Elliott added sincerely, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have met you in this lifetime.”
Matthew said with resignation, “Got it. I’ll transfer the money immediately.” He took out his phone and transferred all his prison earnings to Elliott’s bank.
Tessa looked bewildered. She believed Matthew had no money and wondered why Elliott was so enthusiastic, going to such lengths to bring him gifts. Elliott set down the gift when a text message from his subordinate shocked him into silence.
After recovering, he excitedly grabbed Matthew’s hand. “Matthew, you’re a godsend, my guardian angel—my savior!” he exclaimed. “I can’t believe you have ten billion dollars deposited in our bank! I not only met my target but could also get promoted!”
Upon hearing this, Tessa’s eyes widened in disbelief. Ten billion dollars was a fortune beyond her wildest dreams. She wondered where Matthew had gotten so much money, suddenly remembering his claim at the prison gate. Back then, he’d said he had over ten billion dollars and promised her a life of happiness, assuring them they would never be short of money again. At the time, she’d dismissed it as boasting. Now, she regretted her disbelief.
Of all the men she’d met, Matthew was undoubtedly the wealthiest. She had actually divorced such a man! Regret washed over her, but she quickly regained her composure, seeing an opportunity.
Ignoring Elliott, she stepped forward, grabbed Matthew’s hand, and said, “Matthew, you weren’t lying. You really do have over ten billion dollars. Now I believe you can ensure I never run out of money for the rest of my life. I now realize how much you love me.”
“I know bringing up remarriage might seem like I’m rushing things,” she continued, “but can you first lend me fifty million dollars to help me through this rough patch?”
Matthew shook his head at her shameless request. His eyes were cold. “You’re mistaken,” he said. “I have money, but it’s mine. I won’t give you a single penny.”
Tessa couldn’t accept this. “But Matthew, you love me. In the past, you listened to everything I said and handed over all your earnings,” she murmured. “Now that you have ten billion dollars, I’m only asking for fifty million. Why can’t you give it to me?”
Matthew’s expression chilled. “When you were my wife, I worked hard and gave everything to you. I even went to prison for your crimes. However, you didn’t cherish it. Now that we’re divorced, you’re just a stranger to me. Why should I give you money?”
Tessa faltered, unable to accept this harsh reality. She recalled that in the past, no matter how much trouble she caused, she only had to act cute, and Matthew would bend over backward to help her.
Determined to win him over, she gently grabbed his arm and shook it cutely. With a sweet, imploring tone, she said, “Matthew, I know I was wrong. I really did make a mistake. Can you forgive me?”
Matthew’s crisp slap across Tessa’s face silenced the courtyard. Tessa was completely bewildered. She never expected her attempt to reclaim his heart would earn her a slap. Beside them, Elliott instinctively covered his face, staring in shock.
Matthew was also stunned. He had never hit Tessa—or any other woman—before. He used to enjoy her cute antics, but now, discovering her manipulative nature, he found them disgusting. He’d instinctively slapped her because he couldn’t tolerate her behavior any longer. Tessa snapped awake, staring at Matthew in disbelief. “Y—You hit me?”