Chapter 1

At the Westbrook Prison's back gate, an elderly man knelt, clutching a Global Express Black Card. This was Fred Carter, founder of the Wealthwave Group, a man worth hundreds of billions of dollars, facing the end of his life. A recent, confirmed terminal diagnosis left him with less than six months to live. The previous day, he'd learned of a miracle doctor within Westbrook Prison who'd cured a patient with the same condition. He'd rushed here, a billion dollars in hand, hoping for a miracle.

As the iron gate creaked open, a guard emerged. "Mr. Carter Senior, the miracle doctor was just released. You'll find him at the front gate." Simultaneously, the front gate swung open. Matthew Grant stepped out, feeling the wind on his skin, arms outstretched, savoring his liberation. Three years ago, he'd taken the fall for his wife, Tessa Sanders, receiving a prison sentence.

Almost immediately, he'd encountered Nicholas Hanson, a senile old man claiming neck arthritis, constantly begging for massages. Neglect and incoherent ramblings led to violence and abuse from other inmates. Seeing Nicholas' age resembled his father's, Matthew volunteered to massage him. Nicholas proved surprisingly demanding, dictating precise instructions, which Matthew followed. Subsequently, Nicholas frequently requested massages, gradually imparting his vast knowledge of traditional medicine. He claimed his techniques could even cure the terminally ill. Matthew, initially seeing it as a pastime, halfheartedly followed Nicholas' teachings, even learning some martial arts.

One day, an inmate fainted, baffling the prison doctor. Matthew effortlessly healed him, realizing the truth of Nicholas' claims. Soon, prisoners and guards alike sought his treatment, eventually extending to wealthy outsiders, paying handsomely. Now, after three years, he was free. His thoughts turned to Tessa and their daughter, Lorraine, the longing for reunion overwhelming him.

Suddenly, a red sports car screeched to a halt. A stunning woman in a figure-hugging red dress, Tessa, emerged, designer-clad and sunglasses-sporting. Her confidence bordered on arrogance. Matthew's heart leaped at the sight of her, finding her even more alluring after three years. Smiling, arms outstretched, he approached, "After three long years, I can finally see you again! I've missed you so much!"

Tessa raised a hand, halting him. "Please stay back. I'd rather not catch your misfortune." Misfortune? His smile faltered. He'd served time for her; he hadn't expected her disgust. A superstitious thought struck him – perhaps his recent release did carry some ill omen. "Let's go home first. We can hug after I throw salt over my shoulder, right?"

Tessa frowned. "I've tried visiting you for three years, yet you refused every time. I want a divorce."

Divorce? Dumbfounded, Matthew stammered, "Y-you... you want a divorce?"

"Yes!" Tessa declared.

Devastated, Matthew felt his world crumble. He'd sacrificed three years for her, never imagining his sacrifice would be repaid with a divorce. It felt like a dagger to his heart. "Y-you... Are you serious?"

Tessa looked at him with a hint of pity. "We've drifted apart. Over the past three years, I've increased the company's profits tenfold; Evergreen Group is worth nearly a billion dollars. I'm the president of Evergreen Group in Lambda City. You're an ex-convict, your name synonymous with shame. We're too different. You're no longer worthy of me!"

Agony flickered across Matthew's face. He'd longed for a peaceful life with Tessa, diligently studying medicine and martial arts, his rapid progress surprising even Nicholas. He'd amassed tens of billions of dollars treating wealthy patients, envisioning a life of luxury for Tessa and Lorraine. He never anticipated her desire for divorce after acquiring wealth.

Rage surged, almost prompting him to demand the divorce then and there, but the thought of Lorraine held him back. "Actually, I've earned a lot of money too, possibly tens of billions..."

A mocking sneer twisted Tessa's face. "Delusional! Tens of billions? You'd be lucky to have a hundred dollars!"

"You can dismiss my claims, but have you considered Lori?" Matthew said, his voice tight with frustration.

Tessa scoffed. "Don't mention Lori. She lives with her grandparents; we barely see each other. I'm her mother, yet she sides with them. I don't want her. I want Evergreen Group."

Tessa had disowned Lorraine! Deeply disappointed, Matthew yelled, "We'll get a divorce! I founded Evergreen Group; it's joint property, 50-50!"

Tessa coldly reminded him, "You transferred ownership before your imprisonment! If you want half, forget about Lori! Your parents can't bear to be separated from their granddaughter!"

Matthew realized Tessa had meticulously planned everything. Evergreen Group, worth hundreds of millions, was worthless compared to his daughter. "Very well. I want my daughter. Nothing is more important."

Tessa, unprepared for his lack of resistance, produced a divorce agreement. "Sign it."

Matthew signed. "You'll regret this, Tessa Sanders!"

Tessa checked the document, sneering. "Regret? You will! If you hit rock bottom, don't come crawling back! I have a 30-million-dollar deal later; we'll settle the divorce at the courthouse tomorrow at 8:00 am." She had a meeting scheduled with Rachel Carter, Wealthwave Group's new president (and Fred's granddaughter), a rising business powerhouse. Tessa had invested heavily to secure a 10:00 am meeting with Rachel and couldn't jeopardize it over a divorce.

Matthew snapped, "Get out of my sight. I'll be at the courthouse at 8:00 am. After that, I never want to see you again!"

Tessa, considering him an inadequate man for raising his voice, turned and sped away.

Matthew's thoughts returned to his imprisonment. Tessa had knelt, begging him to take the fall, claiming Lorraine was too young to lose her mother, needing her presence to watch her grow. It was all a lie.

A black car pulled up. Fred Carter stepped out, seeing Matthew alone. Mistaking him for the miracle doctor, he excitedly approached. "Miracle Doctor! I've found you! I have a terminal illness, and I desperately need your help!"

Matthew said listlessly, "I'm dealing with a divorce; I'm not treating anyone." He turned to leave, anxious to go home. Three years in prison, and his parents hadn't visited once. Something felt wrong.

Fred lamented his misfortune, but wouldn't lose this chance. He presented the Global Express Black Card. "I'm sorry! A billion dollars is on this card. More if needed. Please, help me." He knelt.

Matthew shook his head, ignoring the card. "Get up. You're not dying yet, and I'm not in the mood. My name is Matthew Grant. I live in Silverbrook Village, Brackenridge district, Lambda City. Visit me in a few days if you still need me." He walked away.

Fred watched, dejected. Countless people in Lambda City sought him out, yet a billion dollars and a desperate plea were ignored. It was a stroke of misfortune to need saving and find the miracle doctor in a foul mood. He couldn't understand what kind of woman would divorce such a man. Then, a realization struck him. His granddaughter, Rachel, the most beautiful woman in the business world, was single! A marriage between Rachel and Matthew would solve his health concerns and provide Rachel with an exceptional husband – killing two birds with one stone.