Chapter 109

Theodore contained his emotions and answered the phone. Rebecca spoke briefly, reminding him to get the divorce license at the courthouse that day. Theodore simply replied, "Okay."

Rebecca was stunned by his curt reply. She paused, then nodded. "Yeah."

After hanging up, she grabbed her bag and left. Debra, worried, hurried after her. At the villa's entrance, they saw Theodore exiting the neighboring villa. Simultaneously, a paparazzo in a diagonally opposite villa photographed them.

The Carter family's bodyguards prevented paparazzi from hiding near the villa, but couldn't stop those who bribed their way into nearby properties. They couldn't, and wouldn't, enter private homes to stop them.

Rebecca, Debra, and several bodyguards entered a car. Theodore watched them with a frown, then silently entered his own car, following theirs to the courthouse.

Half an hour later, both cars arrived at the courthouse and parked. They exited simultaneously, exchanging a glance before heading towards the entrance. A black car followed; inside, paparazzo Daly Moore watched, eyes widening in shock. He realized something and frantically photographed Rebecca and Theodore's backs.

Big news! Big news! Daly thought he'd struck gold. Rebecca was divorcing Theodore. Excited, he took several photos, then exited his car to follow. However, two bodyguards from Theodore's car approached. Daly quickly retreated to his car, attempting to drive away, but a bodyguard stopped him, demanding he exit the vehicle.

This wasn't limited to Daly; numerous paparazzi were stopped by bodyguards. Rebecca and Theodore ignored the commotion. Debra paid to expedite their process, allowing them to go to the front of the line.

Soon, Rebecca obtained the divorce license, feeling immediate relief. Debra was overjoyed, taking the license, admiring it, and even photographing it to share with their family group chat. Messages, emojis, and celebratory stickers flooded the chat.

"Becky, look! They sent money to celebrate your divorce!" Debra excitedly showed Rebecca the transfers.

Rebecca smiled, thinking, "Mom's so cute, acting like a little girl." She checked the messages and received the transfers. Then she sent a message: [Thank you]

Theodore watched Rebecca; she hadn't looked at him since receiving the license, showing no reluctance. He subtly clenched the license, then pretended to casually put his hand in his pocket and left the courthouse.

Bryce messaged the group chat: [Becky, go to the Civil Registry Office and change your last name.]

Rebecca replied with a smile: [OK]

Debra, seeing the messages, happily took Rebecca's hand, heading to the Civil Registry Office. Rebecca easily changed her name.

"This is a temporary passport; the official one will arrive later," Bryce said, handing Rebecca her passport. Her new name: Stacey Carter. Debra and Patrick had suggested it days prior, and Rebecca loved it.

"Thank you, Bryce," Stacey smiled.

Bryce smiled, affectionately ruffling her hair. Stacey had overcome hardship and begun a new life.

"Don't be so polite. If you need anything, let me know. I'll protect you," Bryce said lovingly.

A female office worker glanced over curiously.

"If you're done, go home. I'll work a while longer," Bryce said.

"Okay," Debra agreed, secretly glancing at the office worker and smiling brightly. The worker, caught peeking, quickly looked away, then composed herself, bidding them farewell.

"Hey, are you married? How old are you? Boyfriend?" Debra asked the office worker, smiling.

Bryce, understanding Debra's intentions, blushed, stopping her. "Mom, she's a colleague. It's late; go home with Stacey." He gently ushered them out.

Debra thought the office worker and Bryce were well-suited. Stacey also secretly admired the worker's beauty. Bryce, noticing Stacey's gaze, felt helpless, ushering them to the car.

"Mom, Becky, go home. I'll be off work soon," Bryce said with concern.

Debra smiled. "Go back to work; a little overtime's good. Come on, Bryce!"

Bryce was speechless.