Upon returning here, her mindset was unlike any other visit before. It felt like a familiar scenic spot she had visited intermittently over the years. However, this time, she sensed this might be her final visit, bringing a mix of sadness and relief to her heart.
Upon entering the dining room, she found a table laden with lavish dishes, but only Henry was seated there. Luke and Felicia were nowhere to be seen. Vespera instructed the bodyguard to wheel her to the dining table and then asked him to wait outside.
“Mr. Munoz,” she greeted him with a courteous smile.
Henry’s expression grew serious as he watched the bodyguard head for the door. He was aware of what his wife, Felicia, had conspired to do to Vespera at the hotel with the young woman from the Sowle family. This knowledge explained why Vespera arrived with bodyguards, treating them as if they were criminals. With her viewing them in this light, if their marriage was to continue and they wished to restore trust in each other, it would require significant effort.
He shifted his gaze away, showing concern for her leg injury. “What happened to your leg?”
“Oh, it’s nothing major. I took a trip and ended up taking a fall,” Vespera replied casually, dismissing it.
“It’s nice to get away and unwind.”
“Yes, it was enjoyable. It would have been even better if your son hadn’t interrupted my trip, and if he were willing to meet me at the family court to settle the divorce quickly,” she added with a smile.
Her tone remained gentle and polite, yet her words were direct and decisive, skipping the usual pleasantries.
Henry stayed silent, his kind face now carrying an authoritative air. “Can’t you give Luke another chance?”
“Considering the circumstances, I’m sure you know what he’s done. Do you really think I should give him this chance?” Vespera replied.
Henry said, “You can’t stand even the slightest flaw. But life is long. Do you really think a man can focus solely on you without ever being tempted? Even if Luke isn’t pursuing other women, they’ll still approach him. Honestly, Luke has been quite good.”
“He has always prioritized you. His fling with that woman from the Sowle family was just a diversion. Now he’s ready to end it and return to you. What’s the harm in giving him another chance?”
“Ha,” she let out a chilly laugh. “Maybe you’re right. Most men are like that, and Luke’s no different. But I simply don’t want him anymore.”
“Vespera, you’re being too stubborn,” Henry sighed before continuing, “I know you asked for 15 million as divorce compensation. If you agree not to divorce Luke, I’ll offer you 20 million, and you can join the Munoz family as the legitimate Mrs. Munoz.”
“In the future, if you have a child with Luke, that child will be the future heir of the Munoz family. If you persevere for a while, won’t you gain more than you can currently see? Think it over.”
Vespera was taken aback. She admitted that these terms were incredibly tempting. There was even a brief moment of doubt in her mind. Who wouldn’t be swayed by the promise of effortless wealth and status? Love seemed insignificant.
But when she considered the cost—being bound to an unfaithful man for life, sharing a bed with him, having his children, and working tirelessly for the Munoz family—it became clear. It was likely that even with Tina out of the picture, other women would come along, and she’d have to turn a blind eye to them. How was this different from selling her soul for money? She didn’t want her life to appear prosperous on the outside while being chaotic within.
“I’ve made up my mind,” Vespera declared. “I still want a divorce.”
Henry was stunned. Could the circumstances truly not change her mind? Was she being too idealistic, or was she just plain foolish?
Vespera smiled sweetly. “What if I propose a condition? If you agree to it, I won’t proceed with the divorce.”
“Let’s hear it.” Henry replied.
“I want 10% of the company’s shares,” Vespera stated.
Henry’s expression shifted. So, she wasn’t naive or foolish; she was simply too greedy!
Vespera maintained her sweet smile. “Consider it. If you agree, I’ll reconcile with Luke immediately. In the future, I won’t mind if he has numerous mistresses. Even if he brings a woman home and wants to fool around right in front of me, I’ll make space for them in the bed without complaint.”
Her face remained utterly indifferent as she spoke. Just outside the door, Luke had rushed back and stood there, frozen. Hearing her words, he felt as though his heart was shattering.