Seven years of sacrifice. A husband who used her. A son who despised her. A childhood sweetheart who mocked her. When she finally left, they thought she’d crawl back. But she didn't. Now they’re all on their knees, begging for her forgiveness.
But she only smiles, holding another man’s hand and a little girl’s palm.
“Sorry… my future no longer includes you.”
Chapter 1
"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete. The pregnancy has been terminated."
Riley Neal woke from the anesthesia, staring at the hospital ceiling for a long time before slowly sitting up.
Half a month ago, she'd found the IVF consent forms in his study. That's when she learned her husband had implanted an embryo—from another woman—inside her.
She couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe her husband would degrade her like this.
At sixteen weeks pregnant, she secretly went to the hospital for an amniocentesis, which confirmed the child wasn't biologically hers.
When she got the results, she was lying on the examination table, gazing at her slightly swollen belly and the network of stretch marks spreading across it.
Tears she could no longer hold back streamed from the corners of her eyes.
She had been so hopeful for another child. For this baby, she'd endured several rounds of ovulation shots and gone under the knife multiple times.
And now, to think this child had nothing to do with her!
They'd been together since they were young, married for seven years. Even without love, there should have been some semblance of a bond.
But it turned out that in Liam Wells's eyes, she, Riley Neal, was nothing more than a surrogate.
Seeing her motionless, the nurse reminded her again in a soft voice, "Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete."
Snapping back to reality, Riley straightened her clothes, her voice calm. "Please gather all the documents related to this pregnancy for me as soon as possible."
"The documents need to go through a legal verification process, which will take about a week. We'll mail them to you after that."
Riley nodded.
After marrying Liam Wells, she'd given up her studies and spent seven years taking meticulous care of him.
Now, she wanted to end this humiliating marriage. And this evidence—proof that Liam had used her as a surrogate—was the leverage she needed to negotiate the divorce.
Her lower abdomen still ached with a dull pain. Riley called an Uber, setting the pickup location at a mall near the hospital.
Just as her ride pulled up near the mall, she saw a familiar black sedan parked on the side of the road, bearing an equally familiar license plate.
GC-66666.
In all of Golden City, no one but Liam Wells would have a license plate that audacious.
Or rather, if he didn't have it, no one would dare to, and no one would be worthy of it.
The mall's security guards were used to it, huddling together and whispering, "So impressive. That's his car, right? The guy from Wells Corporation?"
"I heard Wells Corp just had another breakthrough in AI. Their tech is basically number one in the world now."
People bustled in and out of the mall. Riley caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.
A tall man in a black silk shirt stepped out of the back seat, walked around to the other side, and opened the door.
The cuffs of his shirt were rolled high, revealing strong forearms where veins pulsed faintly with his movements.
From the open door emerged a sophisticated woman in a silk sheath dress.
The woman's slender fingers expertly linked through Liam's arm.
They walked into the mall side-by-side, the picture of a perfect couple, turning heads as they went.
"Who's that? The Wells heir has never been seen with a woman before."
Someone wondered aloud.
Her Uber arrived. Riley ignored the chatter around her, got in, and sat in the front passenger seat.
She leaned against the window, watching the Golden City streetscape fly past.
Of course, she knew who the woman with Liam was.
Her sister, Reagan Neal.
A brilliant mathematician who'd just returned from MIT, she had recently won the prestigious TAI Award.
Her eyelids felt heavy. Riley leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting.
If I hadn't given up my studies to get married, maybe I could have achieved what Reagan has today.
Her phone buzzed twice. It was a text from her lawyer, asking for a final confirmation: was she sure she wanted to divorce Liam Wells?
"Push it through."
Putting down her phone, Riley rubbed her tired eyes.
Back at their downtown mansion, she had just stepped into the courtyard when she heard Brayden's laughter from inside.
She couldn't help but quicken her pace. She hadn't seen her son in almost half a month.
Right after Brayden was born, Liam had ignored her pleas while she was still recovering from childbirth and sent their son to the Ancestral Manor, claiming the boy would get a better education there.
Even her visits were subject to a strict schedule.
She never expected Brayden to be here today.
She swapped her shoes and walked into the first-floor foyer.
A five-or-six-year-old boy was sitting on the sofa with his back to the entrance, video-chatting with someone on a phone.
"You're the best, Aunt Reagan! I've wanted this new Transformer forever, but Dad never gets it for me."
"Okay! I'll wait at home for Dad to bring it back."
Riley walked toward the sofa, wanting to pull her son into her arms.
"Brayden, did you miss me?"
Seeing her, Brayden quickly ended the call, shoved her away, and shrieked, "You stink! Get away from me!"
Riley stood there, embarrassed, and sniffed her clothes.
She'd had a difficult birth with Brayden, hemorrhaging badly, and her health had never fully recovered. Even in the summer, she rarely broke a sweat.
Right now, besides the faint smell of hospital antiseptic, there was no other odor on her.
Brayden shot her an annoyed glare and ordered imperiously:
"I want shrimp and garlic butter pasta! Go make it for me, now!"
Riley had just had the procedure; she really shouldn't be touching cold water.
She opened her mouth to suggest having one of the house staff make it for him.
But a second later, Brayden secretly rolled his eyes.
He rested his head on Riley's lap, blinking up at her as his voice softened. "Mommy, you make the best shrimp and garlic butter pasta. No one else can make it taste the same."
Even though she knew this was just Brayden's usual trick to get his way, Riley's heart still skipped a beat.
He's just spoiled because he wasn't raised with me, she told herself. With some proper guidance, he'll turn out fine.
Riley went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and flinched as she touched the chilled shrimp soaking in cold water.
Only when she had finished cooking and served the meal was Brayden satisfied.
As Brayden ate happily, Riley watched him in silence.
After dinner, Riley read with Brayden for a while.
"Mommy, is Daddy coming home later?"
A sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.
Liam cared so much about the baby in her belly. Even if he didn't accompany her to the check-ups, he always came home to ask how it went. To ask about the baby in her womb—his child with another woman.
She kissed Brayden's forehead. "He'll be back. Go to sleep."
"Okay. Then I'll get to see Daddy when I wake up tomorrow."
Later that evening, Riley left the nursery, went downstairs, and sat on the living room sofa, opening her laptop to look up recent developments in the AI sector.
Time slipped by until it was late at night. A sound came from the main entrance, and Riley looked up to see Liam walk in.
He had changed into a deep blue satin shirt that shimmered like the deep sea in the dim light.
"Why are you still up?"
Liam came and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and casually resting his right hand on her lower abdomen.
But he didn't know the baby was no longer there.
Liam asked, "How's the baby?"
He smelled of a strange perfume. Riley pushed him away. "Weren't you with Reagan? Why are you back?"
"Aren't you worried someone will get a picture of you cheating?"
Liam leaned back against the sofa, glancing at her sideways. "As long as you don't go around shouting to the world that you're Mrs. Wells, who's going to know?"
Riley silently closed her laptop.
It was true. Her marriage to Liam was a secret. As long as she stayed quiet, no media outlet would dare publish photos of him with another woman, even if they were caught on camera.
In all of Golden City, no one dared to cross the Wells family.
"What? Are you upset?"
Liam reached out, twirling a strand of Riley's hair. "Isn't this what you begged for? What right do you have to be angry?"
Riley closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her expression had changed completely.
It was calm, placid, as still as a deep well.
"Liam," she said. "We need to talk."
Chapter 2
If he thought this marriage was all her doing, then it was time to lay all the cards on the table.
She would tell him she knew everything. And that she wanted a divorce.
Her phone rang, and Liam held a finger to his lips, shushing her.
"Hello? What's up?"
Riley glanced at the caller ID. It was Reagan.
Whatever was said on the other end, it made Liam smile. "Okay, I'm on my way."
"I'm heading to the office. We can talk about whatever it is later."
After hanging up, Liam's usual cold demeanor returned.
The door clicked shut. Riley reopened her laptop, a bitter thought crossing her mind.
He really does care about this baby. Is he rushing over to give Reagan an update?
I wonder how they'll react when they find out I already had the abortion.
Riley picked up her phone and sent a text to her lawyer.
"David, quick question. If I have evidence that could hurt Liam, can you guarantee I'll get 100% custody of my son?"
It was late, so Riley didn't expect a reply from him anytime soon.
Putting her phone down, Riley caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Brayden was standing in the hallway, gripping the handrail and staring at her coldly.
"Mom, why are you so useless?"
"Dad finally came home, and you just let him leave."
Riley froze, about to say something.
But he spoke again. "Since Dad's gone, there's no reason for me to stay here. I'm going back to the Ancestral Manor."
With that, he turned, knocked on the nanny's door next to his room, and woke her up to pack his things.
"Brayden, it's too late. It's not safe for you to go back alone. I'll take you tomorrow."
But Brayden was determined. He shoved Riley out of his way, his voice sharp. "Don't touch me!"
"I thought since you had your check-up today, Dad would at least stay the night. Looks like that was a waste of time."
"If I'd known, I would've just gone to Auntie's. At least I could have spent more time with Dad there."
And with that, he took the nanny's hand and walked away without a backward glance.
Riley stood in the nursery for a long time before Brayden's words finally sank in.
A dull ache started in her lower abdomen again. Numbly, Riley turned up the thermostat.
She lay down on the sofa, picked up her phone, and after a moment's hesitation, she unsent the message to her lawyer.
If her son was already so far gone, she might as well give up custody in exchange for a better settlement.
The next morning, Riley was jolted awake by a phone call.
"Riley, do you have any sense of responsibility as a mother? How could you let Brayden leave by himself in the middle of the night?"
"Aren't you worried something could have happened to him?!"
"What has the Wells family ever done to you?"
"You drugged Liam and schemed your way into his bed to get pregnant. He married you to take responsibility! Have we ever mistreated you all these years?"
"But you're still not satisfied! He comes home late, and you pick a fight and drive him away!"
"I have never met such a vicious woman who cares so little for her own son and husband!"
On the other end of the line, her mother-in-law, Mary Collins, was letting loose with everything she had.
Riley tossed her phone aside, put it on silent, and walked into the bathroom.
She had no idea what Brayden had told her last night, but clearly, Mary was blaming her for everything.
When she came out of the bathroom, Mary had already hung up. There was a new text on her phone from David Hill. "Apologies, Ms. Neal. I just saw your message from last night."
"I see you unsent it. Was it anything important?"
Riley leaned back on the sofa and replied.
"Nothing. If I unsent it, it wasn't important."
"Just please handle the divorce proceedings as quickly as possible, David."
Putting her phone down, Riley leaned back on the sofa, her mind drifting.
She remembered the day she found out she was pregnant with Brayden. She had just left the clinic and was sitting in her car.
She hadn't planned on keeping the baby, but then a voice on the car radio said, "Since he's come all this way for me, how can I possibly turn him away?"
Tears suddenly streamed down her face. In that instant, she decided to keep Brayden, whether the Wells family accepted him or not.
But now...
Pulling her thoughts together, Riley got ready to head to the research institute.
Years ago, she had chosen family, giving up the opportunity to join the Sage Cloud Research Institute and, in doing so, betraying her mentor, Mr. Mason.
Now, if she wanted to return to Sage Cloud, she needed his forgiveness.
Riley stood at the entrance to the institute, a sense of dislocation washing over her as she looked at the familiar building and the people coming and going.
Seven years had passed in a flash. The security guards at the entrance had probably changed countless times.
The young man sitting at the desk now was a complete stranger.
He dutifully stopped Riley. "Ma'am, you can't enter the institute without an appointment."
Riley didn't give the guy a hard time. She took out her phone, planning to call an old classmate to see if she could get Mr. Mason's number.
Back when she left his team, Mr. Mason had blocked her on everything.
She hadn't been able to contact him in all these years.
"Well, well, if it isn't our great warrior for love, Riley Neal, who threw away her career for a wedding ring."
The mocking voice cut through the air. Riley looked up to see Sophia Bailey approaching, arm in arm with Reagan.
Back in the day, Sophia had always been resentful because Mr. Mason favored Riley, and they'd had their share of friction.
After Riley quit the team, Sophia had gritted her teeth and stuck with it.
Word was she had since become a core member of Mr. Mason's team.
What surprised Riley was seeing Reagan here too.
But on second thought, it made sense. Reagan was a top student in AI, and Mr. Mason's team was the best in the country. It was only natural they'd invite her to join.
Riley took the initiative and greeted Sophia. "Sophia."
Sophia kept her arm linked with Reagan's. Reagan gave Riley a gentle smile, as if they were complete strangers.
"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're trying to see the professor?"
"You don't actually think he remembers you after all this time, do you?"
Knowing Sophia wasn't going to make this easy, Riley turned to leave.
But Sophia's voice stopped her from behind. "Riley, if you really want to get inside, do me a favor and pick someone up from the airport."
She handed Riley a file folder. "This is one of our institute's investors. He just got back from Britainland."
"You pick him up, show him a good time, and if you can secure his investment, I'll get you a meeting with the professor."
Riley glanced at the folder, knowing this was almost certainly a setup. Sophia wasn't that kind.
But right now, it was her fastest way to see Mr. Mason. She had to take the chance.
"You have a deal."
Riley took the folder and left without another word.
Sophia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.
The founder of Summit Ventures was notoriously difficult. She'd been stressing about how to handle the task Mr. Mason gave her, and now a perfect sucker had just walked right into her trap.
Reagan said softly, "Sophia, won't the professor be mad if you bring her to see him without his permission?"
Sophia scoffed. "Like he'd ever agree to see her."
"She's the one who abandoned us. Does she think the institute is her family home? That she can just come and go as she pleases?"
The two of them walked into the institute side by side, not noticing the two figures standing by a window in a third-floor office.
"Mr. Mason, isn't that Riley?"
His assistant, Ethan Brooks, who was standing behind him, spoke up.
The thin, wizened old man didn't say a word, his expression unreadable.
Ethan continued, "If she could come back for Project Seagull, maybe we could..."
Project Seagull was an intelligent command and decision-making project Sage Cloud was working on, but they'd hit a wall with the algorithm, and progress had stalled.
"Maybe we could what?"
Mr. Mason pulled his gaze from the window, cutting Ethan off, his voice rising.
"Even if she came back and solved our problem, what happens to the project next time she decides to run off, get married, and have kids?"
"If you have time to meddle in this nonsense, you should be doing more research."
With that, Mr. Mason turned and walked out of the office.
Left standing there, Ethan scratched his head. He glanced at the thermos in Mr. Mason's hand and pursed his lips.
He talked a big game about how much he despised Riley, but the old man had been using the thermos she gave him for seven years straight. He wouldn't even replace it, chipped paint and all.
Man, the old guy's moods were getting harder and harder to predict.
Chapter 3
In the car, Riley Neal flipped through the files in the folder.
She couldn't believe Sophia Bailey was sending her to pick up the founder of Summit Ventures, the firm that was currently all the rage.
The folder contained only basic information—no personal details, no photo.
There was barely anything about the founder online, either.
All anyone knew was that he had gone abroad at a young age, raked in a ton of profit riding the wave of foreign investment, and was now planning to move his operations back to the States.
Riley found a print shop on the side of the road and put in a rush order for a pickup sign.
Thanks to the delay, the flight was already deplaning by the time she got to the airport.
She hurried to the arrivals gate, and before she could even raise her sign, she heard a woman exclaim, "Riley!"
Riley turned, her eyes widening with delight when she saw who it was. "Eliana!"
Eliana Wright, her cousin—the daughter of Riley's uncle.
Riley had grown up at her uncle's house and was incredibly close to Eliana.
Eliana threw her arms around her. "Did you know I was coming back today? You came all this way just for me?"
Normally, Riley would have been happy to joke around with her cousin.
But she had work to do. After a brief explanation, she was about to leave to find the founder of Summit Ventures.
But Eliana just laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit without another word. "The guy you're talking about? I happen to know him."
"Don't worry about it. I'll take you to him."
Riley was stunned. She couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.
As if sensing her confusion, Eliana shot her a sly grin. "Not only do I know him, you do too."
Riley was baffled, assuming she was kidding. "I know him? How could I?"
She couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.
They walked over to the baggage claim, where a man in a white graphic tee stood not far away, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on a suitcase.
"Jayden!"
Eliana let go of Riley and rushed toward him.
The man caught her out of habit and gently flicked her on the nose. "What's got you so happy?"
The moment she heard the name "Jayden," the color drained from Riley's face.
And when she saw Eliana throw herself into his arms, Riley's feet felt glued to the floor. She couldn't find the courage to take another step forward.
Jayden Kennedy. Her childhood sweetheart. Her first love. They had promised to spend the rest of their lives together.
But things change. People change. She had been forced to marry Liam Wells, betraying their vow.
Eliana was holding Jayden's hand. Anyone could see what their relationship was now.
"Riley, this is the founder of Summit Ventures."
"Isn't he the one you were looking for?"
At that, Jayden looked up.
The instant he saw Riley, the smile in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.
Riley forced a smile and stepped forward. "Jayden... it's been a long time."
"Long time no see," Jayden said, his expression flat.
Now that the pickup was handled, Eliana dumped all the luggage on Jayden and pulled Riley to walk ahead with her.
"Riley, don't mind him. He's just like that—kinda cold to people he doesn't know."
"You'll get used to it once you're around him more."
"Oh, by the way, we're getting married."
"We're back for good this time. We're gonna build our careers here in the States from now on."
Riley glanced at Eliana.
They had grown up together, inseparable, telling each other everything. There were no secrets between them.
Her aunt and uncle might not have known about her and Jayden, but Eliana knew everything.
She knew how they had met and fallen in love, how passionate they had been, and how it had all ended in such a humiliating disaster.
And yet, Eliana had ended up with Jayden, choosing to hide it from her all this time.
Riley lowered her gaze. It wasn't that she begrudged Jayden finding his own happiness, and she sincerely wished Eliana all the best.
But in Eliana's eyes, what did that make me?
Riley managed a weak smile. "That's great. Your parents must be so happy you're moving back."
"Well, in that case, you have to come back with us, Riley. We can all have a family dinner together."
With that, Eliana grabbed her hand, giving Riley no chance to refuse as she practically shoved her into the car.
The car drove all the way to her uncle's neighborhood and pulled to a stop.
Riley opened her door and suddenly heard Eliana let out a short, sharp cry. "Ah—"
"Woof—!"
A low bark rattled the car windows as a Pitbull, half as tall as a person, burst from the thick bushes along the greenbelt. Saliva dripped from its bared fangs as it stared down the group who had just gotten out of the car.
Riley instinctively stumbled back, her lower back slamming into the car door frame. She sucked in a sharp breath from the pain.
"Eliana!"
Jayden's voice was even more frantic than the dog's bark. He yanked Eliana behind him, squaring up in a defensive stance.
The Pitbull, seemingly provoked by his movement, shifted its gaze between them before lunging at Riley, who looked like the weaker target.
Riley's pupils shrank. A cold sweat instantly soaked through her shirt, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed by an icy hand.
"General! Get back here!"
A man in a tracksuit came stumbling over from the outdoor gym equipment, yanking hard on the leash.
The big dog let out a frustrated whimper and was dragged back a few steps, but it kept its eyes locked on Riley, still snarling. Its tail swiped against the low holly bushes, knocking a few leaves to the ground.
"Get your dog under control."
Jayden's voice was low, seething with anger.
"Jayden, don't. You're scaring me."
Eliana's pale hand rested on his arm, her voice a soft murmur. "I'm okay, don't be angry."
Jayden wrapped his arm around her. "Don't be scared," he soothed. "I'm here."
Riley's fingers, hanging at her side, curled into a fist, her nails digging into her palm.
She stared at a community notice tacked to a nearby bulletin board. The paper rustled loudly in the wind, drowning out the dog owner's apologies.
Watching Jayden walk away, shielding Eliana without a single glance back, Riley sighed.
The feelings of their youth had finally warped with the passage of time.
There was no going back for them.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, in Mr. Mason's office.
Owen Mason picked up a chipped thermos, opened it, but didn't take a drink. Instead, he slammed it back down on the desk.
The way Sophia Bailey had put Riley in an impossible situation that morning was still fresh in his mind. The head of Summit Ventures wasn't someone you could just summon. Not even he could guarantee a meeting if he went himself.
