His indignation was almost impressive. I smirked, watching Claire lean against him—too heavily.

"Oh, she's dedicated," I said, my voice cutting through the murmurs. "Couldn't wait to get back to the office. But I wonder... who exactly makes it so much more appealing than her own newborn?"

Panic flickered in Claire's eyes.

"Liam, what are you implying?" she cried. "I do everything for this family! Is that it? You're like every other shallow man—disgusted by my body now that I've given birth? You think I'm fat and ugly?"

She ended on a sob. The victim act, perfected.

"What trash!" someone shouted. "Scumbag!"

I didn't flinch. "Think what you want. I'm getting a divorce."

Claire froze. She hadn't expected me to be this unyielding.

"Don't be shameless!" Scott bellowed, stepping forward. "What has my daughter done to deserve this? You're humiliating her in front of everyone! Have you forgotten how you knelt and begged for her hand? You swore to protect her for a lifetime!"

Claire sobbed louder, then looked up with teary, accusing eyes. "Liam... tell me the truth. Is there someone else?"

The room exploded.

"That's low."

"His wife just had a baby and he's already cheating? Absolute scum."

The stares turned venomous. Bella rolled up her sleeves, ready for a brawl.

"Don't be afraid, darling! Mom's here. Let's see who dares bully you!"

I surveyed their agitated faces. "Say whatever you want. I want a divorce."

Realizing I wouldn't budge, Bella slapped her thigh and wailed at the ceiling.

"It's over! He's been bewitched by some vixen!" she shrieked. "My poor daughter—married to an ungrateful, heartless animal!"

Ethan Matthews's rage boiled over.

"Ms. Henson must be blind to marry a piece of trash like you. You're lower than an animal."

He stepped forward, chest puffing out. "Since she won't do it, I'll teach you a lesson myself, you ungrateful prick."

With that, Ethan rolled up his sleeves and lunged, swinging a clumsy fist at my face.

I didn't even blink. I pivoted slightly, letting his momentum carry him past me. As he stumbled, I clamped my hand around his wrist and twisted.

Ethan hissed, his knees buckling under the pressure.

I stared down at him, my voice devoid of warmth. "Who do you think you are?"

I increased the torque on his wrist. "You're a secretary. Since when do you get a vote in my marriage?"