Chapter 116 A Warm, Happy Family


    But as soon as Finn finished speaking, Tess let out a sharp, mockingugh.


    Finn frowned and met her sarcastic, teasing look.


    “You’re my husband?”


    Tess sneered without holding back. “Finn, you should already know I’ve got the divorce papers ready. It’s only a matter of time before we split. Yeah, I need something from you now, and I’m stuck under your roof, but you need to wake up to reality.”


    Finn shoved his hands deep in his pockets, lowering his cold eyes. A chill seemed to radiate from him, making the ce feel colder.


    The tension was thick, but Tess kept her gaze locked on him without flinching.


    Everything about her-her expression, her stance-said one thing loud and clear: she was going to divorce him no matter what.


    Finn couldn’t quite put his feelings into words, but every look and move Tess made felt like a sharp, twisting de in his chest.


    “Tess,” he said out of nowhere, then let out a low, almost amusedugh.


    She blinked, confused, and watched him closely. She was unsure what he’d do next.


    Finn’s eyes darkened with obsession. “We’re still married. That means legally, I’m still your husband.”


    Before she could react, his hand shot out and grabbed her slender wrist firmly.


    As Finn felt the coldness on his palm, his eyshes twitched slightly.


    Why is she so cold? Is she that fragile?


    He pushed down his confusion and the sudden flicker of pity he hadn’t noticed before, asking sharply, “When did you start hanging out with Abet?” <fnaf18> For more chapters visit Find~Novel</fnaf18>


    Tess frowned deeply and gave him a strange look, surprised by the shadowy gloom in his eyes.


    “He’s just a friend. What’s it to you? Are you really gonna control my personal life now?”


    She stared at Finn, her voice sharp with annoyance.


    “Friend?”


    Finn pictured them together, the three of themughing and talking.


    Abel had even gently adjusted the mother and daughter’s dresses as Tess obediently listened to him.


    Friends?


    Friends who look like a warm, happy family?!


    Suddenly, anger red in Finn’s eyes. His grip on her wrist tightened without thinking.


    Feeling the pressure, Tess shot him an angry re and yanked her wrist free.


    Caught off guard, Finn stumbled back a few steps.


    When he looked up, Tess was already heading for the door.


    “You can have the ne.”


    Her voice was cold, her eyes full of nothing but dislike.


    That line was like a de, cutting any ties left between them.


    “I don’t take gifts back.”


    Finn’s voice was dark and firm. He rarely sounded this serious. This time, he looked her straight in the eye, and she saw that he meant it.


    Their eyes locked as silence filled the space between them, the air seeming to chill.


    After a long pause, Finn looked away and turned sharply, leaving just one lightment behind. “Keep it. But I have one condition.


    “Stay here at Evermount Vi until you can protect yourself and the baby.”


    Without stopping, Finn walked back toward the study.


    Watching his broad back leave, Tess felt a knot in her chest. She rubbed her wrist lightly to ease the pain.


    What’s gotten into him today?


    She shut the door behind her and froze when she spotted the jewelry box on the desk.


    She pressed her lips tightly as hesitation took over.


    I already decided to cut ties with Finn long ago.


    But…


    Her eyes flickered with doubt.


    Slowly, she opened the box and found the pearl ne inside. It was simple with an old-fashioned charm.


    Tess’s shaking fingers traced the worn pearls that were no longer smooth, and a bitter ache settled deep in her chest. Tears welled up, blurring her vision.


    Her thoughts were tangled. After a long pause, she gripped the ne tightly.


    One hundred million.


    I’ll take it as I’m buying it from Finn and will pay him back someday.


    I need to keep Grandma’s heirloom safe.


    Her eyes hardened as she ced the ne back inside.


    Meanwhile, Abel, growing impatient from waiting for Tess’s reply, finally called Finn.


    Chapter 116 A Warm, Happy Family


    In the study, thest light glowed softly through Evermount Vi.


    Finn leaned against the wall near a streak of blood.


    His right arm hung limp at his side, raw wounds and blood marking his knuckles.


    Bang!


    He mmed his fist against the wall again, letting out the frustration inside.


    The quiet room echoed with heavy breaths and a low, broken whisper. “Tess… Tess…”


    Clutching his chest, he finally faced the storm of emotions raging inside him.


    Ring…


    Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence.


    Finn nced coldly at the screen that lit up with the name “Abel”. His expression grewplicated.