Werner knew that this marriage was beyond repair and that a court battle would make their divorce everyone’s business. He gave a bitter, self-mocking smile. "Fine. If that's your decision, I'll respect it. Whatever you want, I'll go along with it."

Cathy turned around. "I have just one wish—to get divorced. Let's go register before it closes today, or we'll have to wait through that 30-day cooling-off period."

Werner got into the car without a word. During the entire ride, he kept stealing glances at Cathy, struggling to find the right words. But everything he wanted to say just felt so hollow and futile. Soon, they arrived at the courthouse.

The clerk remained unfazed. These days, they’d seen couples of all ages filing for divorce.

"Starting from today, there will be a 30-day divorce cooling-off period. If either of you changes your mind during this time, you may come at any time to withdraw the divorce registration."

"Got it," Cathy replied perfunctorily, but inside she was fuming, 'Thirty damn days of waiting. What torture! Well, I still need to discuss the property division with Werner.'

Werner had given Liora $150,000 for her medical expenses, which she returned in full before passing away.

Cathy paused for a moment before saying, "Why don't you give that $150,000 to Sanford? That poor boy has spent nearly thirty years searching for you. The least you can do is help him out a little."

Werner let out a weary sigh. "What about Donald and Cheryl? I did say I’d leave with nothing from this marriage…" As he said this, his gaze shifted to Cathy. If Cathy wanted to sell the house, he wouldn’t object.

The problem was, the house they were living in wasn’t even bought by Werner himself, but by his father, Hayden. Werner essentially got a free ride. The house was entirely funded by his parents.

Even if Cathy took this to court, she couldn’t win because the house was a pre-marital asset. Back then, Hayden, worried that Werner might not live responsibly, had the title deed in his own name.

Even if they wanted to sell this house now, they’d still have to get Hayden’s permission first.

Werner kept shaking his head vehemently, clearly upset. "My dad's getting old, you know. He really can’t handle this kind of shock. If he finds out we’re getting divorced, the news will send his blood pressure soaring and land him in the hospital."

"It’s not my fault. Don’t try to guilt-trip me with these roundabout tactics. You caused all of this, so if Hayden ends up in the hospital from shock, that’s on you."

Werner pressed his lips together, thinking to himself, 'Cathy's become so sharp-tongued all of a sudden.

'Or maybe this is who she really is, a strong-willed woman who never backs down. All these years, she just put on a facade of kindness for my sake and for our family.'

Werner thought for a moment. "How about this? Out of the $150,000, I'll use $100,000 to buy Cheryl a car, and you keep the remaining $50,000. As for this house, we've lived here most of our lives. You should keep it."

Werner was adamant. Under no circumstances could Hayden find out. For a moment, Cathy was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.

Werner knew he had wronged Cathy far too much. In the end, they reached a settlement. He would even sell his own car, with all the proceeds going to Cathy. So, apart from this house, everything else would go to Cathy.

After deducting the money for Cheryl’s car, Cathy was left with just under $150,000, which she planned to set aside as Cheryl’s future wedding fund. She found it rather pathetic that Werner was neither devoted nor loaded.

Cathy said firmly, "Donald and Cheryl must know about our divorce. I've already told them, and they'll be back tomorrow."

Werner said quietly, "Alright. Thank you for giving me a little time to prepare myself."

Cathy didn’t say another word. She turned and walked away. At noon tomorrow, she’d return with Donald and Cheryl. After that, the courthouse would finalize the divorce, and then she’d finally be completely free.

Werner spent that night alone at home. Unable to sleep, he flipped through the family photo album–their wedding, Donald and Cheryl as toddlers, their first days at school, and that family sports day.

He hung his head in agony. He had no idea how things had come to this, or how his children would see him, especially Cheryl. She had always looked up to him, admired him. That night, he was doomed to lie awake until dawn.

The next day, Cheryl arrived home half an hour late to find everyone looking grim. "Dad, Mom," Cheryl said cautiously as she set down her bag. "I'm home."

"Cheryl," Donald called out softly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he gazed at her.

Cheryl blinked and teased, "Hey, Donald, you okay? Got something in your eye?"

Donald resignedly wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. He still couldn’t bring himself to say it.

Cheryl glanced around nervously. "What the hell is going on here? Why is the atmosphere so awkward?" She circled around to Cathy’s side, her small hands gently stroking her shoulders. "Mom, is everything alright at home?"

Cathy didn’t say a word. She just shot Werner a cold, hard look from across the room. She insisted that Werner be the one to break the news to Cheryl himself.

Werner couldn’t bear to face Cheryl, especially with Donald and Jennifer sitting right there as witnesses; his dignity was in tatters. "Uh… I need to use the bathroom."

"Are you running away again? Can't even tell your own child about this?" Cathy snapped, her disappointment deepening as Werner made to leave.

Cheryl quickly asked, "What's going on? What happened?"

Cathy stated, each word distinct, "Your father and I are divorced."

"What?" Cheryl's eyes widened in shock. "Divorce? This isn't April Fools' Day, is it? You two aren't ganging up to trick me, are you?"

Cathy shook her head and told Cheryl firmly, "It's true."

"Why are you getting divorced? Mom, you're both getting on in years. What's all this fuss about?"

"Silly girl, there’s no law saying you can’t get divorced at any age. As for why your dad and I are splitting up, go ask him and see if he dares to tell you."

Werner wouldn’t say a word, just hanging his head.

Tears instantly welled up in Cheryl’s eyes as she cried out, "Dad, say something! Why is Mom divorcing you?"

Werner clenched his fists tightly, utterly silent.

Cheryl’s gaze snapped to Jennifer, her eyes blazing with fury. She glared at Jennifer, her voice trembling with anger. "I knew it! You messed with my parents again, didn’t you? Now my family’s shattered, happy?"