He thought of the slender figure he'd seen upstairs that morning... she seemed even thinner than she was seven years ago.
Good. Serves her right!
Owen thought, grabbing his phone. His fingers moved with practiced ease, dialing a number he hadn't called in a very long time.
Chapter 4
Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.
Riley answered, but the other end was silent. After a long pause, a dismissive scoff came through.
Riley's heart skipped a beat. "M-Mr. Mason?" she asked tentatively.
Owen Mason didn't respond right away. When he finally did, he spoke quickly, his words mumbled. "Even if you don't get the investment from Apex Capital, I can still give you another chance to come back."
He spoke so fast that Riley didn't catch everything. She thought he was just pushing her to secure the Apex Capital deal.
Even though Riley knew it would be tough, the fact that Mr. Mason had called her himself was enough to make her heart race.
She glanced at the two people walking a short distance ahead, her gaze determined. "Mr. Mason, don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to get that investment from Apex Capital!"
Owen Mason was silent for a few seconds. Then, for reasons unknown, he let out another cold scoff. "Do what you want," he snapped, then abruptly hung up.
Riley hung up. Just as she was about to enter the apartment building, she heard a series of loud bangs.
Fireworks suddenly bloomed in the night sky.
Like a million crushed diamonds flung against a deep blue canvas, streams of gold and red exploded, trailing long tails that shattered the silence.
"So beautiful!" someone nearby exclaimed.
"I wonder which rich guy is proposing to his girlfriend."
"Probably that guy from the Wells family."
"I heard the woman he's in love with is that older daughter from the Neal family—the one who made some breakthrough in AI and was all over the national news."
"This must be a celebration for her!"
Riley looked up at the sky as the fireworks burst one after another.
"Riley!"
Hearing Eliana's call, Riley looked ahead.
Eliana and Jayden were standing side-by-side not far away, along with her aunt, Sarah Reed, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Aunt Sarah."
Riley walked over to them quickly and greeted her aunt.
"What took you so long? Are you mad that Jayden didn't stick up for you earlier?" Eliana asked, looking at her.
Riley shook her head. "Of course not."
Sarah's eyes darted between the three of them. "Once you two are married, you'll be family. Why would Riley be mad at her brother-in-law?"
Riley glanced at the silent Jayden and forced a smile. "That's right, Eliana. He should be looking out for you. Why would I be mad?"
At her pointed use of the title, Jayden's hand, which was holding the suitcase handle, trembled almost imperceptibly.
Another round of fireworks exploded overhead.
"I wonder what big shot is behind this. So extravagant. A whole second round right after the first."
"A night like this has to cost millions of dollars, right?"
Eliana looked up at the sky. "Well, at least we get a free show."
Sarah had a strange look on her face. "Riley, I didn't know you guys were coming back, so I'm not prepared at all. Why don't you come with me to the grocery store to pick up a few things?"
Riley guessed her aunt wanted to talk to her alone and nodded. "Okay."
Sarah handed what she was holding to Eliana, told her and Jayden to go on upstairs, and then pulled Riley toward the complex gate.
"Riley, did you and Liam get into a fight?"
The fireworks tonight were obviously Liam's doing. But with Riley standing right here, you didn't have to be a genius to know who they were really for.
She chose her words carefully.
"This business with him and Reagan Neal... everyone in our circle is talking about it. It's really gone too far."
"If you ask me, you should raise hell. And if that doesn't work, have a baby to tie him down."
"For a powerful family like the Wells, having more kids is never a bad thing."
Riley's hand drifted to her stomach. There had been a child there not long ago. Too bad it wasn't hers.
Sarah continued, "A man like Liam Wells is a real catch. You have to hold on tight."
"Our family wouldn't be where it is today without the Wells family's support all these years."
"Besides, Eliana is back in the country to build her career now. She's going to need you and Liam to help her out."
Riley glanced sideways at Sarah.
She had checked with the hospital; the forensic results for the surrogacy evidence would be ready in three days.
The moment the results came in, she would give them to her lawyer, just in case.
But before that, she'd already had her lawyer prepare the divorce papers.
She still wanted to try and settle things amicably with Liam. After all, her family's businesses depended on his company to survive.
As long as she could get the asset distribution she wanted and they could divorce peacefully, she had no desire to burn everything to the ground.
But if Liam refused to cooperate, she would immediately file a lawsuit for divorce using the surrogacy evidence.
No matter what, she was going to divorce him, and she was going to get a fair settlement.
Once she'd sorted that out in her mind, Riley had nothing left to worry about.
"Yeah, Aunt Sarah, don't worry. What's going on between me and Liam won't affect the family's companies. I'll handle it."
"Well, as long as you have a plan."
The two of them walked to the market, bought their groceries, and headed back into the complex. Sarah suddenly grabbed Riley's hand.
"Oh, right, Riley. About how you married Liam all those years ago to get investment for the family... can you not mention that in front of Eliana and Jayden?"
Seeing Riley's confusion, she added, "It hasn't been easy for Jayden and Eliana starting their business abroad all these years. I don't want to worry them."
Riley understood. "Aunt Sarah, it's all in the past. My cousin and her fiancé are about to get married. I won't bring it up and cause trouble."
"Oh, you're a good kid." Sarah patted Riley's shoulder. "You've been through a lot."
They went upstairs and put the groceries in the kitchen. Sarah told Eliana to come help her and sent Riley to rest in the living room.
Back in the living room, Riley saw Jayden sitting on the sofa. Thinking of Owen Mason's phone call, she stopped herself from heading to her bedroom.
She sat down awkwardly on the other end of the sofa. "Jayden, will you invest in the Sage Cloud project?"
Jayden's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. "You really want to make this deal between Sage Cloud and Apex Capital happen?"
"Yeah." Riley nodded, pressing him. "Will you invest?"
"I was going to," Jayden said, his voice light and dismissive. "But now..." His tone shifted as he lit a cigarette. "I might have to reconsider."
"The head of your research institute must not be very bright, hiring someone like you."
"Then what will it take for you to agree to work with the institute?" Riley looked at Jayden, her eyes searching.
A nasty smile suddenly spread across Jayden's face. He pointed to the mangoes on the coffee table. "Eat one of those, and I'll consider it."
The color drained from Riley's face.
He knew she was allergic to mangoes. She'd been allergic since she was a kid.
"You can't even do that?" Jayden raised an eyebrow. "Sure, Sage Cloud is a leader in the industry. It's not like I'd lose money working with them."
"But business is business. A deal isn't something you can get just by sweet-talking me. If you can't do it, you'll have to come up with another offer..."
"Fine. I hope you keep your word."
Riley knew she had nothing else to bargain with right now. Before he could change his mind, she grabbed a mango, cut it open with a fruit knife, and put a piece in her mouth.
Soon, her face began to turn red and itchy. Riley fought back the discomfort and finished the mango.
"Is that enough?"
"Yeah."
Jayden's expression had turned grim. He stood up. "If you're having a reaction, go to the hospital. Don't be an eyesore here."
As if granted a pardon, Riley quickly left and rushed to the hospital.
While she was getting an IV, her phone rang.
"Apex Capital agreed to the investment."
Owen Mason was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. "Come see me at the institute the day after tomorrow."
"Okay, Mr. Mason."
Riley watched the fluid drip, drop by drop, from the IV bag, her eyes growing moist.
Her allergic reaction was severe, so Riley spent the night at the hospital. When she got home and opened the door, a stale smell hit her.
Liam hadn't come home last night.
She went into the study, printed the divorce agreement her lawyer had sent over, signed it, put it in a file folder, and headed to Wells Tower.
The receptionist had never seen Riley before and didn't know who she was, so she stopped her.
"Ma'am, you need an appointment to see Mr. Wells."
Riley held out the folder. "I'm not here to see him. Just give this to him, please."
Once Liam saw the divorce papers inside, he would definitely contact her.
The receptionist took a step back, not taking the folder. "I'm sorry, I can't pass this along for you. It's against policy."
As they were arguing, the building's glass doors slid open.
Riley turned to see Liam walk in with Reagan Neal.
Liam's assistant, Steve Weaver, who was walking in behind him, paled when he saw Riley.
He glanced cautiously at Liam, realized he hadn't seemed to notice Riley, and quickly pulled her by the arm into a corner.
"Mrs. W— Ms. Neal."
Steve looked troubled. Mr. Wells didn't like people knowing about his relationship with Riley, and he'd forbidden her from coming to the company.
"You shouldn't be here."
"Give this to him and tell him to contact me." Riley handed him the folder and turned to leave.
Steve looked at the folder, not daring to open it himself. He went upstairs and knocked on Liam's office door.
"Come in."
Liam was busy with paperwork. "What did she want?"
"Your wife wants you to contact her."
Steve placed the folder on the desk.
A small smirk touched Liam's lips. It seemed Riley was getting desperate because he'd been spending time with Reagan lately.
"Just leave it there. Don't worry about her."The upcoming chapters are even more exciting! Click the download button below to read the entire book!👇👇👇 {"title":"From Housewife to AI Queen","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/8ec6168705d3bbb990ed287352696584.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","chapter_title":"Chapter 1","chapter_text":"\"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete. The pregnancy has been terminated.\"\r\n\r\nRiley Neal woke from the anesthesia, staring at the hospital ceiling for a long time before slowly sitting up.\r\n\r\nHalf a month ago, she'd found the IVF consent forms in his study. That's when she learned her husband had implanted an embryo—from another woman—inside her.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe her husband would degrade her like this.\r\n\r\nAt sixteen weeks pregnant, she secretly went to the hospital for an amniocentesis, which confirmed the child wasn't biologically hers.\r\n\r\nWhen she got the results, she was lying on the examination table, gazing at her slightly swollen belly and the network of stretch marks spreading across it.\r\n\r\nTears she could no longer hold back streamed from the corners of her eyes.\r\n\r\nShe had been so hopeful for another child. For this baby, she'd endured several rounds of ovulation shots and gone under the knife multiple times.\r\n\r\nAnd now, to think this child had nothing to do with her!\r\n\r\nThey'd been together since they were young, married for seven years. Even without love, there should have been some semblance of a bond.\r\n\r\nBut it turned out that in Liam Wells's eyes, she, Riley Neal, was nothing more than a surrogate.\r\n\r\nSeeing her motionless, the nurse reminded her again in a soft voice, \"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete.\"\r\n\r\nSnapping back to reality, Riley straightened her clothes, her voice calm. \"Please gather all the documents related to this pregnancy for me as soon as possible.\"\r\n\r\n\"The documents need to go through a legal verification process, which will take about a week. We'll mail them to you after that.\"\r\n\r\nRiley nodded.\r\n\r\nAfter marrying Liam Wells, she'd given up her studies and spent seven years taking meticulous care of him.\r\n\r\nNow, she wanted to end this humiliating marriage. And this evidence—proof that Liam had used her as a surrogate—was the leverage she needed to negotiate the divorce.\r\n\r\nHer lower abdomen still ached with a dull pain. Riley called an Uber, setting the pickup location at a mall near the hospital.\r\n\r\nJust as her ride pulled up near the mall, she saw a familiar black sedan parked on the side of the road, bearing an equally familiar license plate.\r\n\r\nGC-66666.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one but Liam Wells would have a license plate that audacious.\r\n\r\nOr rather, if he didn't have it, no one would dare to, and no one would be worthy of it.\r\n\r\nThe mall's security guards were used to it, huddling together and whispering, \"So impressive. That's his car, right? The guy from Wells Corporation?\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard Wells Corp just had another breakthrough in AI. Their tech is basically number one in the world now.\"\r\n\r\nPeople bustled in and out of the mall. Riley caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.\r\n\r\nA tall man in a black silk shirt stepped out of the back seat, walked around to the other side, and opened the door.\r\n\r\nThe cuffs of his shirt were rolled high, revealing strong forearms where veins pulsed faintly with his movements.\r\n\r\nFrom the open door emerged a sophisticated woman in a silk sheath dress.\r\n\r\nThe woman's slender fingers expertly linked through Liam's arm.\r\n\r\nThey walked into the mall side-by-side, the picture of a perfect couple, turning heads as they went.\r\n\r\n\"Who's that? The Wells heir has never been seen with a woman before.\"\r\n\r\nSomeone wondered aloud.\r\n\r\nHer Uber arrived. Riley ignored the chatter around her, got in, and sat in the front passenger seat.\r\n\r\nShe leaned against the window, watching the Golden City streetscape fly past.\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who the woman with Liam was.\r\n\r\nHer sister, Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nA brilliant mathematician who'd just returned from MIT, she had recently won the prestigious TAI Award.\r\n\r\nHer eyelids felt heavy. Riley leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting.\r\n\r\nIf I hadn't given up my studies to get married, maybe I could have achieved what Reagan has today.\r\n\r\nHer phone buzzed twice. It was a text from her lawyer, asking for a final confirmation: was she sure she wanted to divorce Liam Wells?\r\n\r\n\"Push it through.\"\r\n\r\nPutting down her phone, Riley rubbed her tired eyes.\r\n\r\nBack at their downtown mansion, she had just stepped into the courtyard when she heard Brayden's laughter from inside.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't help but quicken her pace. She hadn't seen her son in almost half a month.\r\n\r\nRight after Brayden was born, Liam had ignored her pleas while she was still recovering from childbirth and sent their son to the Ancestral Manor, claiming the boy would get a better education there.\r\n\r\nEven her visits were subject to a strict schedule.\r\n\r\nShe never expected Brayden to be here today.\r\n\r\nShe swapped her shoes and walked into the first-floor foyer.\r\n\r\nA five-or-six-year-old boy was sitting on the sofa with his back to the entrance, video-chatting with someone on a phone.\r\n\r\n\"You're the best, Aunt Reagan! I've wanted this new Transformer forever, but Dad never gets it for me.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay! I'll wait at home for Dad to bring it back.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked toward the sofa, wanting to pull her son into her arms.\r\n\r\n\"Brayden, did you miss me?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing her, Brayden quickly ended the call, shoved her away, and shrieked, \"You stink! Get away from me!\"\r\n\r\nRiley stood there, embarrassed, and sniffed her clothes.\r\n\r\nShe'd had a difficult birth with Brayden, hemorrhaging badly, and her health had never fully recovered. Even in the summer, she rarely broke a sweat.\r\n\r\nRight now, besides the faint smell of hospital antiseptic, there was no other odor on her.\r\n\r\nBrayden shot her an annoyed glare and ordered imperiously:\r\n\r\n\"I want shrimp and garlic butter pasta! Go make it for me, now!\"\r\n\r\nRiley had just had the procedure; she really shouldn't be touching cold water.\r\n\r\nShe opened her mouth to suggest having one of the house staff make it for him.\r\n\r\nBut a second later, Brayden secretly rolled his eyes.\r\n\r\nHe rested his head on Riley's lap, blinking up at her as his voice softened. \"Mommy, you make the best shrimp and garlic butter pasta. No one else can make it taste the same.\"\r\n\r\nEven though she knew this was just Brayden's usual trick to get his way, Riley's heart still skipped a beat.\r\n\r\nHe's just spoiled because he wasn't raised with me, she told herself. With some proper guidance, he'll turn out fine.\r\n\r\nRiley went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and flinched as she touched the chilled shrimp soaking in cold water.\r\n\r\nOnly when she had finished cooking and served the meal was Brayden satisfied.\r\n\r\nAs Brayden ate happily, Riley watched him in silence.\r\n\r\nAfter dinner, Riley read with Brayden for a while.\r\n\r\n\"Mommy, is Daddy coming home later?\"\r\n\r\nA sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.\r\n\r\nLiam cared so much about the baby in her belly. Even if he didn't accompany her to the check-ups, he always came home to ask how it went. To ask about the baby in her womb—his child with another woman.\r\n\r\nShe kissed Brayden's forehead. \"He'll be back. Go to sleep.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay. Then I'll get to see Daddy when I wake up tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\nLater that evening, Riley left the nursery, went downstairs, and sat on the living room sofa, opening her laptop to look up recent developments in the AI sector.\r\n\r\nTime slipped by until it was late at night. A sound came from the main entrance, and Riley looked up to see Liam walk in.\r\n\r\nHe had changed into a deep blue satin shirt that shimmered like the deep sea in the dim light.\r\n\r\n\"Why are you still up?\"\r\n\r\nLiam came and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and casually resting his right hand on her lower abdomen.\r\n\r\nBut he didn't know the baby was no longer there.\r\n\r\nLiam asked, \"How's the baby?\"\r\n\r\nHe smelled of a strange perfume. Riley pushed him away. \"Weren't you with Reagan? Why are you back?\"\r\n\r\n\"Aren't you worried someone will get a picture of you cheating?\"\r\n\r\nLiam leaned back against the sofa, glancing at her sideways. \"As long as you don't go around shouting to the world that you're Mrs. Wells, who's going to know?\"\r\n\r\nRiley silently closed her laptop.\r\n\r\nIt was true. Her marriage to Liam was a secret. As long as she stayed quiet, no media outlet would dare publish photos of him with another woman, even if they were caught on camera.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one dared to cross the Wells family.\r\n\r\n\"What? Are you upset?\"\r\n\r\nLiam reached out, twirling a strand of Riley's hair. \"Isn't this what you begged for? What right do you have to be angry?\"\r\n\r\nRiley closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her expression had changed completely.\r\n\r\nIt was calm, placid, as still as a deep well.\r\n\r\n\"Liam,\" she said. \"We need to talk.\"","chapter_content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","chapters":[{"chapter_key":"A1HJYjKVkk","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","word_count":1478,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"\"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete. The pregnancy has been terminated.\"\r\n\r\nRiley Neal woke from the anesthesia, staring at the hospital ceiling for a long time before slowly sitting up.\r\n\r\nHalf a month ago, she'd found the IVF consent forms in his study. That's when she learned her husband had implanted an embryo—from another woman—inside her.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe her husband would degrade her like this.\r\n\r\nAt sixteen weeks pregnant, she secretly went to the hospital for an amniocentesis, which confirmed the child wasn't biologically hers.\r\n\r\nWhen she got the results, she was lying on the examination table, gazing at her slightly swollen belly and the network of stretch marks spreading across it.\r\n\r\nTears she could no longer hold back streamed from the corners of her eyes.\r\n\r\nShe had been so hopeful for another child. For this baby, she'd endured several rounds of ovulation shots and gone under the knife multiple times.\r\n\r\nAnd now, to think this child had nothing to do with her!\r\n\r\nThey'd been together since they were young, married for seven years. Even without love, there should have been some semblance of a bond.\r\n\r\nBut it turned out that in Liam Wells's eyes, she, Riley Neal, was nothing more than a surrogate.\r\n\r\nSeeing her motionless, the nurse reminded her again in a soft voice, \"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete.\"\r\n\r\nSnapping back to reality, Riley straightened her clothes, her voice calm. \"Please gather all the documents related to this pregnancy for me as soon as possible.\"\r\n\r\n\"The documents need to go through a legal verification process, which will take about a week. We'll mail them to you after that.\"\r\n\r\nRiley nodded.\r\n\r\nAfter marrying Liam Wells, she'd given up her studies and spent seven years taking meticulous care of him.\r\n\r\nNow, she wanted to end this humiliating marriage. And this evidence—proof that Liam had used her as a surrogate—was the leverage she needed to negotiate the divorce.\r\n\r\nHer lower abdomen still ached with a dull pain. Riley called an Uber, setting the pickup location at a mall near the hospital.\r\n\r\nJust as her ride pulled up near the mall, she saw a familiar black sedan parked on the side of the road, bearing an equally familiar license plate.\r\n\r\nGC-66666.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one but Liam Wells would have a license plate that audacious.\r\n\r\nOr rather, if he didn't have it, no one would dare to, and no one would be worthy of it.\r\n\r\nThe mall's security guards were used to it, huddling together and whispering, \"So impressive. That's his car, right? The guy from Wells Corporation?\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard Wells Corp just had another breakthrough in AI. Their tech is basically number one in the world now.\"\r\n\r\nPeople bustled in and out of the mall. Riley caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.\r\n\r\nA tall man in a black silk shirt stepped out of the back seat, walked around to the other side, and opened the door.\r\n\r\nThe cuffs of his shirt were rolled high, revealing strong forearms where veins pulsed faintly with his movements.\r\n\r\nFrom the open door emerged a sophisticated woman in a silk sheath dress.\r\n\r\nThe woman's slender fingers expertly linked through Liam's arm.\r\n\r\nThey walked into the mall side-by-side, the picture of a perfect couple, turning heads as they went.\r\n\r\n\"Who's that? The Wells heir has never been seen with a woman before.