Chapter 3

The next day, Ethan doesn't show up at the courthouse.

He sends me a long message.

Says Vivian might lose the baby. So he can't make it.He can't leave.

Says he won't sign the divorce papers. Tells me to calm down.

I don't reply. I go straight to a lawyer and have a petition for divorce drafted.

But what I don't expect is for Ethan to strike first.

A week later, the company holds its annual gala.

I'm the lead architect at the Boston branch. Attendance is mandatory.

The venue is in New York. The moment I walk into the ballroom, I feel the stares.

Whispers everywhere.

"That's her—three years of marriage and she can't produce an heir."

"I heard their director already has a second kid on the way with someone else, and she's still clinging to her position like some kind of squatter."

"Pathetic. If I were her, I'd have taken the money and left."

I sweep my gaze across their gossiping faces and walk straight to my seat.

On stage, Ethan stands in a tailored suit, delivering the year-end address.

His eyes find me across the crowd. A warning flickers in them.

The awards segment begins.

Designer of the Year—a project I pulled three all-nighters to finish.

The host announces the winner with theatrical enthusiasm.

"This year's Designer of the Year Award goes to—Vivian Cole!"

My head snaps up.

Vivian glides onto the stage in a designer gown, her belly slightly rounded, basking in applause.

She takes the trophy, eyes glistening as she gazes at Ethan.

"I want to thank Mr. Carter for his guidance. Without him, I wouldn't be here today."

Thunderous applause.

I sit in the corner, shaking.

That project was mine from start to finish.

Vivian can't even use CAD.

Ethan takes the microphone. His eyes lock directly onto mine.

"In addition to tonight's awards, I have an announcement."

"Ms. Quinn Shaw will be taking an indefinite medical leave, effective immediately."

"The position of Design Director at the Boston branch will be filled by Vivian Cole in the interim."

Every eye in the room turns to me.

Some with pity. Some with mockery. Most with gleeful contempt.

Ethan is using this to break me.

He's stolen my work, gutted my career, humiliated me in public.

All to make me understand: without him, I am nothing.

I stand up. No hysteria. No fleeing.

I walk to the front of the stage and look up at Ethan Carter.

"Mr. Carter, claiming someone else's work carries legal consequences."

Ethan's brow furrows. He lowers his voice.

"Quinn, stop making a scene. I put Vivian's name on the project as compensation to her."

"If you want money, I'll pay you double privately."

I look at that sanctimonious face and feel physically ill.

"You took my work to compensate your mistress?"

"Ethan, you truly never stop amazing me."

Vivian chimes in softly from beside him.

"Please don't blame Ethan. I just wanted a chance to prove myself."

"Don't worry—I won't take a cent of the prize money. It's all yours."

Her words draw murmurs of admiration from the crowd.

"Vivian is so gracious."

"Seriously—a barren hen, and she still has the nerve to act entitled."

A sudden, vicious pain rips through my lower abdomen.

Like a knife twisting inside me.

I press my hand to my stomach. Cold sweat breaks across my forehead.

Ethan thinks I'm faking it. He lets out a cold laugh.

"Quinn, pulling the same trick twice isn't going to work."

"Security—please escort Ms. Shaw out."

Two large security guards walk over and grab my arms on either side.

I'm in too much pain to even struggle. They half-drag, half-carry me out of the ballroom.

As the doors slam shut behind me, I hear Vivian's coy little voice from inside.

"Ethan, the baby just kicked me!"