Richard's frown twisted his handsome features. "Who do you think you are to make demands of me?"

His tone was thirty percent sarcastic and seventy percent contemptuous.

I knew it was futile to try to make him stay, but something compelled me to try. Meeting his eyes, I spoke softly, "I'll agree to the divorce on one condition: stay tonight and accompany me to Grandmother's funeral tomorrow afternoon. I'll sign the papers right after the funeral."

He gripped my chin, his dark eyes filled with mockery as he spoke slowly. "Do you even know how to keep a man interested?"

His voice was low and seductive but cruel.

I understood what he was implying, but physical intimacy wasn't my strong suit.

After what felt like an eternity, I reached for my belt. Richard shoved me away in revulsion. "You're disgusting!"

He stormed out without a backward glance.

How much more humiliating could it get? I'd thrown away my pride and dignity just to keep my husband, only to be called "disgusting" in return.

I sat there until sunrise. I had planned to head to the family estate, but my assistant called to say Richard was conducting a surprise inspection at the office.

Left with no choice, I rushed to work.

The weather forecast warned of severe storms today. I considered taking a cab for safety reasons, but after waiting endlessly with no luck, I reluctantly decided to drive despite the risks.

The moment I arrived at the entrance, my assistant Eva came running out anxiously. "Helen wants the lead role in 'The Biography of Empress Anna'."

"What's her angle this time?" I asked wearily, knowing she was just stirring up trouble again.

"Who knows! The Chairman's furious because you already signed Sherry for the lead," Eva said carefully.

"I'll handle it. Get back to work!" I headed to my office, straightened my hair, and composed myself before entering.

Richard sat on the sofa, his expression dark and brooding. His presence radiated such cold fury that the room temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

Before I could say anything, Helen burst through the office door. She'd always been beautiful and elegant, but right now, she looked like a drowned rat. Water was still dripping from her hair down her face.

Yet, somehow, she still looked stunning. Her wet clothes clung to her perfect figure, and the raindrops made her delicate features even more striking.

Richard jumped up immediately, wrapping her in his arms. "Where have you been? What happened?" he asked with tender concern.

Wiping her face, Helen lifted a bag in her hand and said brightly, "Richard, I heard you missed breakfast, so I got your favorite burger."

"You silly thing, it's pouring out there. My breakfast doesn't matter that much." Richard pulled her closer, his face a mixture of guilt and concern.

He quickly draped his jacket over her shoulders. She snuggled into his embrace, whispering, "But you matter to me!"

Watching this scene unfold, I finally understood why I couldn't compete with Helen, even after three years of marriage to Richard.

Outside my office, employees gathered, whispering and gossiping. When they saw the two embracing, they threw sympathetic glances my way.

I quietly closed my office door, shutting out their murmurs.

Richard lifted Helen, heading toward the small bedroom and bathroom where I sometimes spent nights during busy work periods.

I stepped forward, blocking their path. Head down, I murmured, "There are spare clothes in the reception room outside."

This was my territory. Whether at the villa or the family estate, Helen had already marked her presence, intentionally or not. I wouldn't let her claim this space, too.

"Move!" Richard's voice was arctic, his dark eyes filled with disgust.