\"\r\n\r\nSomeone wondered aloud.\r\n\r\nHer Uber arrived. Riley ignored the chatter around her, got in, and sat in the front passenger seat.\r\n\r\nShe leaned against the window, watching the Golden City streetscape fly past.\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who the woman with Liam was.\r\n\r\nHer sister, Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nA brilliant mathematician who'd just returned from MIT, she had recently won the prestigious TAI Award.\r\n\r\nHer eyelids felt heavy. Riley leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting.\r\n\r\nIf I hadn't given up my studies to get married, maybe I could have achieved what Reagan has today.\r\n\r\nHer phone buzzed twice. It was a text from her lawyer, asking for a final confirmation: was she sure she wanted to divorce Liam Wells?\r\n\r\n\"Push it through.\"\r\n\r\nPutting down her phone, Riley rubbed her tired eyes.\r\n\r\nBack at their downtown mansion, she had just stepped into the courtyard when she heard Brayden's laughter from inside.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't help but quicken her pace. She hadn't seen her son in almost half a month.\r\n\r\nRight after Brayden was born, Liam had ignored her pleas while she was still recovering from childbirth and sent their son to the Ancestral Manor, claiming the boy would get a better education there.\r\n\r\nEven her visits were subject to a strict schedule.\r\n\r\nShe never expected Brayden to be here today.\r\n\r\nShe swapped her shoes and walked into the first-floor foyer.\r\n\r\nA five-or-six-year-old boy was sitting on the sofa with his back to the entrance, video-chatting with someone on a phone.\r\n\r\n\"You're the best, Aunt Reagan! I've wanted this new Transformer forever, but Dad never gets it for me.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay! I'll wait at home for Dad to bring it back.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked toward the sofa, wanting to pull her son into her arms.\r\n\r\n\"Brayden, did you miss me?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing her, Brayden quickly ended the call, shoved her away, and shrieked, \"You stink! Get away from me!\"\r\n\r\nRiley stood there, embarrassed, and sniffed her clothes.\r\n\r\nShe'd had a difficult birth with Brayden, hemorrhaging badly, and her health had never fully recovered. Even in the summer, she rarely broke a sweat.\r\n\r\nRight now, besides the faint smell of hospital antiseptic, there was no other odor on her.\r\n\r\nBrayden shot her an annoyed glare and ordered imperiously:\r\n\r\n\"I want shrimp and garlic butter pasta! Go make it for me, now!\"\r\n\r\nRiley had just had the procedure; she really shouldn't be touching cold water.\r\n\r\nShe opened her mouth to suggest having one of the house staff make it for him.\r\n\r\nBut a second later, Brayden secretly rolled his eyes.\r\n\r\nHe rested his head on Riley's lap, blinking up at her as his voice softened. \"Mommy, you make the best shrimp and garlic butter pasta. No one else can make it taste the same.\"\r\n\r\nEven though she knew this was just Brayden's usual trick to get his way, Riley's heart still skipped a beat.\r\n\r\nHe's just spoiled because he wasn't raised with me, she told herself. With some proper guidance, he'll turn out fine.\r\n\r\nRiley went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and flinched as she touched the chilled shrimp soaking in cold water.\r\n\r\nOnly when she had finished cooking and served the meal was Brayden satisfied.\r\n\r\nAs Brayden ate happily, Riley watched him in silence.\r\n\r\nAfter dinner, Riley read with Brayden for a while.\r\n\r\n\"Mommy, is Daddy coming home later?\"\r\n\r\nA sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.\r\n\r\nLiam cared so much about the baby in her belly. Even if he didn't accompany her to the check-ups, he always came home to ask how it went. To ask about the baby in her womb—his child with another woman.\r\n\r\nShe kissed Brayden's forehead. \"He'll be back. Go to sleep.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay. Then I'll get to see Daddy when I wake up tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\nLater that evening, Riley left the nursery, went downstairs, and sat on the living room sofa, opening her laptop to look up recent developments in the AI sector.\r\n\r\nTime slipped by until it was late at night. A sound came from the main entrance, and Riley looked up to see Liam walk in.\r\n\r\nHe had changed into a deep blue satin shirt that shimmered like the deep sea in the dim light.\r\n\r\n\"Why are you still up?\"\r\n\r\nLiam came and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and casually resting his right hand on her lower abdomen.\r\n\r\nBut he didn't know the baby was no longer there.\r\n\r\nLiam asked, \"How's the baby?\"\r\n\r\nHe smelled of a strange perfume. Riley pushed him away. \"Weren't you with Reagan? Why are you back?\"\r\n\r\n\"Aren't you worried someone will get a picture of you cheating?\"\r\n\r\nLiam leaned back against the sofa, glancing at her sideways. \"As long as you don't go around shouting to the world that you're Mrs. Wells, who's going to know?\"\r\n\r\nRiley silently closed her laptop.\r\n\r\nIt was true. Her marriage to Liam was a secret. As long as she stayed quiet, no media outlet would dare publish photos of him with another woman, even if they were caught on camera.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one dared to cross the Wells family.\r\n\r\n\"What? Are you upset?\"\r\n\r\nLiam reached out, twirling a strand of Riley's hair. \"Isn't this what you begged for? What right do you have to be angry?\"\r\n\r\nRiley closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her expression had changed completely.\r\n\r\nIt was calm, placid, as still as a deep well.\r\n\r\n\"Liam,\" she said. \"We need to talk.\""},{"chapter_key":"jCQ0UoUPPl","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/2/en_c2e04918-1afc-4d94-80f0-861908150f75.txt","word_count":1587,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"If he thought this marriage was all her doing, then it was time to lay all the cards on the table.\r\n\t\r\nShe would tell him she knew everything. And that she wanted a divorce.\r\n\t\r\nHer phone rang, and Liam held a finger to his lips, shushing her.\r\n\t\r\n\"Hello? What's up?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the caller ID. It was Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nWhatever was said on the other end, it made Liam smile. \"Okay, I'm on my way.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I'm heading to the office. We can talk about whatever it is later.\"\r\n\t\r\nAfter hanging up, Liam's usual cold demeanor returned.\r\n\t\r\nThe door clicked shut. Riley reopened her laptop, a bitter thought crossing her mind.\r\n\t\r\nHe really does care about this baby. Is he rushing over to give Reagan an update?\r\n\t\r\nI wonder how they'll react when they find out I already had the abortion.\r\n\t\r\nRiley picked up her phone and sent a text to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\n\"David, quick question. If I have evidence that could hurt Liam, can you guarantee I'll get 100% custody of my son?\"\r\n\t\r\nIt was late, so Riley didn't expect a reply from him anytime soon.\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Brayden was standing in the hallway, gripping the handrail and staring at her coldly.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mom, why are you so useless?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Dad finally came home, and you just let him leave.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley froze, about to say something.\r\n\t\r\nBut he spoke again. \"Since Dad's gone, there's no reason for me to stay here. I'm going back to the Ancestral Manor.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, he turned, knocked on the nanny's door next to his room, and woke her up to pack his things.\r\n\t\r\n\"Brayden, it's too late. It's not safe for you to go back alone. I'll take you tomorrow.\"\r\n\t\r\nBut Brayden was determined. He shoved Riley out of his way, his voice sharp. \"Don't touch me!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I thought since you had your check-up today, Dad would at least stay the night. Looks like that was a waste of time.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If I'd known, I would've just gone to Auntie's. At least I could have spent more time with Dad there.\"\r\n\t\r\nAnd with that, he took the nanny's hand and walked away without a backward glance.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood in the nursery for a long time before Brayden's words finally sank in.\r\n\t\r\nA dull ache started in her lower abdomen again. Numbly, Riley turned up the thermostat.\r\n\t\r\nShe lay down on the sofa, picked up her phone, and after a moment's hesitation, she unsent the message to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\nIf her son was already so far gone, she might as well give up custody in exchange for a better settlement.\r\n\t\r\nThe next morning, Riley was jolted awake by a phone call.\r\n\t\r\n\"Riley, do you have any sense of responsibility as a mother? How could you let Brayden leave by himself in the middle of the night?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Aren't you worried something could have happened to him?!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"What has the Wells family ever done to you?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You drugged Liam and schemed your way into his bed to get pregnant. He married you to take responsibility! Have we ever mistreated you all these years?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"But you're still not satisfied! He comes home late, and you pick a fight and drive him away!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I have never met such a vicious woman who cares so little for her own son and husband!\"\r\n\t\r\nOn the other end of the line, her mother-in-law, Mary Collins, was letting loose with everything she had.\r\n\t\r\nRiley tossed her phone aside, put it on silent, and walked into the bathroom.\r\n\t\r\nShe had no idea what Brayden had told her last night, but clearly, Mary was blaming her for everything.\r\n\t\r\nWhen she came out of the bathroom, Mary had already hung up. There was a new text on her phone from David Hill. \"Apologies, Ms. Neal. I just saw your message from last night.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I see you unsent it. Was it anything important?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley leaned back on the sofa and replied.\r\n\t\r\n\"Nothing. If I unsent it, it wasn't important.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Just please handle the divorce proceedings as quickly as possible, David.\"\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley leaned back on the sofa, her mind drifting.\r\n\t\r\nShe remembered the day she found out she was pregnant with Brayden. She had just left the clinic and was sitting in her car.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't planned on keeping the baby, but then a voice on the car radio said, \"Since he's come all this way for me, how can I possibly turn him away?\"\r\n\t\r\nTears suddenly streamed down her face. In that instant, she decided to keep Brayden, whether the Wells family accepted him or not.\r\n\t\r\nBut now...\r\n\t\r\nPulling her thoughts together, Riley got ready to head to the research institute.\r\n\t\r\nYears ago, she had chosen family, giving up the opportunity to join the Sage Cloud Research Institute and, in doing so, betraying her mentor, Mr. Mason.\r\n\t\r\nNow, if she wanted to return to Sage Cloud, she needed his forgiveness.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood at the entrance to the institute, a sense of dislocation washing over her as she looked at the familiar building and the people coming and going.\r\n\t\r\nSeven years had passed in a flash. The security guards at the entrance had probably changed countless times.\r\n\t\r\nThe young man sitting at the desk now was a complete stranger.\r\n\t\r\nHe dutifully stopped Riley. \"Ma'am, you can't enter the institute without an appointment.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley didn't give the guy a hard time. She took out her phone, planning to call an old classmate to see if she could get Mr. Mason's number.\r\n\t\r\nBack when she left his team, Mr. Mason had blocked her on everything.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't been able to contact him in all these years.\r\n\t\r\n\"Well, well, if it isn't our great warrior for love, Riley Neal, who threw away her career for a wedding ring.\"\r\n\t\r\nThe mocking voice cut through the air. Riley looked up to see Sophia Bailey approaching, arm in arm with Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nBack in the day, Sophia had always been resentful because Mr. Mason favored Riley, and they'd had their share of friction.\r\n\t\r\nAfter Riley quit the team, Sophia had gritted her teeth and stuck with it.\r\n\t\r\nWord was she had since become a core member of Mr. Mason's team.\r\n\t\r\nWhat surprised Riley was seeing Reagan here too.\r\n\t\r\nBut on second thought, it made sense. Reagan was a top student in AI, and Mr. Mason's team was the best in the country. It was only natural they'd invite her to join.\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the initiative and greeted Sophia. \"Sophia.\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia kept her arm linked with Reagan's. Reagan gave Riley a gentle smile, as if they were complete strangers.\r\n\t\r\n\"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're trying to see the professor?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You don't actually think he remembers you after all this time, do you?\"\r\n\t\r\nKnowing Sophia wasn't going to make this easy, Riley turned to leave.\r\n\t\r\nBut Sophia's voice stopped her from behind. \"Riley, if you really want to get inside, do me a favor and pick someone up from the airport.\"\r\n\t\r\nShe handed Riley a file folder. \"This is one of our institute's investors. He just got back from Britainland.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You pick him up, show him a good time, and if you can secure his investment, I'll get you a meeting with the professor.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the folder, knowing this was almost certainly a setup. Sophia wasn't that kind.\r\n\t\r\nBut right now, it was her fastest way to see Mr. Mason. She had to take the chance.\r\n\t\r\n\"You have a deal.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the folder and left without another word.\r\n\t\r\nSophia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.\r\n\t\r\nThe founder of Summit Ventures was notoriously difficult. She'd been stressing about how to handle the task Mr. Mason gave her, and now a perfect sucker had just walked right into her trap.\r\n\t\r\nReagan said softly, \"Sophia, won't the professor be mad if you bring her to see him without his permission?\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia scoffed. \"Like he'd ever agree to see her.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"She's the one who abandoned us. Does she think the institute is her family home? That she can just come and go as she pleases?\"\r\n\t\r\nThe two of them walked into the institute side by side, not noticing the two figures standing by a window in a third-floor office.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mr. Mason, isn't that Riley?\"\r\n\t\r\nHis assistant, Ethan Brooks, who was standing behind him, spoke up.\r\n\t\r\nThe thin, wizened old man didn't say a word, his expression unreadable.\r\n\t\r\nEthan continued, \"If she could come back for Project Seagull, maybe we could...\"\r\n\t\r\nProject Seagull was an intelligent command and decision-making project Sage Cloud was working on, but they'd hit a wall with the algorithm, and progress had stalled.\r\n\t\r\n\"Maybe we could what?\"\r\n\t\r\nMr. Mason pulled his gaze from the window, cutting Ethan off, his voice rising.\r\n\t\r\n\"Even if she came back and solved our problem, what happens to the project next time she decides to run off, get married, and have kids?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If you have time to meddle in this nonsense, you should be doing more research.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, Mr. Mason turned and walked out of the office.\r\n\t\r\nLeft standing there, Ethan scratched his head. He glanced at the thermos in Mr. Mason's hand and pursed his lips.\r\n\t\r\nHe talked a big game about how much he despised Riley, but the old man had been using the thermos she gave him for seven years straight. He wouldn't even replace it, chipped paint and all.\r\n\t\r\nMan, the old guy's moods were getting harder and harder to predict."},{"chapter_key":"hFMh98SUpw","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/3/en_82571bd4-4ed3-4958-89bf-a9dcf026fb5f.txt","word_count":1263,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"In the car, Riley Neal flipped through the files in the folder.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Sophia Bailey was sending her to pick up the founder of Summit Ventures, the firm that was currently all the rage.\r\n\r\nThe folder contained only basic information—no personal details, no photo.\r\n\r\nThere was barely anything about the founder online, either.\r\n\r\nAll anyone knew was that he had gone abroad at a young age, raked in a ton of profit riding the wave of foreign investment, and was now planning to move his operations back to the States.\r\n\r\nRiley found a print shop on the side of the road and put in a rush order for a pickup sign.\r\n\r\nThanks to the delay, the flight was already deplaning by the time she got to the airport.\r\n\r\nShe hurried to the arrivals gate, and before she could even raise her sign, she heard a woman exclaim, \"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nRiley turned, her eyes widening with delight when she saw who it was. \"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nEliana Wright, her cousin—the daughter of Riley's uncle.\r\n\r\nRiley had grown up at her uncle's house and was incredibly close to Eliana.\r\n\r\nEliana threw her arms around her. \"Did you know I was coming back today? You came all this way just for me?\"\r\n\r\nNormally, Riley would have been happy to joke around with her cousin.\r\n\r\nBut she had work to do. After a brief explanation, she was about to leave to find the founder of Summit Ventures.\r\n\r\nBut Eliana just laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit without another word. \"The guy you're talking about? I happen to know him.\"\r\n\r\n\"Don't worry about it. I'll take you to him.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was stunned. She couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nAs if sensing her confusion, Eliana shot her a sly grin. \"Not only do I know him, you do too.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was baffled, assuming she was kidding. \"I know him? How could I?\"\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nThey walked over to the baggage claim, where a man in a white graphic tee stood not far away, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on a suitcase.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden!\"\r\n\r\nEliana let go of Riley and rushed toward him.\r\n\r\nThe man caught her out of habit and gently flicked her on the nose. \"What's got you so happy?\"\r\n\r\nThe moment she heard the name \"Jayden,\" the color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nAnd when she saw Eliana throw herself into his arms, Riley's feet felt glued to the floor. She couldn't find the courage to take another step forward.\r\n\r\nJayden Kennedy. Her childhood sweetheart. Her first love. They had promised to spend the rest of their lives together.\r\n\r\nBut things change. People change. She had been forced to marry Liam Wells, betraying their vow.\r\n\r\nEliana was holding Jayden's hand. Anyone could see what their relationship was now.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, this is the founder of Summit Ventures.\"\r\n\r\n\"Isn't he the one you were looking for?\"\r\n\r\nAt that, Jayden looked up.\r\n\r\nThe instant he saw Riley, the smile in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.\r\n\r\nRiley forced a smile and stepped forward. \"Jayden... it's been a long time.\"\r\n\r\n\"Long time no see,\" Jayden said, his expression flat.\r\n\r\nNow that the pickup was handled, Eliana dumped all the luggage on Jayden and pulled Riley to walk ahead with her.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, don't mind him. He's just like that—kinda cold to people he doesn't know.\"\r\n\r\n\"You'll get used to it once you're around him more.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, by the way, we're getting married.\"\r\n\r\n\"We're back for good this time. We're gonna build our careers here in the States from now on.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at Eliana.\r\n\r\nThey had grown up together, inseparable, telling each other everything. There were no secrets between them.\r\n\r\nHer aunt and uncle might not have known about her and Jayden, but Eliana knew everything.\r\n\r\nShe knew how they had met and fallen in love, how passionate they had been, and how it had all ended in such a humiliating disaster.\r\n\r\nAnd yet, Eliana had ended up with Jayden, choosing to hide it from her all this time.\r\n\r\nRiley lowered her gaze. It wasn't that she begrudged Jayden finding his own happiness, and she sincerely wished Eliana all the best.\r\n\r\nBut in Eliana's eyes, what did that make me?\r\n\r\nRiley managed a weak smile. \"That's great. Your parents must be so happy you're moving back.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, in that case, you have to come back with us, Riley. We can all have a family dinner together.\"\r\n\r\nWith that, Eliana grabbed her hand, giving Riley no chance to refuse as she practically shoved her into the car.\r\n\r\nThe car drove all the way to her uncle's neighborhood and pulled to a stop.\r\n\r\nRiley opened her door and suddenly heard Eliana let out a short, sharp cry. \"Ah—\"\r\n\r\n\"Woof—!\"\r\n\r\nA low bark rattled the car windows as a Pitbull, half as tall as a person, burst from the thick bushes along the greenbelt. Saliva dripped from its bared fangs as it stared down the group who had just gotten out of the car.\r\n\r\nRiley instinctively stumbled back, her lower back slamming into the car door frame. She sucked in a sharp breath from the pain.\r\n\r\n\"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was even more frantic than the dog's bark. He yanked Eliana behind him, squaring up in a defensive stance.\r\n\r\nThe Pitbull, seemingly provoked by his movement, shifted its gaze between them before lunging at Riley, who looked like the weaker target.\r\n\r\nRiley's pupils shrank. A cold sweat instantly soaked through her shirt, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed by an icy hand.\r\n\r\n\"General! Get back here!\"\r\n\r\nA man in a tracksuit came stumbling over from the outdoor gym equipment, yanking hard on the leash.\r\n\r\nThe big dog let out a frustrated whimper and was dragged back a few steps, but it kept its eyes locked on Riley, still snarling. Its tail swiped against the low holly bushes, knocking a few leaves to the ground.\r\n\r\n\"Get your dog under control.