Chapter 4

Ava, Daphne's manager since her debut, was understandably upset. Daphne, a celebrity beloved by netizens, had risen to fame, but with it came increasing criticism. Unlike many of her professionally trained, privileged, and multi-talented peers, Daphne was a self-made amateur from a rural background. Many believed her success was accidental, questioning her future prospects. Critics mocked her perceived tackiness and lack of sophistication; designer brands on her seemed like bargain-bin finds. This fueled her determination to prove them wrong.

She had never before begged for help, but one day, dressed meticulously, she visited Wilson at his hotel, pleading for his assistance. He refused outright, stating that Story's previous ambassadors were all world-class celebrities—a category she didn't fit. The paparazzi, however, captured her entering the hotel with Wilson, exposing their relationship.

Subsequently, rumors swirled that she achieved success through financial backers, not talent. Wilson offered no clarification, only advising her to ignore the gossip, claiming the truth would prevail.

Daphne diligently worked on her image, refining her facial expressions, posture, and conversational skills to appear more sophisticated. At public events, she wore Story's ready-to-wear, hoping to one day secure their endorsement and silence her detractors. Ironically, she ultimately embarrassed herself.

Refusing to read further comments, Daphne shut down her computer. "Let him do whatever he wants. It's his brand. Even if Story's image is ruined, it's none of my business."

"How could he do that to you? Seven years of marriage, and you never enjoyed the perks. You faced constant criticism, and Yvonne just walked in and took everything. What's so special about her?"

"Right" Daphne murmured, recalling her past life. "Maybe it's becauseWilson loves her."

As she finished, her assistant, Wendy Jones, rushed in, grim-faced. "Ms. Yeager, Mr. Farrell's mother is here"

Leena Stone, Wilson's disapproving mother (who would never have accepted Daphne had Wilson not insisted on marrying her), slapped Daphne. "You wastrel! I told you to watch over Wilson! Look what you've done! He gave Story's endorsement to Yvonne! You can't even control your own husband. Why are you even a Farrell?"

Stunned, Daphne recovered only after hearing Ava and Wendy gasp.

"How could you slap her?" Ava, standing protectively before Daphne, trembled with anger. "Your son chose the ambassador! Daphne had no say! Confront Wilson, not her!"

"My son has principles. Daphne's failure led Yvonne, that vixen, to steal him! Shouldn't I confront Daphne?"

Leena, furious after seeing the news that morning, hadn't dared confront Wilson, instead targeting her daughter-in-law, her punching bag for years. In the past, Daphne, to please Wilson, endured Leena's abuse, even caring for her after surgery despite Leena's refusal of nurses. But now, Daphne's patience snapped.

A loud smack echoed. Daphne returned the slap. "Even my parents never hit me. Who are you? Did you birth me? Raise me? What right do you have?"

"Wilson's a grown man. Must I babysit him? He's your son. You take care of him!"

Leena, clutching her face, stared in disbelief. "How dare you?"

Daphne countered, "Wilson and I are divorced. I tolerated you as my mother-in-law, but no more. If you need a punching bag, go to your son's little vixen!"

"Divorced?" Leena was stunned.

"Yes!" Daphne immediately called Wilson in front of Leena. Initially intending to have him remove his mother, she was instead answered by Yvonne.

"You're divorced, Ms. Yeager. Why are you calling Mr. Farrell? It'll only upset him!" Yvonne's usual soft voice lacked its former innocence.

"I need Wilson." Daphne, suppressing her anger and glancing at Ava and Wendy restraining Leena, continued quietly, "Answer or regret my decision during the cooling-off period!"

After a two-second pause, Yvonne replied sarcastically, "He's showering. I'll tell him."

Moments later, Wilson answered impatiently. "What now? We're divorced. Stop bothering me."

"Your mother's causing a scene at my company. Come get her." Daphne hung up.

Fifteen minutes later, Wilson arrived, followed by Yvonne. Hugo Sanders, Daphne's oily, round-faced boss, rushed over.

"Daphne! You should have told me Mr. Farrell was coming!" Hugo sycophantically poured Wilson tea. "When did you arrive, Mr. Farrell? For Daphne?"

Wilson ignored him.

Leena, emboldened by her son's arrival, regained her composure. "What happened, Wilson? Why the divorce?"

Daphne couldn't comprehend it either. They had shared happy times. Early in their marriage, Wilson always visited her on set, once even flying back from a multi-million-dollar project after she fell during a stunt, staying by her side.

But those sweet memories were now overshadowed by bitterness. The past was irretrievable.

Daphne sneered sarcastically. "Isn't it obvious?"

She looked at Yvonne, who turned to Wilson, feigning meekness. "Mr. Farrell, I…"

Wilson's heart throbbed at her whimper. Caressing her face, he held her hand and addressed Leena. "Let's cut ties with Daphne, Mom. She and I are done. My heart belongs to Yvonne."