Chapter 14 The Divorce Agreement

• “I married you for two reasons,” Serena said calmly, her gaze fixed on the road. “Firstly, it's due to pressure from my family, and secondly, it's because I had too many unwanted suitors. Marrying you served as a shield from them.”
• In truth, Benjamin had known about her true thoughts for quite some time. It was just that this was the first time Serena had voiced them out loud.
• Just as Benjamin was about to speak, he suddenly noticed a document beside his seat. Upon opening it, he was shocked to find that it was a drafted divorce agreement.
• Upon noticing his discovery, Serena took a deep breath and said, “I've had this prepared for a while. It's not fair to either of us if you marry me. If you sign this agreement, you're free to find the woman you truly love.”
• “We're living together even after the divorce?” Astonished, Benjamin looked at the clause mentioned in it.
• “We're just living together, putting on a show for others. After all, actually going our separate ways would cause a lot of trouble,” Serena said, focusing on driving.
• Benjamin let out a soft sigh. In his previous life, Serena was a woman of extraordinary beauty and grace. She was also the CEO of Grace Cosmetics, making her the dream woman of all men.
• Back then, he was young and passionate. The first time he laid eyes on Serena, he was instantly smitten. However, a woman as exceptional as Serena would never fall for someone like him, who was just a nobody at that time.
• My heart is no longer one that's filled with youthful innocence. The stirring emotions of the past should now be buried deep within it. Benjamin shook his head, picking up the pen and swiftly signing his name.
• As nightfall enveloped the surroundings, the surface of the lake shimmered with a silver glow.
• The soft white curtains billowed in the breeze, while a gentle light illuminated the study.
• Decked in a white jacket, Serena was seated at the desk, reviewing the company's documents.
• Suddenly, the phone that she set aside rang. Upon answering the call, she wore a serious expression. “Aren't you the one in charge? Why is there a problem? Our goods have been seized because they found contraband in them, and now we're under investigation? Winston, you've been the one handling this matter all along. Don't you realize the magnitude of the loss the company would incur if the goods don't arrive on time?”
• Serena's face was tense as she ended the call, only for another to come in immediately. “Hello, Mr. Hudson, what did you say? Our product development department's core technology has been leaked and others have already developed their products ahead of us? Doesn't that mean all the money we've invested has gone down the drain?”
• One phone call came after another. By the time Serena ended the last call, she felt as though all her energy had been drained. She slumped against the chair, feeling helpless.
• The company's products had been seized, its funds were depleted, and the entire corporation was on the verge of collapse.
• “Mom, I'm sorry,” Serena whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Her eyes had already reddened as she leaned over the table, her shoulders shaking gently with her quiet sobs. To the outside world, she was undoubtedly a strong woman, but she was still just a woman after all, and she too had her moments of vulnerability.
• After a while, Serena felt the study door being opened. She quickly sat up straight, rubbing her reddened eyes before turning to look. When she saw Benjamin standing at the doorway, her brows furrowed as she asked, “It's late. What are you doing here?”
• “Wendy mentioned you were still working in the study, so she asked me to bring you some hot soup,” he said. Benjamin set down the bowl of soup he was holding, noticing that Serena's eyes were red. Hesitating, he asked, “Is there a problem at work?”
• “It's no big deal. I can handle it.” Serena's pretty face showed an added touch of defiance.
• However, Benjamin was no fool. Serena was known for her strong personality and was not one to shed tears as easily as other women might. Now, hiding away in the study and crying in secret, it was clear that her company was facing a serious issue.
• The last time he attended a meeting at the company, he had already noticed numerous issues. Moreover, the fact that Serena had personally attended a dinner party to entertain guests suggested that the company's problems were indeed serious.
• Benjamin replied, “If there were no major issues with the company, someone with your personality wouldn't be hiding here, sobbing in secret.”
• “Who told you I was crying?” Serena glared at him. Biting her lustrous lower lip, she hung her head in a moment of silence.
• Finally, she said, “The company is indeed on the verge of collapse. Every department is facing issues, and our cash flow has been severed. We can't hold on any longer.”
• “Have some soup first, and make sure to rest well tonight,” said Benjamin in a nonchalant tone. “As for the company's problems, I'll handle them for you. If anyone dares to take your company, I'll get it back for you.”
• With her sparkling eyes wide open, Serena looked at him, finally shaking her head. You, help me get it back? But do you even know who's pulling the strings behind the scenes? Even if you do, what can you do to help me save it? The Zabel family has no intention of acknowledging you now, so who would fear you when you're no longer the scion of the Zabel family?
• After he finished speaking, Benjamin immediately left the study.
• Meanwhile, in an upscale club somewhere in Junbert, a few provocatively dressed women were pouring wine for two young men seated on the couch.
• Theodore, with a beautiful cocktail waitress in his arm and a Havana Cigar in his mouth, complimented, “Mr. Zachs, you've done a good job. Now that the goods are detained at customs, her company's cash flow is cut off. I believe it won't be long before I acquire Serena's company. You've made a significant contribution to my plan.”