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was low, seething with anger.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden, don't. You're scaring me.\"\r\n\r\nEliana's pale hand rested on his arm, her voice a soft murmur. \"I'm okay, don't be angry.\"\r\n\r\nJayden wrapped his arm around her. \"Don't be scared,\" he soothed. \"I'm here.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's fingers, hanging at her side, curled into a fist, her nails digging into her palm.\r\n\r\nShe stared at a community notice tacked to a nearby bulletin board. The paper rustled loudly in the wind, drowning out the dog owner's apologies.\r\n\r\nWatching Jayden walk away, shielding Eliana without a single glance back, Riley sighed.\r\n\r\nThe feelings of their youth had finally warped with the passage of time.\r\n\r\nThere was no going back for them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, on the other side of the city, in Mr. Mason's office.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason picked up a chipped thermos, opened it, but didn't take a drink. Instead, he slammed it back down on the desk.\r\n\r\nThe way Sophia Bailey had put Riley in an impossible situation that morning was still fresh in his mind. The head of Summit Ventures wasn't someone you could just summon. Not even he could guarantee a meeting if he went himself.\r\n\r\nHe thought of the slender figure he'd seen upstairs that morning... she seemed even thinner than she was seven years ago.\r\n\r\nGood. Serves her right!\r\n\r\nOwen thought, grabbing his phone. His fingers moved with practiced ease, dialing a number he hadn't called in a very long time."},{"chapter_key":"1MfBNcYsst","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/4/en_30d3a73d-e61d-453a-8a75-e4226f9c55b5.txt","word_count":1761,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.\r\n\r\nRiley answered, but the other end was silent. After a long pause, a dismissive scoff came through.\r\n\r\nRiley's heart skipped a beat. \"M-Mr. Mason?\" she asked tentatively.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason didn't respond right away. When he finally did, he spoke quickly, his words mumbled. \"Even if you don't get the investment from Apex Capital, I can still give you another chance to come back.\"\r\n\r\nHe spoke so fast that Riley didn't catch everything. She thought he was just pushing her to secure the Apex Capital deal.\r\n\r\nEven though Riley knew it would be tough, the fact that Mr. Mason had called her himself was enough to make her heart race.\r\n\r\nShe glanced at the two people walking a short distance ahead, her gaze determined. \"Mr. Mason, don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to get that investment from Apex Capital!\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds. Then, for reasons unknown, he let out another cold scoff. \"Do what you want,\" he snapped, then abruptly hung up.\r\n\r\nRiley hung up. Just as she was about to enter the apartment building, she heard a series of loud bangs.\r\n\r\nFireworks suddenly bloomed in the night sky.\r\n\r\nLike a million crushed diamonds flung against a deep blue canvas, streams of gold and red exploded, trailing long tails that shattered the silence.\r\n\r\n\"So beautiful!\" someone nearby exclaimed.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder which rich guy is proposing to his girlfriend.\"\r\n\r\n\"Probably that guy from the Wells family.\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard the woman he's in love with is that older daughter from the Neal family—the one who made some breakthrough in AI and was all over the national news.\"\r\n\r\n\"This must be a celebration for her!\"\r\n\r\nRiley looked up at the sky as the fireworks burst one after another.\r\n\r\n\"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nHearing Eliana's call, Riley looked ahead.\r\n\r\nEliana and Jayden were standing side-by-side not far away, along with her aunt, Sarah Reed, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.\r\n\r\n\"Aunt Sarah.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked over to them quickly and greeted her aunt.\r\n\r\n\"What took you so long? Are you mad that Jayden didn't stick up for you earlier?\" Eliana asked, looking at her.\r\n\r\nRiley shook her head. \"Of course not.\"\r\n\r\nSarah's eyes darted between the three of them. \"Once you two are married, you'll be family. Why would Riley be mad at her brother-in-law?\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at the silent Jayden and forced a smile. \"That's right, Eliana. He should be looking out for you. Why would I be mad?\"\r\n\r\nAt her pointed use of the title, Jayden's hand, which was holding the suitcase handle, trembled almost imperceptibly.\r\n\r\nAnother round of fireworks exploded overhead.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder what big shot is behind this. So extravagant. A whole second round right after the first.\"\r\n\r\n\"A night like this has to cost millions of dollars, right?\"\r\n\r\nEliana looked up at the sky. \"Well, at least we get a free show.\"\r\n\r\nSarah had a strange look on her face. \"Riley, I didn't know you guys were coming back, so I'm not prepared at all. Why don't you come with me to the grocery store to pick up a few things?\"\r\n\r\nRiley guessed her aunt wanted to talk to her alone and nodded. \"Okay.\"\r\n\r\nSarah handed what she was holding to Eliana, told her and Jayden to go on upstairs, and then pulled Riley toward the complex gate.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, did you and Liam get into a fight?\"\r\n\r\nThe fireworks tonight were obviously Liam's doing. But with Riley standing right here, you didn't have to be a genius to know who they were really for.\r\n\r\nShe chose her words carefully.\r\n\r\n\"This business with him and Reagan Neal... everyone in our circle is talking about it. It's really gone too far.\"\r\n\r\n\"If you ask me, you should raise hell. And if that doesn't work, have a baby to tie him down.\"\r\n\r\n\"For a powerful family like the Wells, having more kids is never a bad thing.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's hand drifted to her stomach. There had been a child there not long ago. Too bad it wasn't hers.\r\n\r\nSarah continued, \"A man like Liam Wells is a real catch. You have to hold on tight.\"\r\n\r\n\"Our family wouldn't be where it is today without the Wells family's support all these years.\"\r\n\r\n\"Besides, Eliana is back in the country to build her career now. She's going to need you and Liam to help her out.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced sideways at Sarah.\r\n\r\nShe had checked with the hospital; the forensic results for the surrogacy evidence would be ready in three days.\r\n\r\nThe moment the results came in, she would give them to her lawyer, just in case.\r\n\r\nBut before that, she'd already had her lawyer prepare the divorce papers.\r\n\r\nShe still wanted to try and settle things amicably with Liam. After all, her family's businesses depended on his company to survive.\r\n\r\nAs long as she could get the asset distribution she wanted and they could divorce peacefully, she had no desire to burn everything to the ground.\r\n\r\nBut if Liam refused to cooperate, she would immediately file a lawsuit for divorce using the surrogacy evidence.\r\n\r\nNo matter what, she was going to divorce him, and she was going to get a fair settlement.\r\n\r\nOnce she'd sorted that out in her mind, Riley had nothing left to worry about.\r\n\r\n\"Yeah, Aunt Sarah, don't worry. What's going on between me and Liam won't affect the family's companies. I'll handle it.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, as long as you have a plan.\"\r\n\r\nThe two of them walked to the market, bought their groceries, and headed back into the complex. Sarah suddenly grabbed Riley's hand.\r\n\r\n\"Oh, right, Riley. About how you married Liam all those years ago to get investment for the family... can you not mention that in front of Eliana and Jayden?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing Riley's confusion, she added, \"It hasn't been easy for Jayden and Eliana starting their business abroad all these years. I don't want to worry them.\"\r\n\r\nRiley understood. \"Aunt Sarah, it's all in the past. My cousin and her fiancé are about to get married. I won't bring it up and cause trouble.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, you're a good kid.\" Sarah patted Riley's shoulder. \"You've been through a lot.\"\r\n\r\nThey went upstairs and put the groceries in the kitchen. Sarah told Eliana to come help her and sent Riley to rest in the living room.\r\n\r\nBack in the living room, Riley saw Jayden sitting on the sofa. Thinking of Owen Mason's phone call, she stopped herself from heading to her bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe sat down awkwardly on the other end of the sofa. \"Jayden, will you invest in the Sage Cloud project?\"\r\n\r\nJayden's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. \"You really want to make this deal between Sage Cloud and Apex Capital happen?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\" Riley nodded, pressing him. \"Will you invest?\"\r\n\r\n\"I was going to,\" Jayden said, his voice light and dismissive. \"But now...\" His tone shifted as he lit a cigarette. \"I might have to reconsider.\"\r\n\r\n\"The head of your research institute must not be very bright, hiring someone like you.\"\r\n\r\n\"Then what will it take for you to agree to work with the institute?\" Riley looked at Jayden, her eyes searching.\r\n\r\nA nasty smile suddenly spread across Jayden's face. He pointed to the mangoes on the coffee table. \"Eat one of those, and I'll consider it.\"\r\n\r\nThe color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nHe knew she was allergic to mangoes. She'd been allergic since she was a kid.\r\n\r\n\"You can't even do that?\" Jayden raised an eyebrow. \"Sure, Sage Cloud is a leader in the industry. It's not like I'd lose money working with them.\"\r\n\r\n\"But business is business. A deal isn't something you can get just by sweet-talking me. If you can't do it, you'll have to come up with another offer...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine. I hope you keep your word.\"\r\n\r\nRiley knew she had nothing else to bargain with right now. Before he could change his mind, she grabbed a mango, cut it open with a fruit knife, and put a piece in her mouth.\r\n\r\nSoon, her face began to turn red and itchy. Riley fought back the discomfort and finished the mango.\r\n\r\n\"Is that enough?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's expression had turned grim. He stood up. \"If you're having a reaction, go to the hospital. Don't be an eyesore here.\"\r\n\r\nAs if granted a pardon, Riley quickly left and rushed to the hospital.\r\n\r\nWhile she was getting an IV, her phone rang.\r\n\r\n\"Apex Capital agreed to the investment.\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. \"Come see me at the institute the day after tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay, Mr. Mason.\"\r\n\r\nRiley watched the fluid drip, drop by drop, from the IV bag, her eyes growing moist.\r\n\r\nHer allergic reaction was severe, so Riley spent the night at the hospital. When she got home and opened the door, a stale smell hit her.\r\n\r\nLiam hadn't come home last night.\r\n\r\nShe went into the study, printed the divorce agreement her lawyer had sent over, signed it, put it in a file folder, and headed to Wells Tower.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist had never seen Riley before and didn't know who she was, so she stopped her.\r\n\r\n\"Ma'am, you need an appointment to see Mr. Wells.\"\r\n\r\nRiley held out the folder. \"I'm not here to see him. Just give this to him, please.\"\r\n\r\nOnce Liam saw the divorce papers inside, he would definitely contact her.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist took a step back, not taking the folder. \"I'm sorry, I can't pass this along for you. It's against policy.\"\r\n\r\nAs they were arguing, the building's glass doors slid open.\r\n\r\nRiley turned to see Liam walk in with Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nLiam's assistant, Steve Weaver, who was walking in behind him, paled when he saw Riley.\r\n\r\nHe glanced cautiously at Liam, realized he hadn't seemed to notice Riley, and quickly pulled her by the arm into a corner.\r\n\r\n\"Mrs. W— Ms. Neal.\"\r\n\r\nSteve looked troubled. Mr. Wells didn't like people knowing about his relationship with Riley, and he'd forbidden her from coming to the company.\r\n\r\n\"You shouldn't be here.\"\r\n\r\n\"Give this to him and tell him to contact me.\" Riley handed him the folder and turned to leave.\r\n\r\nSteve looked at the folder, not daring to open it himself. He went upstairs and knocked on Liam's office door.\r\n\r\n\"Come in.\"\r\n\r\nLiam was busy with paperwork. \"What did she want?\"\r\n\r\n\"Your wife wants you to contact her.\"\r\n\r\nSteve placed the folder on the desk.\r\n\r\nA small smirk touched Liam's lips. It seemed Riley was getting desperate because he'd been spending time with Reagan lately.\r\n\r\n\"Just leave it there. Don't worry about her.\""}],"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"A1HJYjKVkk","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","word_count":1478,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"\"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete. The pregnancy has been terminated.\"\r\n\r\nRiley Neal woke from the anesthesia, staring at the hospital ceiling for a long time before slowly sitting up.\r\n\r\nHalf a month ago, she'd found the IVF consent forms in his study. That's when she learned her husband had implanted an embryo—from another woman—inside her.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe her husband would degrade her like this.\r\n\r\nAt sixteen weeks pregnant, she secretly went to the hospital for an amniocentesis, which confirmed the child wasn't biologically hers.\r\n\r\nWhen she got the results, she was lying on the examination table, gazing at her slightly swollen belly and the network of stretch marks spreading across it.\r\n\r\nTears she could no longer hold back streamed from the corners of her eyes.\r\n\r\nShe had been so hopeful for another child. For this baby, she'd endured several rounds of ovulation shots and gone under the knife multiple times.\r\n\r\nAnd now, to think this child had nothing to do with her!\r\n\r\nThey'd been together since they were young, married for seven years. Even without love, there should have been some semblance of a bond.\r\n\r\nBut it turned out that in Liam Wells's eyes, she, Riley Neal, was nothing more than a surrogate.\r\n\r\nSeeing her motionless, the nurse reminded her again in a soft voice, \"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete.\"\r\n\r\nSnapping back to reality, Riley straightened her clothes, her voice calm. \"Please gather all the documents related to this pregnancy for me as soon as possible.\"\r\n\r\n\"The documents need to go through a legal verification process, which will take about a week. We'll mail them to you after that.\"\r\n\r\nRiley nodded.\r\n\r\nAfter marrying Liam Wells, she'd given up her studies and spent seven years taking meticulous care of him.\r\n\r\nNow, she wanted to end this humiliating marriage. And this evidence—proof that Liam had used her as a surrogate—was the leverage she needed to negotiate the divorce.\r\n\r\nHer lower abdomen still ached with a dull pain. Riley called an Uber, setting the pickup location at a mall near the hospital.\r\n\r\nJust as her ride pulled up near the mall, she saw a familiar black sedan parked on the side of the road, bearing an equally familiar license plate.\r\n\r\nGC-66666.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one but Liam Wells would have a license plate that audacious.\r\n\r\nOr rather, if he didn't have it, no one would dare to, and no one would be worthy of it.\r\n\r\nThe mall's security guards were used to it, huddling together and whispering, \"So impressive. That's his car, right? The guy from Wells Corporation?\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard Wells Corp just had another breakthrough in AI. Their tech is basically number one in the world now.\"\r\n\r\nPeople bustled in and out of the mall. Riley caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.\r\n\r\nA tall man in a black silk shirt stepped out of the back seat, walked around to the other side, and opened the door.\r\n\r\nThe cuffs of his shirt were rolled high, revealing strong forearms where veins pulsed faintly with his movements.\r\n\r\nFrom the open door emerged a sophisticated woman in a silk sheath dress.\r\n\r\nThe woman's slender fingers expertly linked through Liam's arm.\r\n\r\nThey walked into the mall side-by-side, the picture of a perfect couple, turning heads as they went.\r\n\r\n\"Who's that? The Wells heir has never been seen with a woman before.\"\r\n\r\nSomeone wondered aloud.\r\n\r\nHer Uber arrived. Riley ignored the chatter around her, got in, and sat in the front passenger seat.\r\n\r\nShe leaned against the window, watching the Golden City streetscape fly past.\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who the woman with Liam was.\r\n\r\nHer sister, Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nA brilliant mathematician who'd just returned from MIT, she had recently won the prestigious TAI Award.\r\n\r\nHer eyelids felt heavy. Riley leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting.\r\n\r\nIf I hadn't given up my studies to get married, maybe I could have achieved what Reagan has today.\r\n\r\nHer phone buzzed twice. It was a text from her lawyer, asking for a final confirmation: was she sure she wanted to divorce Liam Wells?\r\n\r\n\"Push it through.\"\r\n\r\nPutting down her phone, Riley rubbed her tired eyes.\r\n\r\nBack at their downtown mansion, she had just stepped into the courtyard when she heard Brayden's laughter from inside.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't help but quicken her pace. She hadn't seen her son in almost half a month.\r\n\r\nRight after Brayden was born, Liam had ignored her pleas while she was still recovering from childbirth and sent their son to the Ancestral Manor, claiming the boy would get a better education there.\r\n\r\nEven her visits were subject to a strict schedule.\r\n\r\nShe never expected Brayden to be here today.\r\n\r\nShe swapped her shoes and walked into the first-floor foyer.\r\n\r\nA five-or-six-year-old boy was sitting on the sofa with his back to the entrance, video-chatting with someone on a phone.\r\n\r\n\"You're the best, Aunt Reagan! I've wanted this new Transformer forever, but Dad never gets it for me.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay! I'll wait at home for Dad to bring it back.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked toward the sofa, wanting to pull her son into her arms.\r\n\r\n\"Brayden, did you miss me?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing her, Brayden quickly ended the call, shoved her away, and shrieked, \"You stink! Get away from me!\"\r\n\r\nRiley stood there, embarrassed, and sniffed her clothes.\r\n\r\nShe'd had a difficult birth with Brayden, hemorrhaging badly, and her health had never fully recovered. Even in the summer, she rarely broke a sweat.\r\n\r\nRight now, besides the faint smell of hospital antiseptic, there was no other odor on her.\r\n\r\nBrayden shot her an annoyed glare and ordered imperiously:\r\n\r\n\"I want shrimp and garlic butter pasta! Go make it for me, now!\"\r\n\r\nRiley had just had the procedure; she really shouldn't be touching cold water.\r\n\r\nShe opened her mouth to suggest having one of the house staff make it for him.\r\n\r\nBut a second later, Brayden secretly rolled his eyes.\r\n\r\nHe rested his head on Riley's lap, blinking up at her as his voice softened. \"Mommy, you make the best shrimp and garlic butter pasta. No one else can make it taste the same.\"\r\n\r\nEven though she knew this was just Brayden's usual trick to get his way, Riley's heart still skipped a beat.\r\n\r\nHe's just spoiled because he wasn't raised with me, she told herself. With some proper guidance, he'll turn out fine.\r\n\r\nRiley went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and flinched as she touched the chilled shrimp soaking in cold water.\r\n\r\nOnly when she had finished cooking and served the meal was Brayden satisfied.\r\n\r\nAs Brayden ate happily, Riley watched him in silence.\r\n\r\nAfter dinner, Riley read with Brayden for a while.\r\n\r\n\"Mommy, is Daddy coming home later?\"\r\n\r\nA sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.\r\n\r\nLiam cared so much about the baby in her belly. Even if he didn't accompany her to the check-ups, he always came home to ask how it went. To ask about the baby in her womb—his child with another woman.\r\n\r\nShe kissed Brayden's forehead. \"He'll be back. Go to sleep.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay. Then I'll get to see Daddy when I wake up tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\nLater that evening, Riley left the nursery, went downstairs, and sat on the living room sofa, opening her laptop to look up recent developments in the AI sector.\r\n\r\nTime slipped by until it was late at night. A sound came from the main entrance, and Riley looked up to see Liam walk in.\r\n\r\nHe had changed into a deep blue satin shirt that shimmered like the deep sea in the dim light.\r\n\r\n\"Why are you still up?\"\r\n\r\nLiam came and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and casually resting his right hand on her lower abdomen.\r\n\r\nBut he didn't know the baby was no longer there.\r\n\r\nLiam asked, \"How's the baby?\"\r\n\r\nHe smelled of a strange perfume. Riley pushed him away. \"Weren't you with Reagan? Why are you back?\"\r\n\r\n\"Aren't you worried someone will get a picture of you cheating?\"\r\n\r\nLiam leaned back against the sofa, glancing at her sideways. \"As long as you don't go around shouting to the world that you're Mrs. Wells, who's going to know?\"\r\n\r\nRiley silently closed her laptop.\r\n\r\nIt was true. Her marriage to Liam was a secret. As long as she stayed quiet, no media outlet would dare publish photos of him with another woman, even if they were caught on camera.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one dared to cross the Wells family.\r\n\r\n\"What? Are you upset?\"\r\n\r\nLiam reached out, twirling a strand of Riley's hair. \"Isn't this what you begged for? What right do you have to be angry?\"\r\n\r\nRiley closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her expression had changed completely.\r\n\r\nIt was calm, placid, as still as a deep well.\r\n\r\n\"Liam,\" she said. \"We need to talk.\""},{"chapter_key":"jCQ0UoUPPl","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/2/en_c2e04918-1afc-4d94-80f0-861908150f75.txt","word_count":1587,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"If he thought this marriage was all her doing, then it was time to lay all the cards on the table.\r\n\t\r\nShe would tell him she knew everything. And that she wanted a divorce.\r\n\t\r\nHer phone rang, and Liam held a finger to his lips, shushing her.\r\n\t\r\n\"Hello? What's up?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the caller ID. It was Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nWhatever was said on the other end, it made Liam smile. \"Okay, I'm on my way.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I'm heading to the office. We can talk about whatever it is later.