Chapter 2

"Chloe, was he100% cruel?" Belle asked softly.

Ode shook her head. "He's an ex-convict, someone with a tarnished record. You've already compensated him more than generously. Most people wouldn't have your kind heart."

"Don't overthink this, Ms. Cotton. If there's anyone to blame, it's him for being so mediocre. He's not worth your time or energy," Chloe said.

Hearing Chloe's words, Belle felt a little better.

"When I first started the company, I was walking on eggshells. It wasn't easy to get to where I am now, with so many people supporting me. If they found out I had a husband who'd been in prison, it would have been disastrous for both me and the company."

"He really is a good person, but I didn't have a choice. You're right—I've given him all the compensation he deserves. I don't owe him anything."

Belle seemed to be convincing herself as she spoke. Her voice no longer showed hesitation or uncertainty.

But if Kyle knew how easily Belle could rationalize everything, what expression would he wear? He had gone to prison willingly to protect Belle, taking all the blame on himself. Now, he was branded as mediocre and tainted. Even in prison, Kyle had arranged for people to protect Belle. Yet now, that sacrifice had become the very reason for Belle's aloofness and superiority.

Just then, Belle's younger brother, Matthew Cotton, called.

"Hey, Belle, what are you doing? I heard you divorced that ex-convict. Is he pestering you? Trying to take your money? Don't worry, I'll teach him a lesson right now."

"Matthew, Kyle already signed the papers. I know you've been hanging out with Mike Clements from the Rivas family, but don't do anything reckless. Don't cause trouble for me. Do you hear me?" Belle said sternly; she knew Matthew's temperament all too well. If she didn't stop him, he might stir up a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Hearing that Kyle had already signed the papers, Matthew's eyes lit up. But then his mood soured.

"Wait, no way. That guy wouldn't just give in like that, Belle. Did you give him a ton of money? A few million?"

"What? A few million? Hand me the phone!"

Matthew's words caught the attention of their mother, Margaret Monroe, who immediately grabbed the phone and started ranting.

"Belle, have you lost your mind? How could you give even a single cent to an ex-convict? He's blackmailing you, can't you see that? Our family is respectable! I can't be associated with someone like him! Don't you dare give him anything!"

"Mom, please let me finish!" Matthew said.

"Belle, let me make myself clear—I don't care how much money we're talking about, it's not happening. I'm your brother, and I've never seen even a fraction of that from you. Our family's money stays in the family—it's not going to end up in the pocket of some loser!"

"I know what I'm doing, so don't worry about it. I'll make sure every penny comes back to me."

Matthew hung up the phone abruptly, leaving Belle anxious.

"Matthew! Don't do anything stupid. Hello? Hello?"

"Chloe, go find Matthew," Belle said, her worry evident. "Things are tense right now, and I don't want him stirring up any trouble."

Despite her sharp tongue, Belle's indulgence toward Matthew was boundless. Even knowing that Matthew intended to target Kyle, Belle only asked Chloe to talk him down, as if keeping Matthew happy mattered far more than Kyle's safety.

"Matt, think about this! That's our family's money! You can't let it go to that ex-convict. Belle is too soft-hearted to see through these street-smart types. If he takes this money today, he'll come back for more tomorrow. He's counting on Belle's kindness. This can't happen. Don't give him a single cent!" Margaret exclaimed.

"He got that money somehow; I'll make him cough it up. And if he doesn't, he'll regret it," Matthew said, frustrating Margaret while gathering his crew. "Just be grateful. Kyle had money back then, and who knows what kind of shady connections he might've made during all those years in prison? I want him to see who's really in charge around here."

It didn't take long for Matthew to gather dozens of reckless friends. The leader, Kisha, dyed his hair a striking crimson, and called Matthew "Brother-in-law."

"Brother-in-law? What nonsense; does that fool even deserve to be called my brother-in-law? He's just an idiot. Let's get the gear, and let's—"

Matthew lit a premium cigarette, took a drag, and tossed the pack into the trash can with his car keys.

"Watch for my signal. When I say 'attack,' you hit him hard; no holding back. If anything happens, I'll take full responsibility!"

Chapter 2 (continued)

"When it's done, the drinks and entertainment are on me tonight!"

"Got it!" The green-haired youth cheered excitedly. "Let's hurry up and get it done!"

They all knew what kind of clout Matthew wielded these days. What they didn't know was that this same Matthew had once been a humble kid wearing patched-up clothes.

Meanwhile, Kyle stood in the home he and Belle had once shared. The living room was empty now, but echoes of their laughter and joy still lingered in his ears. It wasn't a big place—just a little over one thousand square feet. For many, it might seem small. But for Kyle and Belle, it had been a home filled with happiness. The furniture was covered with white sheets, a clear sign that Belle hadn't been back in a long time.

Kyle understood. After all, she was now the CEO of one of Kendonia's top three companies. How could someone like her lower herself to live in such a humble place? Especially one filled with memories of an ex-convict?

He lit a cigarette, took a deep breath, and exhaled, his expression bitter and resigned. For love, Kyle had sacrificed his future, his dignity, and even taken the fall for Belle. Even in prison, his abilities had earned him the respect of powerful figures, and he had leveraged those connections to help Belle. He had paved the way for her dreams, ensuring she had unwavering support.

Now, Belle stood at the top, the foremost female CEO in Kendonia. And yet… Kyle had become the only blemish on her otherwise perfect life. Was this reality?

Kyle clenched his fists slightly.

"Belle, you'll realize everything you have now is because of me. You'll understand that your success is built on my sacrifices. Just wait. I'm curious to see your expression when the truth finally comes out."

Suddenly, Kyle's phone rang. He frowned at the unfamiliar number. Few people even knew he was out of prison.

"Hello?"

"Is this Dr. Archer?" The woman's voice was sweet but trembled with emotion, as if she were holding back tears.

"No, you've got the wrong number." Kyle hung up immediately.

At Solace Manor in Kendonia, Elisa Rivas, the underground empress with power spanning both legal and illegal realms, was pacing with red-rimmed eyes. Despite her vast influence, Elisa, now 35, was helpless in the face of her father's illness.

"Mike, are you sure this is the right number?" she asked, her voice tense.

The middle-aged man, Mike, nodded respectfully. "I pulled every string I had to get this number from Mr. Marshall. He emphasized that today is the only time you can call—no other day. There's no mistake. Marshall also said Dr. Archer has been living incognito for the past decade, likely for personal reasons. We'll need to try again and hope for the best."

Elisa nodded bitterly. "I don't know how much longer my father can hold on." After a moment, she straightened her posture.

"No. I must convince Dr. Archer to help. Over the years, I've consulted countless top doctors, even Mr. Marshall, and none could do anything. Dr. Archer is our last hope."

"If he agrees to help, I'll pay any price."

Determined, Elisa redialed the number. This time, her tone was even more pleading.

"Dr. Archer, please, please help me. I got this number from Rupert Marshall. I'm begging you, please save my father. Whatever conditions you have, I'll agree to them."

"Rupert Marshall? That old man must be senile by now. Still trying to cash in favors with me at his age?" Kyle's tone was calm. "Out of respect for him, I'll help you with this one. But I can't guarantee success." Tracing his words, Elisa's body trembled with excitement.

"Thank you, thank you! As long as you're willing to come, that's all that matters. Dr. Archer, where are you? I'll come pick you up right now…"

Before Kyle could end the call, he heard a furious pounding on his door. "Open up, Kyle Archer! I know you're in there! If you don't open the door, I'll kill you!"