Felicia cleared her throat when Vespera remained silent. “7:00 p.m.,” she said. “If you don’t show up, we’ll stick with the original ten-million-dollar settlement.” She hung up without waiting for a reply.

Vespera lowered the phone, staring at the screen. Rebecca’s words echoed in her mind. She wondered if Felicia was deliberately stirring up trouble, even at this late stage. They had always been distant, never getting along. From the start, Felicia had looked down on her background and interfered in their relationship. Even after their marriage, she’d refused to let Vespera move into the Munoz residence for four years. During holiday visits, Felicia never missed an opportunity to deliver cutting remarks and insults. But aside from that, Felicia had never done anything truly extreme. This meeting was likely just another intimidation tactic—a final warning to ensure Vespera wouldn't change her mind, and a way to handle the final details of the settlement agreement. She'd been debating whether to go.

An hour later, Raymond messaged: “Ms. Gildon, what do you think?” Vespera pressed her lips together. She hadn’t expected him to follow up so quickly. If it weren't rude, she would have simply given the suit to the property manager for delivery. After all, Dominic lived directly above her. After considering, she decided ignoring the message wasn't wise. Offending Dominic wouldn't benefit her. Perhaps she should return the suit and meet Felicia as well. She replied, “Sure. What time works for you?” Raymond responded instantly: “8:00 p.m.”

Vespera applied light makeup and changed clothes before heading to her parents’ house. Luke’s recent appearance in her community had made her realize he had people watching her. Over the past few days, she’d also noticed a suspicious car parked outside her villa, confirming her suspicions. She’d barely left the community when Luke called. “Taking an afternoon nap?” She scoffed inwardly; he was setting a trap. She said coldly, “I’m driving. Going to my parents’ place.” “Give your dad the suit?” he asked. “Yeah,” she replied, glancing at the neatly folded suit on the passenger seat. Luke, seemingly satisfied, hung up without further comment, but ordered his men to continue surveillance at her parents' house.

Vespera arrived at her parents’ community. Both her parents had been college professors before retiring. Her father, Vernon Gildon, wasn't home, but her mother, Wanda Hall, looked surprised to see her. “Not working today?” she asked. “I took the day off. Slight cold,” Vespera said, touching her throat and faking a cough. “You never take care of yourself. You’ve lost so much weight. Is Luke treating you badly?” Wanda cupped Vespera’s face, concern evident. Vespera and her mother shared a quiet understanding; Wanda always sensed the truth. “If he treats me badly, I’ll just divorce him,” Vespera said jokingly. Wanda didn’t reply. Vespera changed the subject, chatting with her mother. She wouldn't tell them about the divorce until everything was settled; there was no need to worry them prematurely.

After dinner, she changed into a fresh outfit and told them she was meeting a friend and would stay overnight. Inside the elevator, she donned a mask and cap before leaving the community, unseen by her tail.

She arrived at the Amara Hotel just before 7:00 p.m. The exterior possessed classic, old-world charm; the interior exuded understated luxury. She left the suit at the front desk and called Felicia to confirm her arrival. An attendant escorted her through a maze of hallways to a private room. It was a tea room, dimly lit, with a subtle jasmine and tea fragrance. Felicia, in a deep emerald silk dress, sat gracefully. She lifted her chin slightly. “Sit.”

“Aren’t we here to sign the agreement? Where is it?” Vespera had no patience for pleasantries. She sat and got straight to the point. Felicia smiled faintly. “What’s the rush? Have some tea first. We’ll talk.”

Vespera arched a brow, suspicious. She examined the tea. “You didn’t poison this, did you?” Felicia scoffed. “If you’re that paranoid, don’t drink it.” Vespera pushed the cup away. “Good idea.” Felicia laughed dryly, looking exasperated. She was about to make another cutting remark when Vespera interrupted. “Oh, please. If you’re about to start that speech about my background, save it. Don’t you ever get tired? If you’re here to handle business, let’s handle it. Otherwise, don’t waste my time.”

Felicia’s face darkened. She slid the contract across the table. “Sign it.” Vespera flipped through the ten-page document, filled with pointless jargon. Clearly, they didn't want close scrutiny. She set it down, her expression unreadable. “I’ll need to review this with my lawyer. I’ll give you an answer by noon tomorrow.”

“If there’s an issue, tell me now. I’ll make the necessary changes.”

“Oh? If I ask for revisions, would you agree? How about I draft a new version myself?”

“That’s out of the question. It has to be my version.” Felicia’s tone was icy. Vespera leaned back. “Didn’t you just say you could make changes? Now you’re saying it has to be your way. Which is it?”

Felicia replied, “It means you’re not leaving until you sign it.”

Vespera didn’t argue. “Alright. I’ll step outside and call my lawyer. If she says it’s fine, I’ll sign right away.” She stood, taking the contract, and walked to the door. The moment she stepped out, she didn't look back, disappearing down the hallway.

Unease crept over Vespera. Several clauses troubled her, particularly one stating that if she engaged in an inappropriate relationship before the divorce, the agreement would be void. At first, it seemed insignificant, but the more she considered it, the more disturbing it became. She knew she hadn't done anything improper, but accusations could be fabricated, false evidence planted. She'd overestimated Felicia's integrity.

In the tea room, Felicia called. “She left, and she took the contract. Tina, are you sure you can help me avoid this settlement?”

“Mrs. Munoz, don’t worry. I’ve got everything arranged. Not only will the Munoz family avoid losing a dime, but she’ll never dare to come after you for money again,” Tina reassured her smoothly.

Felicia’s eyes gleamed. “That’s wonderful, Tina! You really are capable. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

“No problem, Mrs. Munoz. Leave it to me.”

Felicia sipped her tea, at ease. The thought of tomorrow night's charity gala thrilled her; she would announce the engagement between the Munoz and Sowle families without hindrance. As for Vespera, Felicia didn't know Tina's plans, but whatever they were, they would teach her a lesson.

Meanwhile, Tina hung up, her eyes flashing with malice. Tonight, Vespera's life would end.