\"\r\n\t\r\nAfter hanging up, Liam's usual cold demeanor returned.\r\n\t\r\nThe door clicked shut. Riley reopened her laptop, a bitter thought crossing her mind.\r\n\t\r\nHe really does care about this baby. Is he rushing over to give Reagan an update?\r\n\t\r\nI wonder how they'll react when they find out I already had the abortion.\r\n\t\r\nRiley picked up her phone and sent a text to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\n\"David, quick question. If I have evidence that could hurt Liam, can you guarantee I'll get 100% custody of my son?\"\r\n\t\r\nIt was late, so Riley didn't expect a reply from him anytime soon.\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Brayden was standing in the hallway, gripping the handrail and staring at her coldly.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mom, why are you so useless?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Dad finally came home, and you just let him leave.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley froze, about to say something.\r\n\t\r\nBut he spoke again. \"Since Dad's gone, there's no reason for me to stay here. I'm going back to the Ancestral Manor.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, he turned, knocked on the nanny's door next to his room, and woke her up to pack his things.\r\n\t\r\n\"Brayden, it's too late. It's not safe for you to go back alone. I'll take you tomorrow.\"\r\n\t\r\nBut Brayden was determined. He shoved Riley out of his way, his voice sharp. \"Don't touch me!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I thought since you had your check-up today, Dad would at least stay the night. Looks like that was a waste of time.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If I'd known, I would've just gone to Auntie's. At least I could have spent more time with Dad there.\"\r\n\t\r\nAnd with that, he took the nanny's hand and walked away without a backward glance.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood in the nursery for a long time before Brayden's words finally sank in.\r\n\t\r\nA dull ache started in her lower abdomen again. Numbly, Riley turned up the thermostat.\r\n\t\r\nShe lay down on the sofa, picked up her phone, and after a moment's hesitation, she unsent the message to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\nIf her son was already so far gone, she might as well give up custody in exchange for a better settlement.\r\n\t\r\nThe next morning, Riley was jolted awake by a phone call.\r\n\t\r\n\"Riley, do you have any sense of responsibility as a mother? How could you let Brayden leave by himself in the middle of the night?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Aren't you worried something could have happened to him?!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"What has the Wells family ever done to you?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You drugged Liam and schemed your way into his bed to get pregnant. He married you to take responsibility! Have we ever mistreated you all these years?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"But you're still not satisfied! He comes home late, and you pick a fight and drive him away!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I have never met such a vicious woman who cares so little for her own son and husband!\"\r\n\t\r\nOn the other end of the line, her mother-in-law, Mary Collins, was letting loose with everything she had.\r\n\t\r\nRiley tossed her phone aside, put it on silent, and walked into the bathroom.\r\n\t\r\nShe had no idea what Brayden had told her last night, but clearly, Mary was blaming her for everything.\r\n\t\r\nWhen she came out of the bathroom, Mary had already hung up. There was a new text on her phone from David Hill. \"Apologies, Ms. Neal. I just saw your message from last night.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I see you unsent it. Was it anything important?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley leaned back on the sofa and replied.\r\n\t\r\n\"Nothing. If I unsent it, it wasn't important.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Just please handle the divorce proceedings as quickly as possible, David.\"\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley leaned back on the sofa, her mind drifting.\r\n\t\r\nShe remembered the day she found out she was pregnant with Brayden. She had just left the clinic and was sitting in her car.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't planned on keeping the baby, but then a voice on the car radio said, \"Since he's come all this way for me, how can I possibly turn him away?\"\r\n\t\r\nTears suddenly streamed down her face. In that instant, she decided to keep Brayden, whether the Wells family accepted him or not.\r\n\t\r\nBut now...\r\n\t\r\nPulling her thoughts together, Riley got ready to head to the research institute.\r\n\t\r\nYears ago, she had chosen family, giving up the opportunity to join the Sage Cloud Research Institute and, in doing so, betraying her mentor, Mr. Mason.\r\n\t\r\nNow, if she wanted to return to Sage Cloud, she needed his forgiveness.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood at the entrance to the institute, a sense of dislocation washing over her as she looked at the familiar building and the people coming and going.\r\n\t\r\nSeven years had passed in a flash. The security guards at the entrance had probably changed countless times.\r\n\t\r\nThe young man sitting at the desk now was a complete stranger.\r\n\t\r\nHe dutifully stopped Riley. \"Ma'am, you can't enter the institute without an appointment.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley didn't give the guy a hard time. She took out her phone, planning to call an old classmate to see if she could get Mr. Mason's number.\r\n\t\r\nBack when she left his team, Mr. Mason had blocked her on everything.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't been able to contact him in all these years.\r\n\t\r\n\"Well, well, if it isn't our great warrior for love, Riley Neal, who threw away her career for a wedding ring.\"\r\n\t\r\nThe mocking voice cut through the air. Riley looked up to see Sophia Bailey approaching, arm in arm with Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nBack in the day, Sophia had always been resentful because Mr. Mason favored Riley, and they'd had their share of friction.\r\n\t\r\nAfter Riley quit the team, Sophia had gritted her teeth and stuck with it.\r\n\t\r\nWord was she had since become a core member of Mr. Mason's team.\r\n\t\r\nWhat surprised Riley was seeing Reagan here too.\r\n\t\r\nBut on second thought, it made sense. Reagan was a top student in AI, and Mr. Mason's team was the best in the country. It was only natural they'd invite her to join.\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the initiative and greeted Sophia. \"Sophia.\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia kept her arm linked with Reagan's. Reagan gave Riley a gentle smile, as if they were complete strangers.\r\n\t\r\n\"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're trying to see the professor?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You don't actually think he remembers you after all this time, do you?\"\r\n\t\r\nKnowing Sophia wasn't going to make this easy, Riley turned to leave.\r\n\t\r\nBut Sophia's voice stopped her from behind. \"Riley, if you really want to get inside, do me a favor and pick someone up from the airport.\"\r\n\t\r\nShe handed Riley a file folder. \"This is one of our institute's investors. He just got back from Britainland.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You pick him up, show him a good time, and if you can secure his investment, I'll get you a meeting with the professor.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the folder, knowing this was almost certainly a setup. Sophia wasn't that kind.\r\n\t\r\nBut right now, it was her fastest way to see Mr. Mason. She had to take the chance.\r\n\t\r\n\"You have a deal.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the folder and left without another word.\r\n\t\r\nSophia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.\r\n\t\r\nThe founder of Summit Ventures was notoriously difficult. She'd been stressing about how to handle the task Mr. Mason gave her, and now a perfect sucker had just walked right into her trap.\r\n\t\r\nReagan said softly, \"Sophia, won't the professor be mad if you bring her to see him without his permission?\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia scoffed. \"Like he'd ever agree to see her.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"She's the one who abandoned us. Does she think the institute is her family home? That she can just come and go as she pleases?\"\r\n\t\r\nThe two of them walked into the institute side by side, not noticing the two figures standing by a window in a third-floor office.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mr. Mason, isn't that Riley?\"\r\n\t\r\nHis assistant, Ethan Brooks, who was standing behind him, spoke up.\r\n\t\r\nThe thin, wizened old man didn't say a word, his expression unreadable.\r\n\t\r\nEthan continued, \"If she could come back for Project Seagull, maybe we could...\"\r\n\t\r\nProject Seagull was an intelligent command and decision-making project Sage Cloud was working on, but they'd hit a wall with the algorithm, and progress had stalled.\r\n\t\r\n\"Maybe we could what?\"\r\n\t\r\nMr. Mason pulled his gaze from the window, cutting Ethan off, his voice rising.\r\n\t\r\n\"Even if she came back and solved our problem, what happens to the project next time she decides to run off, get married, and have kids?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If you have time to meddle in this nonsense, you should be doing more research.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, Mr. Mason turned and walked out of the office.\r\n\t\r\nLeft standing there, Ethan scratched his head. He glanced at the thermos in Mr. Mason's hand and pursed his lips.\r\n\t\r\nHe talked a big game about how much he despised Riley, but the old man had been using the thermos she gave him for seven years straight. He wouldn't even replace it, chipped paint and all.\r\n\t\r\nMan, the old guy's moods were getting harder and harder to predict."},{"chapter_key":"hFMh98SUpw","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/3/en_82571bd4-4ed3-4958-89bf-a9dcf026fb5f.txt","word_count":1263,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"In the car, Riley Neal flipped through the files in the folder.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Sophia Bailey was sending her to pick up the founder of Summit Ventures, the firm that was currently all the rage.\r\n\r\nThe folder contained only basic information—no personal details, no photo.\r\n\r\nThere was barely anything about the founder online, either.\r\n\r\nAll anyone knew was that he had gone abroad at a young age, raked in a ton of profit riding the wave of foreign investment, and was now planning to move his operations back to the States.\r\n\r\nRiley found a print shop on the side of the road and put in a rush order for a pickup sign.\r\n\r\nThanks to the delay, the flight was already deplaning by the time she got to the airport.\r\n\r\nShe hurried to the arrivals gate, and before she could even raise her sign, she heard a woman exclaim, \"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nRiley turned, her eyes widening with delight when she saw who it was. \"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nEliana Wright, her cousin—the daughter of Riley's uncle.\r\n\r\nRiley had grown up at her uncle's house and was incredibly close to Eliana.\r\n\r\nEliana threw her arms around her. \"Did you know I was coming back today? You came all this way just for me?\"\r\n\r\nNormally, Riley would have been happy to joke around with her cousin.\r\n\r\nBut she had work to do. After a brief explanation, she was about to leave to find the founder of Summit Ventures.\r\n\r\nBut Eliana just laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit without another word. \"The guy you're talking about? I happen to know him.\"\r\n\r\n\"Don't worry about it. I'll take you to him.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was stunned. She couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nAs if sensing her confusion, Eliana shot her a sly grin. \"Not only do I know him, you do too.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was baffled, assuming she was kidding. \"I know him? How could I?\"\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nThey walked over to the baggage claim, where a man in a white graphic tee stood not far away, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on a suitcase.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden!\"\r\n\r\nEliana let go of Riley and rushed toward him.\r\n\r\nThe man caught her out of habit and gently flicked her on the nose. \"What's got you so happy?\"\r\n\r\nThe moment she heard the name \"Jayden,\" the color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nAnd when she saw Eliana throw herself into his arms, Riley's feet felt glued to the floor. She couldn't find the courage to take another step forward.\r\n\r\nJayden Kennedy. Her childhood sweetheart. Her first love. They had promised to spend the rest of their lives together.\r\n\r\nBut things change. People change. She had been forced to marry Liam Wells, betraying their vow.\r\n\r\nEliana was holding Jayden's hand. Anyone could see what their relationship was now.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, this is the founder of Summit Ventures.\"\r\n\r\n\"Isn't he the one you were looking for?\"\r\n\r\nAt that, Jayden looked up.\r\n\r\nThe instant he saw Riley, the smile in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.\r\n\r\nRiley forced a smile and stepped forward. \"Jayden... it's been a long time.\"\r\n\r\n\"Long time no see,\" Jayden said, his expression flat.\r\n\r\nNow that the pickup was handled, Eliana dumped all the luggage on Jayden and pulled Riley to walk ahead with her.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, don't mind him. He's just like that—kinda cold to people he doesn't know.\"\r\n\r\n\"You'll get used to it once you're around him more.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, by the way, we're getting married.\"\r\n\r\n\"We're back for good this time. We're gonna build our careers here in the States from now on.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at Eliana.\r\n\r\nThey had grown up together, inseparable, telling each other everything. There were no secrets between them.\r\n\r\nHer aunt and uncle might not have known about her and Jayden, but Eliana knew everything.\r\n\r\nShe knew how they had met and fallen in love, how passionate they had been, and how it had all ended in such a humiliating disaster.\r\n\r\nAnd yet, Eliana had ended up with Jayden, choosing to hide it from her all this time.\r\n\r\nRiley lowered her gaze. It wasn't that she begrudged Jayden finding his own happiness, and she sincerely wished Eliana all the best.\r\n\r\nBut in Eliana's eyes, what did that make me?\r\n\r\nRiley managed a weak smile. \"That's great. Your parents must be so happy you're moving back.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, in that case, you have to come back with us, Riley. We can all have a family dinner together.\"\r\n\r\nWith that, Eliana grabbed her hand, giving Riley no chance to refuse as she practically shoved her into the car.\r\n\r\nThe car drove all the way to her uncle's neighborhood and pulled to a stop.\r\n\r\nRiley opened her door and suddenly heard Eliana let out a short, sharp cry. \"Ah—\"\r\n\r\n\"Woof—!\"\r\n\r\nA low bark rattled the car windows as a Pitbull, half as tall as a person, burst from the thick bushes along the greenbelt. Saliva dripped from its bared fangs as it stared down the group who had just gotten out of the car.\r\n\r\nRiley instinctively stumbled back, her lower back slamming into the car door frame. She sucked in a sharp breath from the pain.\r\n\r\n\"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was even more frantic than the dog's bark. He yanked Eliana behind him, squaring up in a defensive stance.\r\n\r\nThe Pitbull, seemingly provoked by his movement, shifted its gaze between them before lunging at Riley, who looked like the weaker target.\r\n\r\nRiley's pupils shrank. A cold sweat instantly soaked through her shirt, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed by an icy hand.\r\n\r\n\"General! Get back here!\"\r\n\r\nA man in a tracksuit came stumbling over from the outdoor gym equipment, yanking hard on the leash.\r\n\r\nThe big dog let out a frustrated whimper and was dragged back a few steps, but it kept its eyes locked on Riley, still snarling. Its tail swiped against the low holly bushes, knocking a few leaves to the ground.\r\n\r\n\"Get your dog under control.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was low, seething with anger.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden, don't. You're scaring me.\"\r\n\r\nEliana's pale hand rested on his arm, her voice a soft murmur. \"I'm okay, don't be angry.\"\r\n\r\nJayden wrapped his arm around her. \"Don't be scared,\" he soothed. \"I'm here.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's fingers, hanging at her side, curled into a fist, her nails digging into her palm.\r\n\r\nShe stared at a community notice tacked to a nearby bulletin board. The paper rustled loudly in the wind, drowning out the dog owner's apologies.\r\n\r\nWatching Jayden walk away, shielding Eliana without a single glance back, Riley sighed.\r\n\r\nThe feelings of their youth had finally warped with the passage of time.\r\n\r\nThere was no going back for them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, on the other side of the city, in Mr. Mason's office.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason picked up a chipped thermos, opened it, but didn't take a drink. Instead, he slammed it back down on the desk.\r\n\r\nThe way Sophia Bailey had put Riley in an impossible situation that morning was still fresh in his mind. The head of Summit Ventures wasn't someone you could just summon. Not even he could guarantee a meeting if he went himself.\r\n\r\nHe thought of the slender figure he'd seen upstairs that morning... she seemed even thinner than she was seven years ago.\r\n\r\nGood. Serves her right!\r\n\r\nOwen thought, grabbing his phone. His fingers moved with practiced ease, dialing a number he hadn't called in a very long time."},{"chapter_key":"1MfBNcYsst","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/4/en_30d3a73d-e61d-453a-8a75-e4226f9c55b5.txt","word_count":1761,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.\r\n\r\nRiley answered, but the other end was silent. After a long pause, a dismissive scoff came through.\r\n\r\nRiley's heart skipped a beat. \"M-Mr. Mason?\" she asked tentatively.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason didn't respond right away. When he finally did, he spoke quickly, his words mumbled. \"Even if you don't get the investment from Apex Capital, I can still give you another chance to come back.\"\r\n\r\nHe spoke so fast that Riley didn't catch everything. She thought he was just pushing her to secure the Apex Capital deal.\r\n\r\nEven though Riley knew it would be tough, the fact that Mr. Mason had called her himself was enough to make her heart race.\r\n\r\nShe glanced at the two people walking a short distance ahead, her gaze determined. \"Mr. Mason, don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to get that investment from Apex Capital!\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds. Then, for reasons unknown, he let out another cold scoff. \"Do what you want,\" he snapped, then abruptly hung up.\r\n\r\nRiley hung up. Just as she was about to enter the apartment building, she heard a series of loud bangs.\r\n\r\nFireworks suddenly bloomed in the night sky.\r\n\r\nLike a million crushed diamonds flung against a deep blue canvas, streams of gold and red exploded, trailing long tails that shattered the silence.\r\n\r\n\"So beautiful!\" someone nearby exclaimed.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder which rich guy is proposing to his girlfriend.\"\r\n\r\n\"Probably that guy from the Wells family.\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard the woman he's in love with is that older daughter from the Neal family—the one who made some breakthrough in AI and was all over the national news.\"\r\n\r\n\"This must be a celebration for her!\"\r\n\r\nRiley looked up at the sky as the fireworks burst one after another.\r\n\r\n\"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nHearing Eliana's call, Riley looked ahead.\r\n\r\nEliana and Jayden were standing side-by-side not far away, along with her aunt, Sarah Reed, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.\r\n\r\n\"Aunt Sarah.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked over to them quickly and greeted her aunt.\r\n\r\n\"What took you so long? Are you mad that Jayden didn't stick up for you earlier?\" Eliana asked, looking at her.\r\n\r\nRiley shook her head. \"Of course not.\"\r\n\r\nSarah's eyes darted between the three of them. \"Once you two are married, you'll be family. Why would Riley be mad at her brother-in-law?\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at the silent Jayden and forced a smile. \"That's right, Eliana. He should be looking out for you. Why would I be mad?\"\r\n\r\nAt her pointed use of the title, Jayden's hand, which was holding the suitcase handle, trembled almost imperceptibly.\r\n\r\nAnother round of fireworks exploded overhead.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder what big shot is behind this. So extravagant. A whole second round right after the first.\"\r\n\r\n\"A night like this has to cost millions of dollars, right?\"\r\n\r\nEliana looked up at the sky. \"Well, at least we get a free show.\"\r\n\r\nSarah had a strange look on her face. \"Riley, I didn't know you guys were coming back, so I'm not prepared at all. Why don't you come with me to the grocery store to pick up a few things?\"\r\n\r\nRiley guessed her aunt wanted to talk to her alone and nodded. \"Okay.\"\r\n\r\nSarah handed what she was holding to Eliana, told her and Jayden to go on upstairs, and then pulled Riley toward the complex gate.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, did you and Liam get into a fight?\"\r\n\r\nThe fireworks tonight were obviously Liam's doing. But with Riley standing right here, you didn't have to be a genius to know who they were really for.\r\n\r\nShe chose her words carefully.\r\n\r\n\"This business with him and Reagan Neal... everyone in our circle is talking about it. It's really gone too far.\"\r\n\r\n\"If you ask me, you should raise hell. And if that doesn't work, have a baby to tie him down.\"\r\n\r\n\"For a powerful family like the Wells, having more kids is never a bad thing.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's hand drifted to her stomach. There had been a child there not long ago. Too bad it wasn't hers.\r\n\r\nSarah continued, \"A man like Liam Wells is a real catch. You have to hold on tight.\"\r\n\r\n\"Our family wouldn't be where it is today without the Wells family's support all these years.\"\r\n\r\n\"Besides, Eliana is back in the country to build her career now. She's going to need you and Liam to help her out.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced sideways at Sarah.