in–law of the Portman Family.”
“You’d better not try anything.”
“Because if you do… don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
I stared at Serena’s cold, commanding face–so familiar, yet now utterly unrecognizable.
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