Chapter 3 The New Divorce Agreement

"Hello, Mrs. Roberts. I am the attorney Mr. Roberts has appointed to discuss the divorce terms with you. My name is Royce White," Royce announced, promptly extending the prepared divorce papers.

Scarlett was taken aback, never expecting her husband would initiate a divorce the day he returned.

She reflexively inquired, "Is Grandma aware of this?"

Ella had orchestrated her marriage into the Roberts family, envisioning a life filled with harmony and joy for them.

Just moments ago, Ella was delighted at the prospect of her reuniting with her husband. Scarlett pondered whether Ella knew about Elias's plans.

Royce offered a vague smile and replied in a persuasive tone, "Miss Wallace, there's no need for Ella to know. If you sign this, you'll receive fair compensation. If you decline, you'll forfeit any benefits."

Scarlett took the divorce papers and read through them.

Although Elias offered a generous settlement, Scarlett firmly stated, "I can't consent to this agreement as it stands."

Royce's brow creased, ready to insist further.

Scarlett continued at a measured pace, "I am open to divorce, but I must draft a new agreement."

Royce, recalling Elias's directive, "As long as she consents to divorce, any condition can be negotiated," nodded in agreement.

"As long as you're willing to divorce, we can draft a new agreement," Royce concurred.

In the dark night, the top floor of the Roberts Group was still ablaze with light.

The door to the meeting room was ajar, and Elias, having finished a long meeting, walked out.

His assistant, Jude Green, followed with documents in hand. "Sir, you have a video conference with branch managers in ten minutes."

Elias nodded, then paused abruptly. Turning to Jude with an icy look, he asked quietly, "What's the status of the divorce papers?"

Jude responded quickly, "Royce has been dispatched to meet with Mrs. Roberts."

Elias cast a chilling glance at Jude and questioned, "Mrs. Roberts?"

Jude quickly corrected himself. "I apologize. Royce just informed me that she's agreed to the divorce."

Elias, caught off guard, remarked sarcastically, "I expected as much. That woman couldn't resist the compensation I offered in the agreement. She married me for money, after all."

"Actually, Mr. Roberts, she declined your compensation. She's demanding a redraft of the divorce agreement to relinquish all marital assets," Jude continued, his voice reflecting his astonishment. "Moreover, she instructed Royce to give her a bank card, expressing her intent to repay the medical expenses she owes, with interest."

Jude then presented the revised divorce agreement to Elias.

Elias was taken aback, not foreseeing that the woman would choose to repay the funds a year later.

He found himself questioning if she was as mercenary as he had believed.

For the first time, Elias felt a flicker of curiosity about his wife.

However, with an upcoming meeting, he dismissed these thoughts and signed the agreement without a second look. "Inform the lawyer to expedite this. I want the divorce finalized immediately."

Yet, Ella intercepted the divorce agreement before it could reach the attorney.

That evening, Elias received a call from Ella.

"Elias, how can you divorce your wife?! I don't consent to this. You cannot proceed with the divorce!"

"Grandma, I have no need for a wife."

Ella inhaled sharply and then stated, "I'm aware you've returned with a child this time. I won't pry into the child's origins if you prefer not to discuss it. Perhaps you can manage without a wife, but that young child surely needs a mother, doesn't he?"

Upon hearing this, Elias halted, a brief moment of uncertainty overtaking him.

Ella suggested, "Let's do this, Elias. Preserve your marriage for another three months, for the child's sake. If you still desire a divorce after that, I won't object."

After a moment of silence, Elias agreed reluctantly, "Fine, I consent."

With Elias's promise in hand, Ella promptly contacted Scarlett.

"Scarlett, I've secured an excellent job opportunity for you. It's a part-time tutoring role for a child with special needs, and the pay is quite generous. Would you be interested?"

Facing the burden of medical bills, Scarlett urgently needed funds and agreed without a second thought.

The next day, Scarlett made her way to the address Ella had given her, arriving at a grand villa.

The gates' detailed carvings were both intricate and elegant.

Scarlett pressed the doorbell and waited. Shortly, a servant emerged, inviting her in.

Moments later, in the living room, she caught sight of the villa's owner.

The man before her was striking in both looks and presence.

Engrossed in her resume, Elias asked without looking up, "Are you here for the tutoring interview today?"

Scarlett felt a hint of surprise. His voice carried a strangely familiar tone.