\r\n\r\nShe had checked with the hospital; the forensic results for the surrogacy evidence would be ready in three days.\r\n\r\nThe moment the results came in, she would give them to her lawyer, just in case.\r\n\r\nBut before that, she'd already had her lawyer prepare the divorce papers.\r\n\r\nShe still wanted to try and settle things amicably with Liam. After all, her family's businesses depended on his company to survive.\r\n\r\nAs long as she could get the asset distribution she wanted and they could divorce peacefully, she had no desire to burn everything to the ground.\r\n\r\nBut if Liam refused to cooperate, she would immediately file a lawsuit for divorce using the surrogacy evidence.\r\n\r\nNo matter what, she was going to divorce him, and she was going to get a fair settlement.\r\n\r\nOnce she'd sorted that out in her mind, Riley had nothing left to worry about.\r\n\r\n\"Yeah, Aunt Sarah, don't worry. What's going on between me and Liam won't affect the family's companies. I'll handle it.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, as long as you have a plan.\"\r\n\r\nThe two of them walked to the market, bought their groceries, and headed back into the complex. Sarah suddenly grabbed Riley's hand.\r\n\r\n\"Oh, right, Riley. About how you married Liam all those years ago to get investment for the family... can you not mention that in front of Eliana and Jayden?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing Riley's confusion, she added, \"It hasn't been easy for Jayden and Eliana starting their business abroad all these years. I don't want to worry them.\"\r\n\r\nRiley understood. \"Aunt Sarah, it's all in the past. My cousin and her fiancé are about to get married. I won't bring it up and cause trouble.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, you're a good kid.\" Sarah patted Riley's shoulder. \"You've been through a lot.\"\r\n\r\nThey went upstairs and put the groceries in the kitchen. Sarah told Eliana to come help her and sent Riley to rest in the living room.\r\n\r\nBack in the living room, Riley saw Jayden sitting on the sofa. Thinking of Owen Mason's phone call, she stopped herself from heading to her bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe sat down awkwardly on the other end of the sofa. \"Jayden, will you invest in the Sage Cloud project?\"\r\n\r\nJayden's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. \"You really want to make this deal between Sage Cloud and Apex Capital happen?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\" Riley nodded, pressing him. \"Will you invest?\"\r\n\r\n\"I was going to,\" Jayden said, his voice light and dismissive. \"But now...\" His tone shifted as he lit a cigarette. \"I might have to reconsider.\"\r\n\r\n\"The head of your research institute must not be very bright, hiring someone like you.\"\r\n\r\n\"Then what will it take for you to agree to work with the institute?\" Riley looked at Jayden, her eyes searching.\r\n\r\nA nasty smile suddenly spread across Jayden's face. He pointed to the mangoes on the coffee table. \"Eat one of those, and I'll consider it.\"\r\n\r\nThe color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nHe knew she was allergic to mangoes. She'd been allergic since she was a kid.\r\n\r\n\"You can't even do that?\" Jayden raised an eyebrow. \"Sure, Sage Cloud is a leader in the industry. It's not like I'd lose money working with them.\"\r\n\r\n\"But business is business. A deal isn't something you can get just by sweet-talking me. If you can't do it, you'll have to come up with another offer...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine. I hope you keep your word.\"\r\n\r\nRiley knew she had nothing else to bargain with right now. Before he could change his mind, she grabbed a mango, cut it open with a fruit knife, and put a piece in her mouth.\r\n\r\nSoon, her face began to turn red and itchy. Riley fought back the discomfort and finished the mango.\r\n\r\n\"Is that enough?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's expression had turned grim. He stood up. \"If you're having a reaction, go to the hospital. Don't be an eyesore here.\"\r\n\r\nAs if granted a pardon, Riley quickly left and rushed to the hospital.\r\n\r\nWhile she was getting an IV, her phone rang.\r\n\r\n\"Apex Capital agreed to the investment.\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. \"Come see me at the institute the day after tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay, Mr. Mason.\"\r\n\r\nRiley watched the fluid drip, drop by drop, from the IV bag, her eyes growing moist.\r\n\r\nHer allergic reaction was severe, so Riley spent the night at the hospital. When she got home and opened the door, a stale smell hit her.\r\n\r\nLiam hadn't come home last night.\r\n\r\nShe went into the study, printed the divorce agreement her lawyer had sent over, signed it, put it in a file folder, and headed to Wells Tower.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist had never seen Riley before and didn't know who she was, so she stopped her.\r\n\r\n\"Ma'am, you need an appointment to see Mr. Wells.\"\r\n\r\nRiley held out the folder. \"I'm not here to see him. Just give this to him, please.\"\r\n\r\nOnce Liam saw the divorce papers inside, he would definitely contact her.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist took a step back, not taking the folder. \"I'm sorry, I can't pass this along for you. It's against policy.\"\r\n\r\nAs they were arguing, the building's glass doors slid open.\r\n\r\nRiley turned to see Liam walk in with Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nLiam's assistant, Steve Weaver, who was walking in behind him, paled when he saw Riley.\r\n\r\nHe glanced cautiously at Liam, realized he hadn't seemed to notice Riley, and quickly pulled her by the arm into a corner.\r\n\r\n\"Mrs. W— Ms. Neal.\"\r\n\r\nSteve looked troubled. Mr. Wells didn't like people knowing about his relationship with Riley, and he'd forbidden her from coming to the company.\r\n\r\n\"You shouldn't be here.\"\r\n\r\n\"Give this to him and tell him to contact me.\" Riley handed him the folder and turned to leave.\r\n\r\nSteve looked at the folder, not daring to open it himself. He went upstairs and knocked on Liam's office door.\r\n\r\n\"Come in.\"\r\n\r\nLiam was busy with paperwork. \"What did she want?\"\r\n\r\n\"Your wife wants you to contact her.\"\r\n\r\nSteve placed the folder on the desk.\r\n\r\nA small smirk touched Liam's lips. It seemed Riley was getting desperate because he'd been spending time with Reagan lately.\r\n\r\n\"Just leave it there. Don't worry about her.\""}],"recommend_text":"Seven years of sacrifice. A husband who used her. A son who despised her. A childhood sweetheart who mocked her. When she finally left, they thought she’d crawl back. But she didn't. Now they’re all on their knees, begging for her forgiveness.\n But she only smiles, holding another man’s hand and a little girl’s palm.\n “Sorry… my future no longer includes you.”","button_text":"","bottom_text":""} "2600:1f28:365:80b0:a9fc:cf4c:966:931d" {"clickToRead":"🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free 👇","continueReading":"CONTINUE READING","more":"More","open":"Open","bottomText":"The upcoming chapters are even more exciting! Click the download button below to read the entire book!👇👇👇"} {"id":1000179,"name":"From Housewife to AI Queen","start_time":1761887071,"end_time":1793423071,"status":1,"version_config":[{"name":"base","traffic_interval":0},{"name":"exp1","traffic_interval":100,"landing_page_id":419,"novel":{"novel_id":5398,"novel_key":"HOuz7ZoN6q","title":"From Housewife to AI Queen","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/8ec6168705d3bbb990ed287352696584.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","intro":"Riley Neal sacrifices her career to marry and raise a family, only to learn she's just a tool. Mocked by her husband, son, and her childhood sweetheart, she divorces, and becomes an AI genius. When they beg her back, she stands by a man and a little girl, \"My future's full with them.\"","use_default_button_text":true,"lang":"en-US","style":200003,"chapter_count":100,"word_count":211511,"use_novel_desc":true,"chapter":{"chapter_key":"A1HJYjKVkk","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","word_count":1478,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false},"recommend_text":"Seven years of sacrifice. A husband who used her. A son who despised her. A childhood sweetheart who mocked her. When she finally left, they thought she’d crawl back. But she didn't. Now they’re all on their knees, begging for her forgiveness.\n But she only smiles, holding another man’s hand and a little girl’s palm.\n “Sorry… my future no longer includes you.”","use_default_bottom_text":true,"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"A1HJYjKVkk","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","word_count":1478,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"\"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete. The pregnancy has been terminated.\"\r\n\r\nRiley Neal woke from the anesthesia, staring at the hospital ceiling for a long time before slowly sitting up.\r\n\r\nHalf a month ago, she'd found the IVF consent forms in his study. That's when she learned her husband had implanted an embryo—from another woman—inside her.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe her husband would degrade her like this.\r\n\r\nAt sixteen weeks pregnant, she secretly went to the hospital for an amniocentesis, which confirmed the child wasn't biologically hers.\r\n\r\nWhen she got the results, she was lying on the examination table, gazing at her slightly swollen belly and the network of stretch marks spreading across it.\r\n\r\nTears she could no longer hold back streamed from the corners of her eyes.\r\n\r\nShe had been so hopeful for another child. For this baby, she'd endured several rounds of ovulation shots and gone under the knife multiple times.\r\n\r\nAnd now, to think this child had nothing to do with her!\r\n\r\nThey'd been together since they were young, married for seven years. Even without love, there should have been some semblance of a bond.\r\n\r\nBut it turned out that in Liam Wells's eyes, she, Riley Neal, was nothing more than a surrogate.\r\n\r\nSeeing her motionless, the nurse reminded her again in a soft voice, \"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete.\"\r\n\r\nSnapping back to reality, Riley straightened her clothes, her voice calm. \"Please gather all the documents related to this pregnancy for me as soon as possible.\"\r\n\r\n\"The documents need to go through a legal verification process, which will take about a week. We'll mail them to you after that.\"\r\n\r\nRiley nodded.\r\n\r\nAfter marrying Liam Wells, she'd given up her studies and spent seven years taking meticulous care of him.\r\n\r\nNow, she wanted to end this humiliating marriage. And this evidence—proof that Liam had used her as a surrogate—was the leverage she needed to negotiate the divorce.\r\n\r\nHer lower abdomen still ached with a dull pain. Riley called an Uber, setting the pickup location at a mall near the hospital.\r\n\r\nJust as her ride pulled up near the mall, she saw a familiar black sedan parked on the side of the road, bearing an equally familiar license plate.\r\n\r\nGC-66666.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one but Liam Wells would have a license plate that audacious.\r\n\r\nOr rather, if he didn't have it, no one would dare to, and no one would be worthy of it.\r\n\r\nThe mall's security guards were used to it, huddling together and whispering, \"So impressive. That's his car, right? The guy from Wells Corporation?\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard Wells Corp just had another breakthrough in AI. Their tech is basically number one in the world now.\"\r\n\r\nPeople bustled in and out of the mall. Riley caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.\r\n\r\nA tall man in a black silk shirt stepped out of the back seat, walked around to the other side, and opened the door.\r\n\r\nThe cuffs of his shirt were rolled high, revealing strong forearms where veins pulsed faintly with his movements.\r\n\r\nFrom the open door emerged a sophisticated woman in a silk sheath dress.\r\n\r\nThe woman's slender fingers expertly linked through Liam's arm.\r\n\r\nThey walked into the mall side-by-side, the picture of a perfect couple, turning heads as they went.\r\n\r\n\"Who's that? The Wells heir has never been seen with a woman before.\"\r\n\r\nSomeone wondered aloud.\r\n\r\nHer Uber arrived. Riley ignored the chatter around her, got in, and sat in the front passenger seat.\r\n\r\nShe leaned against the window, watching the Golden City streetscape fly past.\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who the woman with Liam was.\r\n\r\nHer sister, Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nA brilliant mathematician who'd just returned from MIT, she had recently won the prestigious TAI Award.\r\n\r\nHer eyelids felt heavy. Riley leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting.\r\n\r\nIf I hadn't given up my studies to get married, maybe I could have achieved what Reagan has today.\r\n\r\nHer phone buzzed twice. It was a text from her lawyer, asking for a final confirmation: was she sure she wanted to divorce Liam Wells?\r\n\r\n\"Push it through.\"\r\n\r\nPutting down her phone, Riley rubbed her tired eyes.\r\n\r\nBack at their downtown mansion, she had just stepped into the courtyard when she heard Brayden's laughter from inside.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't help but quicken her pace. She hadn't seen her son in almost half a month.\r\n\r\nRight after Brayden was born, Liam had ignored her pleas while she was still recovering from childbirth and sent their son to the Ancestral Manor, claiming the boy would get a better education there.\r\n\r\nEven her visits were subject to a strict schedule.\r\n\r\nShe never expected Brayden to be here today.\r\n\r\nShe swapped her shoes and walked into the first-floor foyer.\r\n\r\nA five-or-six-year-old boy was sitting on the sofa with his back to the entrance, video-chatting with someone on a phone.\r\n\r\n\"You're the best, Aunt Reagan! I've wanted this new Transformer forever, but Dad never gets it for me.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay! I'll wait at home for Dad to bring it back.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked toward the sofa, wanting to pull her son into her arms.\r\n\r\n\"Brayden, did you miss me?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing her, Brayden quickly ended the call, shoved her away, and shrieked, \"You stink! Get away from me!\"\r\n\r\nRiley stood there, embarrassed, and sniffed her clothes.\r\n\r\nShe'd had a difficult birth with Brayden, hemorrhaging badly, and her health had never fully recovered. Even in the summer, she rarely broke a sweat.\r\n\r\nRight now, besides the faint smell of hospital antiseptic, there was no other odor on her.\r\n\r\nBrayden shot her an annoyed glare and ordered imperiously:\r\n\r\n\"I want shrimp and garlic butter pasta! Go make it for me, now!\"\r\n\r\nRiley had just had the procedure; she really shouldn't be touching cold water.\r\n\r\nShe opened her mouth to suggest having one of the house staff make it for him.\r\n\r\nBut a second later, Brayden secretly rolled his eyes.\r\n\r\nHe rested his head on Riley's lap, blinking up at her as his voice softened. \"Mommy, you make the best shrimp and garlic butter pasta. No one else can make it taste the same.\"\r\n\r\nEven though she knew this was just Brayden's usual trick to get his way, Riley's heart still skipped a beat.\r\n\r\nHe's just spoiled because he wasn't raised with me, she told herself. With some proper guidance, he'll turn out fine.\r\n\r\nRiley went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and flinched as she touched the chilled shrimp soaking in cold water.\r\n\r\nOnly when she had finished cooking and served the meal was Brayden satisfied.\r\n\r\nAs Brayden ate happily, Riley watched him in silence.\r\n\r\nAfter dinner, Riley read with Brayden for a while.\r\n\r\n\"Mommy, is Daddy coming home later?\"\r\n\r\nA sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.\r\n\r\nLiam cared so much about the baby in her belly. Even if he didn't accompany her to the check-ups, he always came home to ask how it went. To ask about the baby in her womb—his child with another woman.\r\n\r\nShe kissed Brayden's forehead. \"He'll be back. Go to sleep.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay. Then I'll get to see Daddy when I wake up tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\nLater that evening, Riley left the nursery, went downstairs, and sat on the living room sofa, opening her laptop to look up recent developments in the AI sector.\r\n\r\nTime slipped by until it was late at night. A sound came from the main entrance, and Riley looked up to see Liam walk in.\r\n\r\nHe had changed into a deep blue satin shirt that shimmered like the deep sea in the dim light.\r\n\r\n\"Why are you still up?\"\r\n\r\nLiam came and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and casually resting his right hand on her lower abdomen.\r\n\r\nBut he didn't know the baby was no longer there.\r\n\r\nLiam asked, \"How's the baby?\"\r\n\r\nHe smelled of a strange perfume. Riley pushed him away. \"Weren't you with Reagan? Why are you back?\"\r\n\r\n\"Aren't you worried someone will get a picture of you cheating?\"\r\n\r\nLiam leaned back against the sofa, glancing at her sideways. \"As long as you don't go around shouting to the world that you're Mrs. Wells, who's going to know?\"\r\n\r\nRiley silently closed her laptop.\r\n\r\nIt was true. Her marriage to Liam was a secret. As long as she stayed quiet, no media outlet would dare publish photos of him with another woman, even if they were caught on camera.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one dared to cross the Wells family.\r\n\r\n\"What? Are you upset?\"\r\n\r\nLiam reached out, twirling a strand of Riley's hair. \"Isn't this what you begged for? What right do you have to be angry?\"\r\n\r\nRiley closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her expression had changed completely.\r\n\r\nIt was calm, placid, as still as a deep well.\r\n\r\n\"Liam,\" she said. \"We need to talk.\""},{"chapter_key":"jCQ0UoUPPl","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/2/en_c2e04918-1afc-4d94-80f0-861908150f75.txt","word_count":1587,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"If he thought this marriage was all her doing, then it was time to lay all the cards on the table.\r\n\t\r\nShe would tell him she knew everything. And that she wanted a divorce.\r\n\t\r\nHer phone rang, and Liam held a finger to his lips, shushing her.\r\n\t\r\n\"Hello? What's up?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the caller ID. It was Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nWhatever was said on the other end, it made Liam smile. \"Okay, I'm on my way.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I'm heading to the office. We can talk about whatever it is later.\"\r\n\t\r\nAfter hanging up, Liam's usual cold demeanor returned.\r\n\t\r\nThe door clicked shut. Riley reopened her laptop, a bitter thought crossing her mind.\r\n\t\r\nHe really does care about this baby. Is he rushing over to give Reagan an update?\r\n\t\r\nI wonder how they'll react when they find out I already had the abortion.\r\n\t\r\nRiley picked up her phone and sent a text to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\n\"David, quick question. If I have evidence that could hurt Liam, can you guarantee I'll get 100% custody of my son?\"\r\n\t\r\nIt was late, so Riley didn't expect a reply from him anytime soon.\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Brayden was standing in the hallway, gripping the handrail and staring at her coldly.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mom, why are you so useless?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Dad finally came home, and you just let him leave.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley froze, about to say something.\r\n\t\r\nBut he spoke again. \"Since Dad's gone, there's no reason for me to stay here. I'm going back to the Ancestral Manor.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, he turned, knocked on the nanny's door next to his room, and woke her up to pack his things.\r\n\t\r\n\"Brayden, it's too late. It's not safe for you to go back alone. I'll take you tomorrow.\"\r\n\t\r\nBut Brayden was determined. He shoved Riley out of his way, his voice sharp. \"Don't touch me!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I thought since you had your check-up today, Dad would at least stay the night. Looks like that was a waste of time.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If I'd known, I would've just gone to Auntie's. At least I could have spent more time with Dad there.\"\r\n\t\r\nAnd with that, he took the nanny's hand and walked away without a backward glance.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood in the nursery for a long time before Brayden's words finally sank in.\r\n\t\r\nA dull ache started in her lower abdomen again. Numbly, Riley turned up the thermostat.\r\n\t\r\nShe lay down on the sofa, picked up her phone, and after a moment's hesitation, she unsent the message to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\nIf her son was already so far gone, she might as well give up custody in exchange for a better settlement.\r\n\t\r\nThe next morning, Riley was jolted awake by a phone call.\r\n\t\r\n\"Riley, do you have any sense of responsibility as a mother? How could you let Brayden leave by himself in the middle of the night?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Aren't you worried something could have happened to him?!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"What has the Wells family ever done to you?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You drugged Liam and schemed your way into his bed to get pregnant. He married you to take responsibility! Have we ever mistreated you all these years?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"But you're still not satisfied! He comes home late, and you pick a fight and drive him away!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I have never met such a vicious woman who cares so little for her own son and husband!\"\r\n\t\r\nOn the other end of the line, her mother-in-law, Mary Collins, was letting loose with everything she had.\r\n\t\r\nRiley tossed her phone aside, put it on silent, and walked into the bathroom.\r\n\t\r\nShe had no idea what Brayden had told her last night, but clearly, Mary was blaming her for everything.\r\n\t\r\nWhen she came out of the bathroom, Mary had already hung up. There was a new text on her phone from David Hill. \"Apologies, Ms. Neal. I just saw your message from last night.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I see you unsent it. Was it anything important?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley leaned back on the sofa and replied.\r\n\t\r\n\"Nothing. If I unsent it, it wasn't important.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Just please handle the divorce proceedings as quickly as possible, David.\"\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley leaned back on the sofa, her mind drifting.\r\n\t\r\nShe remembered the day she found out she was pregnant with Brayden. She had just left the clinic and was sitting in her car.