<b>Chapter </b><b>11 </b>
Ashworth Holdings was buzzing with activitytely.
Several stalled major projects had suddenly resumed.
Word around thepany was that Sterling Industries had provided crucial funding–essentially bing Ashworth’s <b>“</b>lifeline.”
Thenter, I heard that Marcus had exploded at someone during a business dinner for mentioning his “adopted sister“-me–by name. Apparently his dislike for me had reached new heights.
Sure enough, Camden came home the very next night.
He didn’t even take off his shoes before rushing over with a new divorce agreement.
“Just sign it.”
Iughed coldly. “Take your garbage and get out.”
He frowned but then rxed his expression.
Unusually, he didn’t lose his temper.
Instead, he tried to exin: “Ashworth Holdings is at a critical juncture right now. If we divorce, it gives the outside world closure. It’s better for both of us.”
“Oh, how well Ashworth Holdings does is my problem because<b>…</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>
“How is it not your problem?”
He paused, finally remembering all those humiliating divorce agreements from before.
He softened his tone: “If you agree, I’ll give you 8% of the shares.”
I looked up at him, my lips curling sarcastically. “Wow, Mr. Ashworth is so desperate to bring his beauty home that he’s willing to part with such generous terms. Must really be in a hurry.”
Though this was still nowhere near the 25% stake he’d promised me during our most romantic period.
“Sage, I don’t want to argue about this. I’d advise you to quit while you’re ahead.”
Camden’s expression darkened, his tone bing harsh:
“If you won’t sign, I can keep dragging this out. Either way, I don’t lose anything.”
I wasn’t angry. I smiled and nodded. “Fine.”
13:27
Hell Yeah. Forget the Other Woman My Smart House Was Cheating On Mel
<b>33.6</b><b>% </b>
His expression rxed.
“But.”
I changed <b>course</b><b>. </b>
<b>His </b>brow furrowed.
“<b>I </b>don’t want the shares.”
I said calmly, “I want thatnd on the West Side.”
“The West Side?”
Camden looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “What do you want that wastnd for<b>?</b><b>” </b>
That property had been abandoned for years due to unclear ownership and other legal issues that had killed the
development ns.
To him, it was just a non–performing asset he couldn’t liquidate.
Remembering my former business acumen, he grew suspicious: “Even if you sold thatnd, you wouldn’t get nearly enough money to run apany.”
He studied me suspiciously, clearly thinking I had some hidden agenda.
“It was part of my dowry from Dad.”
I met his eyes and spoke each word clearly.
He froze.
He remembered now.
Thatnd had been part of my dowry.
It had once been incredibly hot property with unlimited potential.
Years ago, when Camden’s poor decision–making had led to a cash crisis at Ashworth Holdings, I’d mortgaged thatnd to help him weather the storm.
Later<b>, </b>when the project was shelved and property values crashed overnight, he’d casually bought it back as our “anniversary gift.”
A worthless piece of wastnd in exchange for 8% of valuablepany shares–it was an incredibly good deal no
you looked at it.
matter how
Camden thought for a few seconds, then nodded with satisfaction. “Deal.”
13:27
Hell Yeah. Forget the Other <b>Woman </b>My <b>Smart </b>House Was Cheating On <b>Me</b><b>! </b>
<b>33.89</b><b>% </b>
Soon enough, thewyer brought over a new agreement.
The moment I finished signing, Camden snatched the papers and bolted for the door, afraid I’d change my mind if he stayed another second.
Watching his retreating figure, I smiled silently.
Ha.
Camden would never know what he’d just given up.
I set down the pen and walked to the window.
I thought back to what Marcus had said that day.
“Want to make him pay? Help me get that West Side property back.”
“That worthlessnd<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“They’re nning to build the new city subcenter there. The most high–endmercialplex will be anchored on
that site.”
“Why would you think I’d agree to help you?”
“It belonged to Dad.”
His tone had been matter–of–fact.
“Once it’s back in my hands, it belongs to the Sterling family again.”