Chapter 425
Evelyn gasped as she watched the confetti-like scraps of paper flutter to the ground, astonished by how effortlessly Victoria had demolished the hefty legal document.
The fury radiating from Victoria was palpable.
With the contract now in irreparable pieces, Victoria locked eyes with Evelyn. "Now you can't sign it," she declared triumphantly.
Without Evelyn's signature, the divorce agreement was effectively nullified.
Evelyn remained silent, instead turning her attention to Nathaniel. "What now?" she asked quietly.
Though she couldn't interfere directly, Evelyn recognized that Victoria had inadvertently provided a solution. The destroyed document carried no legal weight anymore.
Noticing the subtle satisfaction in Evelyn's expression, Nathaniel's smile disappeared instantly. In an eerily calm voice, he stated, "I have another copy."
Evelyn's breath caught in her throat.
Victoria's sobs intensified nearby.
Despite the anger bubbling inside her, Evelyn forced a smile when she saw Victoria's distress.
"How convenient, Mr. Whitmore. Just remember to bring it next time. I'll happily print another copy and sign it for you. Don't forget now, will you?"
Victoria froze at Evelyn's words.
"Evelyn, have you no shame?" Victoria spat. "I've never seen anyone try to take everything from their spouse in a divorce. Who do you think you are to leave Nathaniel penniless?"
Evelyn arched an eyebrow, meeting Victoria's glare. "That's simply how it is. Nathaniel feels he owes me, so he's chosen to transfer all his assets to me."
"He's worried about how I'll survive after our divorce," Evelyn added with biting sarcasm.
Seeing the envy flash in Victoria's eyes, Evelyn couldn't resist taunting, "Oh Victoria, didn't you once claim to adore Nathaniel?"
"Well now that he's about to become destitute, that shouldn't be a problem for you, should it?"
Victoria recoiled as if struck.
Who in their right mind would marry a bankrupt man?
After all, Victoria had clawed her way out of orphanhood to become the Montgomery heiress.
Her lifelong ambition had been to marry into wealth and become a society darling.
Still, Victoria wasn't about to admit her true feelings. She recovered quickly, snapping back, "Of course it wouldn't bother me. But what gives you the right to take everything?"
"Because Nathaniel is willing. Do you get a say in this?" With that final jab, Evelyn strode off the stage.
Panicking, Victoria whirled toward Nathaniel. "You're seriously going to give her everything and walk away with nothing?" she demanded.
Victoria couldn't comprehend it!
What kind of man would do such a thing? Especially Nathaniel, who came from old money and controlled vast assets. He hadn't built his empire with Evelyn - a modest settlement would have sufficed!
Nathaniel's expression remained impassive as he fixed Victoria with a cold stare. "That's my concern, not yours," he stated firmly.
"Nat, don't misunderstand," Victoria backpedaled quickly. "I'm only thinking of your reputation. If word gets out you're transferring all your shares to Evelyn, the Whitmore Group stock will plummet."
"Besides," she continued smoothly, "you could just give her some cash and maybe a property. With Evelyn's humble background, she'd never spend it all in her lifetime."
"Is there really any need to hand over everything?"
Nathaniel didn't dignify her question with a response. Instead, he turned on his heel and exited the stage.
Left alone, Victoria stared at the shredded paper littering the floor, her face twisting with bitterness.
She would never let Evelyn win this.
Composing herself, Victoria pulled out her phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Mrs. Whitmore? I hope I'm not disturbing you. Remember when I visited Nord City recently? I brought back some exclusive skincare products for you. I'll deliver them personally this evening."