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't planned on keeping the baby, but then a voice on the car radio said, \"Since he's come all this way for me, how can I possibly turn him away?\"\r\n\t\r\nTears suddenly streamed down her face. In that instant, she decided to keep Brayden, whether the Wells family accepted him or not.\r\n\t\r\nBut now...\r\n\t\r\nPulling her thoughts together, Riley got ready to head to the research institute.\r\n\t\r\nYears ago, she had chosen family, giving up the opportunity to join the Sage Cloud Research Institute and, in doing so, betraying her mentor, Mr. Mason.\r\n\t\r\nNow, if she wanted to return to Sage Cloud, she needed his forgiveness.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood at the entrance to the institute, a sense of dislocation washing over her as she looked at the familiar building and the people coming and going.\r\n\t\r\nSeven years had passed in a flash. The security guards at the entrance had probably changed countless times.\r\n\t\r\nThe young man sitting at the desk now was a complete stranger.\r\n\t\r\nHe dutifully stopped Riley. \"Ma'am, you can't enter the institute without an appointment.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley didn't give the guy a hard time. She took out her phone, planning to call an old classmate to see if she could get Mr. Mason's number.\r\n\t\r\nBack when she left his team, Mr. Mason had blocked her on everything.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't been able to contact him in all these years.\r\n\t\r\n\"Well, well, if it isn't our great warrior for love, Riley Neal, who threw away her career for a wedding ring.\"\r\n\t\r\nThe mocking voice cut through the air. Riley looked up to see Sophia Bailey approaching, arm in arm with Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nBack in the day, Sophia had always been resentful because Mr. Mason favored Riley, and they'd had their share of friction.\r\n\t\r\nAfter Riley quit the team, Sophia had gritted her teeth and stuck with it.\r\n\t\r\nWord was she had since become a core member of Mr. Mason's team.\r\n\t\r\nWhat surprised Riley was seeing Reagan here too.\r\n\t\r\nBut on second thought, it made sense. Reagan was a top student in AI, and Mr. Mason's team was the best in the country. It was only natural they'd invite her to join.\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the initiative and greeted Sophia. \"Sophia.\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia kept her arm linked with Reagan's. Reagan gave Riley a gentle smile, as if they were complete strangers.\r\n\t\r\n\"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're trying to see the professor?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You don't actually think he remembers you after all this time, do you?\"\r\n\t\r\nKnowing Sophia wasn't going to make this easy, Riley turned to leave.\r\n\t\r\nBut Sophia's voice stopped her from behind. \"Riley, if you really want to get inside, do me a favor and pick someone up from the airport.\"\r\n\t\r\nShe handed Riley a file folder. \"This is one of our institute's investors. He just got back from Britainland.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You pick him up, show him a good time, and if you can secure his investment, I'll get you a meeting with the professor.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the folder, knowing this was almost certainly a setup. Sophia wasn't that kind.\r\n\t\r\nBut right now, it was her fastest way to see Mr. Mason. She had to take the chance.\r\n\t\r\n\"You have a deal.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the folder and left without another word.\r\n\t\r\nSophia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.\r\n\t\r\nThe founder of Summit Ventures was notoriously difficult. She'd been stressing about how to handle the task Mr. Mason gave her, and now a perfect sucker had just walked right into her trap.\r\n\t\r\nReagan said softly, \"Sophia, won't the professor be mad if you bring her to see him without his permission?\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia scoffed. \"Like he'd ever agree to see her.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"She's the one who abandoned us. Does she think the institute is her family home? That she can just come and go as she pleases?\"\r\n\t\r\nThe two of them walked into the institute side by side, not noticing the two figures standing by a window in a third-floor office.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mr. Mason, isn't that Riley?\"\r\n\t\r\nHis assistant, Ethan Brooks, who was standing behind him, spoke up.\r\n\t\r\nThe thin, wizened old man didn't say a word, his expression unreadable.\r\n\t\r\nEthan continued, \"If she could come back for Project Seagull, maybe we could...\"\r\n\t\r\nProject Seagull was an intelligent command and decision-making project Sage Cloud was working on, but they'd hit a wall with the algorithm, and progress had stalled.\r\n\t\r\n\"Maybe we could what?\"\r\n\t\r\nMr. Mason pulled his gaze from the window, cutting Ethan off, his voice rising.\r\n\t\r\n\"Even if she came back and solved our problem, what happens to the project next time she decides to run off, get married, and have kids?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If you have time to meddle in this nonsense, you should be doing more research.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, Mr. Mason turned and walked out of the office.\r\n\t\r\nLeft standing there, Ethan scratched his head. He glanced at the thermos in Mr. Mason's hand and pursed his lips.\r\n\t\r\nHe talked a big game about how much he despised Riley, but the old man had been using the thermos she gave him for seven years straight. He wouldn't even replace it, chipped paint and all.\r\n\t\r\nMan, the old guy's moods were getting harder and harder to predict."},{"chapter_key":"hFMh98SUpw","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/3/en_82571bd4-4ed3-4958-89bf-a9dcf026fb5f.txt","word_count":1263,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"In the car, Riley Neal flipped through the files in the folder.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Sophia Bailey was sending her to pick up the founder of Summit Ventures, the firm that was currently all the rage.\r\n\r\nThe folder contained only basic information—no personal details, no photo.\r\n\r\nThere was barely anything about the founder online, either.\r\n\r\nAll anyone knew was that he had gone abroad at a young age, raked in a ton of profit riding the wave of foreign investment, and was now planning to move his operations back to the States.\r\n\r\nRiley found a print shop on the side of the road and put in a rush order for a pickup sign.\r\n\r\nThanks to the delay, the flight was already deplaning by the time she got to the airport.\r\n\r\nShe hurried to the arrivals gate, and before she could even raise her sign, she heard a woman exclaim, \"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nRiley turned, her eyes widening with delight when she saw who it was. \"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nEliana Wright, her cousin—the daughter of Riley's uncle.\r\n\r\nRiley had grown up at her uncle's house and was incredibly close to Eliana.\r\n\r\nEliana threw her arms around her. \"Did you know I was coming back today? You came all this way just for me?\"\r\n\r\nNormally, Riley would have been happy to joke around with her cousin.\r\n\r\nBut she had work to do. After a brief explanation, she was about to leave to find the founder of Summit Ventures.\r\n\r\nBut Eliana just laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit without another word. \"The guy you're talking about? I happen to know him.\"\r\n\r\n\"Don't worry about it. I'll take you to him.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was stunned. She couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nAs if sensing her confusion, Eliana shot her a sly grin. \"Not only do I know him, you do too.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was baffled, assuming she was kidding. \"I know him? How could I?\"\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nThey walked over to the baggage claim, where a man in a white graphic tee stood not far away, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on a suitcase.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden!\"\r\n\r\nEliana let go of Riley and rushed toward him.\r\n\r\nThe man caught her out of habit and gently flicked her on the nose. \"What's got you so happy?\"\r\n\r\nThe moment she heard the name \"Jayden,\" the color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nAnd when she saw Eliana throw herself into his arms, Riley's feet felt glued to the floor. She couldn't find the courage to take another step forward.\r\n\r\nJayden Kennedy. Her childhood sweetheart. Her first love. They had promised to spend the rest of their lives together.\r\n\r\nBut things change. People change. She had been forced to marry Liam Wells, betraying their vow.\r\n\r\nEliana was holding Jayden's hand. Anyone could see what their relationship was now.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, this is the founder of Summit Ventures.\"\r\n\r\n\"Isn't he the one you were looking for?\"\r\n\r\nAt that, Jayden looked up.\r\n\r\nThe instant he saw Riley, the smile in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.\r\n\r\nRiley forced a smile and stepped forward. \"Jayden... it's been a long time.\"\r\n\r\n\"Long time no see,\" Jayden said, his expression flat.\r\n\r\nNow that the pickup was handled, Eliana dumped all the luggage on Jayden and pulled Riley to walk ahead with her.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, don't mind him. He's just like that—kinda cold to people he doesn't know.\"\r\n\r\n\"You'll get used to it once you're around him more.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, by the way, we're getting married.\"\r\n\r\n\"We're back for good this time. We're gonna build our careers here in the States from now on.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at Eliana.\r\n\r\nThey had grown up together, inseparable, telling each other everything. There were no secrets between them.\r\n\r\nHer aunt and uncle might not have known about her and Jayden, but Eliana knew everything.\r\n\r\nShe knew how they had met and fallen in love, how passionate they had been, and how it had all ended in such a humiliating disaster.\r\n\r\nAnd yet, Eliana had ended up with Jayden, choosing to hide it from her all this time.\r\n\r\nRiley lowered her gaze. It wasn't that she begrudged Jayden finding his own happiness, and she sincerely wished Eliana all the best.\r\n\r\nBut in Eliana's eyes, what did that make me?\r\n\r\nRiley managed a weak smile. \"That's great. Your parents must be so happy you're moving back.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, in that case, you have to come back with us, Riley. We can all have a family dinner together.\"\r\n\r\nWith that, Eliana grabbed her hand, giving Riley no chance to refuse as she practically shoved her into the car.\r\n\r\nThe car drove all the way to her uncle's neighborhood and pulled to a stop.\r\n\r\nRiley opened her door and suddenly heard Eliana let out a short, sharp cry. \"Ah—\"\r\n\r\n\"Woof—!\"\r\n\r\nA low bark rattled the car windows as a Pitbull, half as tall as a person, burst from the thick bushes along the greenbelt. Saliva dripped from its bared fangs as it stared down the group who had just gotten out of the car.\r\n\r\nRiley instinctively stumbled back, her lower back slamming into the car door frame. She sucked in a sharp breath from the pain.\r\n\r\n\"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was even more frantic than the dog's bark. He yanked Eliana behind him, squaring up in a defensive stance.\r\n\r\nThe Pitbull, seemingly provoked by his movement, shifted its gaze between them before lunging at Riley, who looked like the weaker target.\r\n\r\nRiley's pupils shrank. A cold sweat instantly soaked through her shirt, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed by an icy hand.\r\n\r\n\"General! Get back here!\"\r\n\r\nA man in a tracksuit came stumbling over from the outdoor gym equipment, yanking hard on the leash.\r\n\r\nThe big dog let out a frustrated whimper and was dragged back a few steps, but it kept its eyes locked on Riley, still snarling. Its tail swiped against the low holly bushes, knocking a few leaves to the ground.\r\n\r\n\"Get your dog under control.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was low, seething with anger.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden, don't. You're scaring me.\"\r\n\r\nEliana's pale hand rested on his arm, her voice a soft murmur. \"I'm okay, don't be angry.\"\r\n\r\nJayden wrapped his arm around her. \"Don't be scared,\" he soothed. \"I'm here.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's fingers, hanging at her side, curled into a fist, her nails digging into her palm.\r\n\r\nShe stared at a community notice tacked to a nearby bulletin board. The paper rustled loudly in the wind, drowning out the dog owner's apologies.\r\n\r\nWatching Jayden walk away, shielding Eliana without a single glance back, Riley sighed.\r\n\r\nThe feelings of their youth had finally warped with the passage of time.\r\n\r\nThere was no going back for them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, on the other side of the city, in Mr. Mason's office.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason picked up a chipped thermos, opened it, but didn't take a drink. Instead, he slammed it back down on the desk.\r\n\r\nThe way Sophia Bailey had put Riley in an impossible situation that morning was still fresh in his mind. The head of Summit Ventures wasn't someone you could just summon. Not even he could guarantee a meeting if he went himself.\r\n\r\nHe thought of the slender figure he'd seen upstairs that morning... she seemed even thinner than she was seven years ago.\r\n\r\nGood. Serves her right!\r\n\r\nOwen thought, grabbing his phone. His fingers moved with practiced ease, dialing a number he hadn't called in a very long time."},{"chapter_key":"1MfBNcYsst","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/4/en_30d3a73d-e61d-453a-8a75-e4226f9c55b5.txt","word_count":1761,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.\r\n\r\nRiley answered, but the other end was silent. After a long pause, a dismissive scoff came through.\r\n\r\nRiley's heart skipped a beat. \"M-Mr. Mason?\" she asked tentatively.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason didn't respond right away. When he finally did, he spoke quickly, his words mumbled. \"Even if you don't get the investment from Apex Capital, I can still give you another chance to come back.\"\r\n\r\nHe spoke so fast that Riley didn't catch everything. She thought he was just pushing her to secure the Apex Capital deal.\r\n\r\nEven though Riley knew it would be tough, the fact that Mr. Mason had called her himself was enough to make her heart race.\r\n\r\nShe glanced at the two people walking a short distance ahead, her gaze determined. \"Mr. Mason, don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to get that investment from Apex Capital!\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds. Then, for reasons unknown, he let out another cold scoff. \"Do what you want,\" he snapped, then abruptly hung up.\r\n\r\nRiley hung up. Just as she was about to enter the apartment building, she heard a series of loud bangs.\r\n\r\nFireworks suddenly bloomed in the night sky.\r\n\r\nLike a million crushed diamonds flung against a deep blue canvas, streams of gold and red exploded, trailing long tails that shattered the silence.\r\n\r\n\"So beautiful!\" someone nearby exclaimed.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder which rich guy is proposing to his girlfriend.\"\r\n\r\n\"Probably that guy from the Wells family.\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard the woman he's in love with is that older daughter from the Neal family—the one who made some breakthrough in AI and was all over the national news.\"\r\n\r\n\"This must be a celebration for her!\"\r\n\r\nRiley looked up at the sky as the fireworks burst one after another.\r\n\r\n\"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nHearing Eliana's call, Riley looked ahead.\r\n\r\nEliana and Jayden were standing side-by-side not far away, along with her aunt, Sarah Reed, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.\r\n\r\n\"Aunt Sarah.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked over to them quickly and greeted her aunt.\r\n\r\n\"What took you so long? Are you mad that Jayden didn't stick up for you earlier?\" Eliana asked, looking at her.\r\n\r\nRiley shook her head. \"Of course not.\"\r\n\r\nSarah's eyes darted between the three of them. \"Once you two are married, you'll be family. Why would Riley be mad at her brother-in-law?\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at the silent Jayden and forced a smile. \"That's right, Eliana. He should be looking out for you. Why would I be mad?\"\r\n\r\nAt her pointed use of the title, Jayden's hand, which was holding the suitcase handle, trembled almost imperceptibly.\r\n\r\nAnother round of fireworks exploded overhead.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder what big shot is behind this. So extravagant. A whole second round right after the first.\"\r\n\r\n\"A night like this has to cost millions of dollars, right?\"\r\n\r\nEliana looked up at the sky. \"Well, at least we get a free show.\"\r\n\r\nSarah had a strange look on her face. \"Riley, I didn't know you guys were coming back, so I'm not prepared at all. Why don't you come with me to the grocery store to pick up a few things?\"\r\n\r\nRiley guessed her aunt wanted to talk to her alone and nodded. \"Okay.\"\r\n\r\nSarah handed what she was holding to Eliana, told her and Jayden to go on upstairs, and then pulled Riley toward the complex gate.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, did you and Liam get into a fight?\"\r\n\r\nThe fireworks tonight were obviously Liam's doing. But with Riley standing right here, you didn't have to be a genius to know who they were really for.\r\n\r\nShe chose her words carefully.\r\n\r\n\"This business with him and Reagan Neal... everyone in our circle is talking about it. It's really gone too far.\"\r\n\r\n\"If you ask me, you should raise hell. And if that doesn't work, have a baby to tie him down.\"\r\n\r\n\"For a powerful family like the Wells, having more kids is never a bad thing.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's hand drifted to her stomach. There had been a child there not long ago. Too bad it wasn't hers.\r\n\r\nSarah continued, \"A man like Liam Wells is a real catch. You have to hold on tight.\"\r\n\r\n\"Our family wouldn't be where it is today without the Wells family's support all these years.\"\r\n\r\n\"Besides, Eliana is back in the country to build her career now. She's going to need you and Liam to help her out.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced sideways at Sarah.\r\n\r\nShe had checked with the hospital; the forensic results for the surrogacy evidence would be ready in three days.\r\n\r\nThe moment the results came in, she would give them to her lawyer, just in case.\r\n\r\nBut before that, she'd already had her lawyer prepare the divorce papers.\r\n\r\nShe still wanted to try and settle things amicably with Liam. After all, her family's businesses depended on his company to survive.\r\n\r\nAs long as she could get the asset distribution she wanted and they could divorce peacefully, she had no desire to burn everything to the ground.\r\n\r\nBut if Liam refused to cooperate, she would immediately file a lawsuit for divorce using the surrogacy evidence.\r\n\r\nNo matter what, she was going to divorce him, and she was going to get a fair settlement.\r\n\r\nOnce she'd sorted that out in her mind, Riley had nothing left to worry about.\r\n\r\n\"Yeah, Aunt Sarah, don't worry. What's going on between me and Liam won't affect the family's companies. I'll handle it.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, as long as you have a plan.\"\r\n\r\nThe two of them walked to the market, bought their groceries, and headed back into the complex. Sarah suddenly grabbed Riley's hand.\r\n\r\n\"Oh, right, Riley. About how you married Liam all those years ago to get investment for the family... can you not mention that in front of Eliana and Jayden?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing Riley's confusion, she added, \"It hasn't been easy for Jayden and Eliana starting their business abroad all these years. I don't want to worry them.\"\r\n\r\nRiley understood. \"Aunt Sarah, it's all in the past. My cousin and her fiancé are about to get married. I won't bring it up and cause trouble.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, you're a good kid.\" Sarah patted Riley's shoulder. \"You've been through a lot.\"\r\n\r\nThey went upstairs and put the groceries in the kitchen. Sarah told Eliana to come help her and sent Riley to rest in the living room.\r\n\r\nBack in the living room, Riley saw Jayden sitting on the sofa. Thinking of Owen Mason's phone call, she stopped herself from heading to her bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe sat down awkwardly on the other end of the sofa. \"Jayden, will you invest in the Sage Cloud project?\"\r\n\r\nJayden's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. \"You really want to make this deal between Sage Cloud and Apex Capital happen?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\" Riley nodded, pressing him. \"Will you invest?\"\r\n\r\n\"I was going to,\" Jayden said, his voice light and dismissive. \"But now...\" His tone shifted as he lit a cigarette. \"I might have to reconsider.\"\r\n\r\n\"The head of your research institute must not be very bright, hiring someone like you.\"\r\n\r\n\"Then what will it take for you to agree to work with the institute?\" Riley looked at Jayden, her eyes searching.\r\n\r\nA nasty smile suddenly spread across Jayden's face. He pointed to the mangoes on the coffee table. \"Eat one of those, and I'll consider it.\"\r\n\r\nThe color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nHe knew she was allergic to mangoes. She'd been allergic since she was a kid.\r\n\r\n\"You can't even do that?\" Jayden raised an eyebrow. \"Sure, Sage Cloud is a leader in the industry. It's not like I'd lose money working with them.\"\r\n\r\n\"But business is business. A deal isn't something you can get just by sweet-talking me. If you can't do it, you'll have to come up with another offer...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine. I hope you keep your word.\"\r\n\r\nRiley knew she had nothing else to bargain with right now. Before he could change his mind, she grabbed a mango, cut it open with a fruit knife, and put a piece in her mouth.\r\n\r\nSoon, her face began to turn red and itchy. Riley fought back the discomfort and finished the mango.\r\n\r\n\"Is that enough?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's expression had turned grim. He stood up. \"If you're having a reaction, go to the hospital. Don't be an eyesore here.\"\r\n\r\nAs if granted a pardon, Riley quickly left and rushed to the hospital.\r\n\r\nWhile she was getting an IV, her phone rang.\r\n\r\n\"Apex Capital agreed to the investment.\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. \"Come see me at the institute the day after tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay, Mr. Mason.\"\r\n\r\nRiley watched the fluid drip, drop by drop, from the IV bag, her eyes growing moist.