Chapter 127

I closed my eyes, not reacting in the slightest. They always mocked me behind my back, unconcerned with my feelings. I never went out of my way to make things difficult for them, but this time, I wouldn't give in. With no other choice, they quietly left the room.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Frederick. My eyes lit up, and I answered immediately. "Frederick?"

He paused. "Are you still at Ford Manor?"

I replied, "Yeah. Jonathan won't let me leave."

"I figured as much," he said flatly. "Are you coming to Alicia's birthday party?"

"Why would I?"

I frowned, amused by the question. "Do I look like the type to repay betrayal with kindness?"

"I think you should go," he said.

He sounded like he was drinking; I could hear ice clinking in his glass.

I didn't understand. "Why? Do you want everyone to know I don't mind Jonathan cheating on me? I'm done with him emotionally, but I still have my pride."

Frederick was silent for a long time. I thought he would say something else, but then he suddenly asked, "Do you really have no feelings for Jonathan?"

I rolled my eyes. "Of course not! Isn't it obvious from how I've been acting? Don't tell me you still think I'm doing this just to get his attention."

"Not really," he replied with a quiet laugh. "I'm just surprised you're actually serious about divorcing him. So, you've just been humoring me this whole time?"

I was starting to get annoyed. "Do you really think I'm that pathetic? After everything he's done, you think I'd still cling to him?"

Frederick didn't sound remotely guilty. "Based on how you acted before, it was only natural for me to think that," he said bluntly.

"Well, I'm definitely not going," I snapped, growing more irritated.

"Really?" he asked. "What if I told you there's money in it?"

I was about to hang up, but that caught my attention. "What do you mean?" I asked, suddenly intrigued.

"You'll see when you get there," he replied.

I took a deep breath. "Are you serious?"

"When have I ever lied to you?" he said coolly.

"Fine," I agreed reluctantly.

After hanging up, I took a moment to think it over. With Jonathan's recent behavior, a peaceful divorce was clearly impossible. If I wanted a clean break, I had to find a way to earn that hundred million dollars and pay him off—just as the contract stipulated.

I got up from the bed and called the maid back in to help me choose a dress. I ended up picking a simple white cocktail dress. My sudden change in attitude confused them, and they didn't hesitate to tell Jonathan. He must have thought I'd finally come around because he told me to get dressed and wait for him in the room. He had something to take care of first, then we would go to the Zimmer residence together.

Just as I finished changing, I overheard the maids gossiping about what gift Jonathan might bring Alicia.

"Mr. Ford really dotes on Ms. Zimmer. He'll probably give her some expensive jewelry."

"He even bought her a house before. He sure knows how to spoil her!"

One maid whispered eagerly, "Did Mr. Ford ever give Mrs. Ford anything nice?"

"I think he gave her a ring once," one of the maids replied. "I saw a gorgeous pink diamond while cleaning."

Another whispered, "I remember Ms. Zimmer has always wanted a pink diamond too, but they never found the right one. Didn't Mr. Ford Senior mention he was still looking for one? Maybe this time, Mr. Ford plans to give it to her."

"Exactly," someone chimed in. "If Mrs. Ford has one, Ms. Zimmer will definitely get one too."

Chapter 128