I lifted my hand, numb and detached, and rested it on top of his head. A cold laugh escaped my lips.

"Damian, if you had to choose between me and Edna—who would you not be able to leave?"

Panic flashed through his eyes.

"Serena, why bring her up out of nowhere? Did someone say something to you?"

"She and I haven't been in contact for a long time. Don't overthink this."

I lowered my gaze, wiped the tears from my face, and stood up without a word.

"Nobody said anything."

"I was just feeling sentimental. If I hadn't let Edna drink that fruit wine back then, maybe your child would already be four years old."

Damian's expression visibly tightened. His spine went rigid, and the words tumbled out before he could stop them.

"Serena, how could I possibly have a child with that worthless girl? I'd rather die alone than have a child with her."

I let out a cold laugh, bracing myself as I slowly made my way toward the bedroom. My fingers were clenched around the message Edna had just sent me.

"Serena, do you know what Damian says about you? The high-and-mighty heiress—worse than a whore."

"Oh, and to prove his devotion to me, every time you stripped down to seduce him, he made sure to video-call me. I figured I shouldn't let it go to waste, so I set up a livestream. Over a million viewers tuned in. Everyone said you really know how to put on a show."

Damian Ashford, if you betray me, I will not rest. I will make you pay for every last thing.

I deleted every message in silence. No confrontation. No screaming.

Because I knew—if screaming solved problems, the world wouldn't be ruled by tigers. It would be ruled by donkeys.

The five-year joint venture between our families wrapped up on schedule.

I deliberately chose Blueberry Hills Estate and invited every relative, friend, and business partner to celebrate together.

That day, I prepared a special gift for Damian. He grinned and asked what I had in store.

A set of lingerie? Some new trick I'd learned?

I just smiled and told him it would be something he'd never forget.

Crystal chandeliers cast prismatic light across the gala as glasses clinked and laughter swelled. Damian took my hand and led me onto the stage.

Fireworks burst overhead, marking the success of the Calloway-Ashford partnership.

I smiled as I accepted the contract, securing the profits that rightfully belonged to my family.