\r\n\r\nHer allergic reaction was severe, so Riley spent the night at the hospital. When she got home and opened the door, a stale smell hit her.\r\n\r\nLiam hadn't come home last night.\r\n\r\nShe went into the study, printed the divorce agreement her lawyer had sent over, signed it, put it in a file folder, and headed to Wells Tower.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist had never seen Riley before and didn't know who she was, so she stopped her.\r\n\r\n\"Ma'am, you need an appointment to see Mr. Wells.\"\r\n\r\nRiley held out the folder. \"I'm not here to see him. Just give this to him, please.\"\r\n\r\nOnce Liam saw the divorce papers inside, he would definitely contact her.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist took a step back, not taking the folder. \"I'm sorry, I can't pass this along for you. It's against policy.\"\r\n\r\nAs they were arguing, the building's glass doors slid open.\r\n\r\nRiley turned to see Liam walk in with Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nLiam's assistant, Steve Weaver, who was walking in behind him, paled when he saw Riley.\r\n\r\nHe glanced cautiously at Liam, realized he hadn't seemed to notice Riley, and quickly pulled her by the arm into a corner.\r\n\r\n\"Mrs. W— Ms. Neal.\"\r\n\r\nSteve looked troubled. Mr. Wells didn't like people knowing about his relationship with Riley, and he'd forbidden her from coming to the company.\r\n\r\n\"You shouldn't be here.\"\r\n\r\n\"Give this to him and tell him to contact me.\" Riley handed him the folder and turned to leave.\r\n\r\nSteve looked at the folder, not daring to open it himself. He went upstairs and knocked on Liam's office door.\r\n\r\n\"Come in.\"\r\n\r\nLiam was busy with paperwork. \"What did she want?\"\r\n\r\n\"Your wife wants you to contact her.\"\r\n\r\nSteve placed the folder on the desk.\r\n\r\nA small smirk touched Liam's lips. It seemed Riley was getting desperate because he'd been spending time with Reagan lately.\r\n\r\n\"Just leave it there. Don't worry about her.\""}]}}]} {"name":"exp1","traffic_interval":100,"landing_page_id":419,"novel":{"novel_id":5398,"novel_key":"HOuz7ZoN6q","title":"From Housewife to AI Queen","cover":"https://static-v1.mydramawave.com/novel/landing-page/image-crawl/8ec6168705d3bbb990ed287352696584.jpg?image_process=quality,85/resize,w_600/format,webp","intro":"Riley Neal sacrifices her career to marry and raise a family, only to learn she's just a tool. Mocked by her husband, son, and her childhood sweetheart, she divorces, and becomes an AI genius. When they beg her back, she stands by a man and a little girl, \"My future's full with them.\"","use_default_button_text":true,"lang":"en-US","style":200003,"chapter_count":100,"word_count":211511,"use_novel_desc":true,"chapter":{"chapter_key":"A1HJYjKVkk","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","word_count":1478,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false},"recommend_text":"Seven years of sacrifice. A husband who used her. A son who despised her. A childhood sweetheart who mocked her. When she finally left, they thought she’d crawl back. But she didn't. Now they’re all on their knees, begging for her forgiveness.\n But she only smiles, holding another man’s hand and a little girl’s palm.\n “Sorry… my future no longer includes you.”","use_default_bottom_text":true,"chapter_list":[{"chapter_key":"A1HJYjKVkk","title":"Chapter 1","serial_number":1,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/1/en_3263e6a4-3231-4285-ab91-4d748458619c.txt","word_count":1478,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"\"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete. The pregnancy has been terminated.\"\r\n\r\nRiley Neal woke from the anesthesia, staring at the hospital ceiling for a long time before slowly sitting up.\r\n\r\nHalf a month ago, she'd found the IVF consent forms in his study. That's when she learned her husband had implanted an embryo—from another woman—inside her.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe her husband would degrade her like this.\r\n\r\nAt sixteen weeks pregnant, she secretly went to the hospital for an amniocentesis, which confirmed the child wasn't biologically hers.\r\n\r\nWhen she got the results, she was lying on the examination table, gazing at her slightly swollen belly and the network of stretch marks spreading across it.\r\n\r\nTears she could no longer hold back streamed from the corners of her eyes.\r\n\r\nShe had been so hopeful for another child. For this baby, she'd endured several rounds of ovulation shots and gone under the knife multiple times.\r\n\r\nAnd now, to think this child had nothing to do with her!\r\n\r\nThey'd been together since they were young, married for seven years. Even without love, there should have been some semblance of a bond.\r\n\r\nBut it turned out that in Liam Wells's eyes, she, Riley Neal, was nothing more than a surrogate.\r\n\r\nSeeing her motionless, the nurse reminded her again in a soft voice, \"Ms. Neal, the procedure is complete.\"\r\n\r\nSnapping back to reality, Riley straightened her clothes, her voice calm. \"Please gather all the documents related to this pregnancy for me as soon as possible.\"\r\n\r\n\"The documents need to go through a legal verification process, which will take about a week. We'll mail them to you after that.\"\r\n\r\nRiley nodded.\r\n\r\nAfter marrying Liam Wells, she'd given up her studies and spent seven years taking meticulous care of him.\r\n\r\nNow, she wanted to end this humiliating marriage. And this evidence—proof that Liam had used her as a surrogate—was the leverage she needed to negotiate the divorce.\r\n\r\nHer lower abdomen still ached with a dull pain. Riley called an Uber, setting the pickup location at a mall near the hospital.\r\n\r\nJust as her ride pulled up near the mall, she saw a familiar black sedan parked on the side of the road, bearing an equally familiar license plate.\r\n\r\nGC-66666.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one but Liam Wells would have a license plate that audacious.\r\n\r\nOr rather, if he didn't have it, no one would dare to, and no one would be worthy of it.\r\n\r\nThe mall's security guards were used to it, huddling together and whispering, \"So impressive. That's his car, right? The guy from Wells Corporation?\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard Wells Corp just had another breakthrough in AI. Their tech is basically number one in the world now.\"\r\n\r\nPeople bustled in and out of the mall. Riley caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye.\r\n\r\nA tall man in a black silk shirt stepped out of the back seat, walked around to the other side, and opened the door.\r\n\r\nThe cuffs of his shirt were rolled high, revealing strong forearms where veins pulsed faintly with his movements.\r\n\r\nFrom the open door emerged a sophisticated woman in a silk sheath dress.\r\n\r\nThe woman's slender fingers expertly linked through Liam's arm.\r\n\r\nThey walked into the mall side-by-side, the picture of a perfect couple, turning heads as they went.\r\n\r\n\"Who's that? The Wells heir has never been seen with a woman before.\"\r\n\r\nSomeone wondered aloud.\r\n\r\nHer Uber arrived. Riley ignored the chatter around her, got in, and sat in the front passenger seat.\r\n\r\nShe leaned against the window, watching the Golden City streetscape fly past.\r\n\r\nOf course, she knew who the woman with Liam was.\r\n\r\nHer sister, Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nA brilliant mathematician who'd just returned from MIT, she had recently won the prestigious TAI Award.\r\n\r\nHer eyelids felt heavy. Riley leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting.\r\n\r\nIf I hadn't given up my studies to get married, maybe I could have achieved what Reagan has today.\r\n\r\nHer phone buzzed twice. It was a text from her lawyer, asking for a final confirmation: was she sure she wanted to divorce Liam Wells?\r\n\r\n\"Push it through.\"\r\n\r\nPutting down her phone, Riley rubbed her tired eyes.\r\n\r\nBack at their downtown mansion, she had just stepped into the courtyard when she heard Brayden's laughter from inside.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't help but quicken her pace. She hadn't seen her son in almost half a month.\r\n\r\nRight after Brayden was born, Liam had ignored her pleas while she was still recovering from childbirth and sent their son to the Ancestral Manor, claiming the boy would get a better education there.\r\n\r\nEven her visits were subject to a strict schedule.\r\n\r\nShe never expected Brayden to be here today.\r\n\r\nShe swapped her shoes and walked into the first-floor foyer.\r\n\r\nA five-or-six-year-old boy was sitting on the sofa with his back to the entrance, video-chatting with someone on a phone.\r\n\r\n\"You're the best, Aunt Reagan! I've wanted this new Transformer forever, but Dad never gets it for me.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay! I'll wait at home for Dad to bring it back.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked toward the sofa, wanting to pull her son into her arms.\r\n\r\n\"Brayden, did you miss me?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing her, Brayden quickly ended the call, shoved her away, and shrieked, \"You stink! Get away from me!\"\r\n\r\nRiley stood there, embarrassed, and sniffed her clothes.\r\n\r\nShe'd had a difficult birth with Brayden, hemorrhaging badly, and her health had never fully recovered. Even in the summer, she rarely broke a sweat.\r\n\r\nRight now, besides the faint smell of hospital antiseptic, there was no other odor on her.\r\n\r\nBrayden shot her an annoyed glare and ordered imperiously:\r\n\r\n\"I want shrimp and garlic butter pasta! Go make it for me, now!\"\r\n\r\nRiley had just had the procedure; she really shouldn't be touching cold water.\r\n\r\nShe opened her mouth to suggest having one of the house staff make it for him.\r\n\r\nBut a second later, Brayden secretly rolled his eyes.\r\n\r\nHe rested his head on Riley's lap, blinking up at her as his voice softened. \"Mommy, you make the best shrimp and garlic butter pasta. No one else can make it taste the same.\"\r\n\r\nEven though she knew this was just Brayden's usual trick to get his way, Riley's heart still skipped a beat.\r\n\r\nHe's just spoiled because he wasn't raised with me, she told herself. With some proper guidance, he'll turn out fine.\r\n\r\nRiley went into the kitchen, washed her hands, and flinched as she touched the chilled shrimp soaking in cold water.\r\n\r\nOnly when she had finished cooking and served the meal was Brayden satisfied.\r\n\r\nAs Brayden ate happily, Riley watched him in silence.\r\n\r\nAfter dinner, Riley read with Brayden for a while.\r\n\r\n\"Mommy, is Daddy coming home later?\"\r\n\r\nA sarcastic smile touched Riley's lips.\r\n\r\nLiam cared so much about the baby in her belly. Even if he didn't accompany her to the check-ups, he always came home to ask how it went. To ask about the baby in her womb—his child with another woman.\r\n\r\nShe kissed Brayden's forehead. \"He'll be back. Go to sleep.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay. Then I'll get to see Daddy when I wake up tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\nLater that evening, Riley left the nursery, went downstairs, and sat on the living room sofa, opening her laptop to look up recent developments in the AI sector.\r\n\r\nTime slipped by until it was late at night. A sound came from the main entrance, and Riley looked up to see Liam walk in.\r\n\r\nHe had changed into a deep blue satin shirt that shimmered like the deep sea in the dim light.\r\n\r\n\"Why are you still up?\"\r\n\r\nLiam came and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and casually resting his right hand on her lower abdomen.\r\n\r\nBut he didn't know the baby was no longer there.\r\n\r\nLiam asked, \"How's the baby?\"\r\n\r\nHe smelled of a strange perfume. Riley pushed him away. \"Weren't you with Reagan? Why are you back?\"\r\n\r\n\"Aren't you worried someone will get a picture of you cheating?\"\r\n\r\nLiam leaned back against the sofa, glancing at her sideways. \"As long as you don't go around shouting to the world that you're Mrs. Wells, who's going to know?\"\r\n\r\nRiley silently closed her laptop.\r\n\r\nIt was true. Her marriage to Liam was a secret. As long as she stayed quiet, no media outlet would dare publish photos of him with another woman, even if they were caught on camera.\r\n\r\nIn all of Golden City, no one dared to cross the Wells family.\r\n\r\n\"What? Are you upset?\"\r\n\r\nLiam reached out, twirling a strand of Riley's hair. \"Isn't this what you begged for? What right do you have to be angry?\"\r\n\r\nRiley closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her expression had changed completely.\r\n\r\nIt was calm, placid, as still as a deep well.\r\n\r\n\"Liam,\" she said. \"We need to talk.\""},{"chapter_key":"jCQ0UoUPPl","title":"Chapter 2","serial_number":2,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/2/en_c2e04918-1afc-4d94-80f0-861908150f75.txt","word_count":1587,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"If he thought this marriage was all her doing, then it was time to lay all the cards on the table.\r\n\t\r\nShe would tell him she knew everything. And that she wanted a divorce.\r\n\t\r\nHer phone rang, and Liam held a finger to his lips, shushing her.\r\n\t\r\n\"Hello? What's up?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the caller ID. It was Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nWhatever was said on the other end, it made Liam smile. \"Okay, I'm on my way.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I'm heading to the office. We can talk about whatever it is later.\"\r\n\t\r\nAfter hanging up, Liam's usual cold demeanor returned.\r\n\t\r\nThe door clicked shut. Riley reopened her laptop, a bitter thought crossing her mind.\r\n\t\r\nHe really does care about this baby. Is he rushing over to give Reagan an update?\r\n\t\r\nI wonder how they'll react when they find out I already had the abortion.\r\n\t\r\nRiley picked up her phone and sent a text to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\n\"David, quick question. If I have evidence that could hurt Liam, can you guarantee I'll get 100% custody of my son?\"\r\n\t\r\nIt was late, so Riley didn't expect a reply from him anytime soon.\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Brayden was standing in the hallway, gripping the handrail and staring at her coldly.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mom, why are you so useless?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Dad finally came home, and you just let him leave.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley froze, about to say something.\r\n\t\r\nBut he spoke again. \"Since Dad's gone, there's no reason for me to stay here. I'm going back to the Ancestral Manor.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, he turned, knocked on the nanny's door next to his room, and woke her up to pack his things.\r\n\t\r\n\"Brayden, it's too late. It's not safe for you to go back alone. I'll take you tomorrow.\"\r\n\t\r\nBut Brayden was determined. He shoved Riley out of his way, his voice sharp. \"Don't touch me!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I thought since you had your check-up today, Dad would at least stay the night. Looks like that was a waste of time.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If I'd known, I would've just gone to Auntie's. At least I could have spent more time with Dad there.\"\r\n\t\r\nAnd with that, he took the nanny's hand and walked away without a backward glance.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood in the nursery for a long time before Brayden's words finally sank in.\r\n\t\r\nA dull ache started in her lower abdomen again. Numbly, Riley turned up the thermostat.\r\n\t\r\nShe lay down on the sofa, picked up her phone, and after a moment's hesitation, she unsent the message to her lawyer.\r\n\t\r\nIf her son was already so far gone, she might as well give up custody in exchange for a better settlement.\r\n\t\r\nThe next morning, Riley was jolted awake by a phone call.\r\n\t\r\n\"Riley, do you have any sense of responsibility as a mother? How could you let Brayden leave by himself in the middle of the night?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Aren't you worried something could have happened to him?!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"What has the Wells family ever done to you?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You drugged Liam and schemed your way into his bed to get pregnant. He married you to take responsibility! Have we ever mistreated you all these years?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"But you're still not satisfied! He comes home late, and you pick a fight and drive him away!\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I have never met such a vicious woman who cares so little for her own son and husband!\"\r\n\t\r\nOn the other end of the line, her mother-in-law, Mary Collins, was letting loose with everything she had.\r\n\t\r\nRiley tossed her phone aside, put it on silent, and walked into the bathroom.\r\n\t\r\nShe had no idea what Brayden had told her last night, but clearly, Mary was blaming her for everything.\r\n\t\r\nWhen she came out of the bathroom, Mary had already hung up. There was a new text on her phone from David Hill. \"Apologies, Ms. Neal. I just saw your message from last night.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"I see you unsent it. Was it anything important?\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley leaned back on the sofa and replied.\r\n\t\r\n\"Nothing. If I unsent it, it wasn't important.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"Just please handle the divorce proceedings as quickly as possible, David.\"\r\n\t\r\nPutting her phone down, Riley leaned back on the sofa, her mind drifting.\r\n\t\r\nShe remembered the day she found out she was pregnant with Brayden. She had just left the clinic and was sitting in her car.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't planned on keeping the baby, but then a voice on the car radio said, \"Since he's come all this way for me, how can I possibly turn him away?\"\r\n\t\r\nTears suddenly streamed down her face. In that instant, she decided to keep Brayden, whether the Wells family accepted him or not.\r\n\t\r\nBut now...\r\n\t\r\nPulling her thoughts together, Riley got ready to head to the research institute.\r\n\t\r\nYears ago, she had chosen family, giving up the opportunity to join the Sage Cloud Research Institute and, in doing so, betraying her mentor, Mr. Mason.\r\n\t\r\nNow, if she wanted to return to Sage Cloud, she needed his forgiveness.\r\n\t\r\nRiley stood at the entrance to the institute, a sense of dislocation washing over her as she looked at the familiar building and the people coming and going.\r\n\t\r\nSeven years had passed in a flash. The security guards at the entrance had probably changed countless times.\r\n\t\r\nThe young man sitting at the desk now was a complete stranger.\r\n\t\r\nHe dutifully stopped Riley. \"Ma'am, you can't enter the institute without an appointment.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley didn't give the guy a hard time. She took out her phone, planning to call an old classmate to see if she could get Mr. Mason's number.\r\n\t\r\nBack when she left his team, Mr. Mason had blocked her on everything.\r\n\t\r\nShe hadn't been able to contact him in all these years.\r\n\t\r\n\"Well, well, if it isn't our great warrior for love, Riley Neal, who threw away her career for a wedding ring.\"\r\n\t\r\nThe mocking voice cut through the air. Riley looked up to see Sophia Bailey approaching, arm in arm with Reagan.\r\n\t\r\nBack in the day, Sophia had always been resentful because Mr. Mason favored Riley, and they'd had their share of friction.\r\n\t\r\nAfter Riley quit the team, Sophia had gritted her teeth and stuck with it.\r\n\t\r\nWord was she had since become a core member of Mr. Mason's team.\r\n\t\r\nWhat surprised Riley was seeing Reagan here too.\r\n\t\r\nBut on second thought, it made sense. Reagan was a top student in AI, and Mr. Mason's team was the best in the country. It was only natural they'd invite her to join.\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the initiative and greeted Sophia. \"Sophia.\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia kept her arm linked with Reagan's. Reagan gave Riley a gentle smile, as if they were complete strangers.\r\n\t\r\n\"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're trying to see the professor?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You don't actually think he remembers you after all this time, do you?\"\r\n\t\r\nKnowing Sophia wasn't going to make this easy, Riley turned to leave.\r\n\t\r\nBut Sophia's voice stopped her from behind. \"Riley, if you really want to get inside, do me a favor and pick someone up from the airport.\"\r\n\t\r\nShe handed Riley a file folder. \"This is one of our institute's investors. He just got back from Britainland.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"You pick him up, show him a good time, and if you can secure his investment, I'll get you a meeting with the professor.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley glanced at the folder, knowing this was almost certainly a setup. Sophia wasn't that kind.\r\n\t\r\nBut right now, it was her fastest way to see Mr. Mason. She had to take the chance.\r\n\t\r\n\"You have a deal.\"\r\n\t\r\nRiley took the folder and left without another word.\r\n\t\r\nSophia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.\r\n\t\r\nThe founder of Summit Ventures was notoriously difficult. She'd been stressing about how to handle the task Mr. Mason gave her, and now a perfect sucker had just walked right into her trap.\r\n\t\r\nReagan said softly, \"Sophia, won't the professor be mad if you bring her to see him without his permission?\"\r\n\t\r\nSophia scoffed. \"Like he'd ever agree to see her.\"\r\n\t\r\n\"She's the one who abandoned us. Does she think the institute is her family home? That she can just come and go as she pleases?\"\r\n\t\r\nThe two of them walked into the institute side by side, not noticing the two figures standing by a window in a third-floor office.\r\n\t\r\n\"Mr. Mason, isn't that Riley?\"\r\n\t\r\nHis assistant, Ethan Brooks, who was standing behind him, spoke up.\r\n\t\r\nThe thin, wizened old man didn't say a word, his expression unreadable.\r\n\t\r\nEthan continued, \"If she could come back for Project Seagull, maybe we could...\"\r\n\t\r\nProject Seagull was an intelligent command and decision-making project Sage Cloud was working on, but they'd hit a wall with the algorithm, and progress had stalled.\r\n\t\r\n\"Maybe we could what?\"\r\n\t\r\nMr. Mason pulled his gaze from the window, cutting Ethan off, his voice rising.\r\n\t\r\n\"Even if she came back and solved our problem, what happens to the project next time she decides to run off, get married, and have kids?\"\r\n\t\r\n\"If you have time to meddle in this nonsense, you should be doing more research.\"\r\n\t\r\nWith that, Mr. Mason turned and walked out of the office.\r\n\t\r\nLeft standing there, Ethan scratched his head. He glanced at the thermos in Mr. Mason's hand and pursed his lips.\r\n\t\r\nHe talked a big game about how much he despised Riley, but the old man had been using the thermos she gave him for seven years straight. He wouldn't even replace it, chipped paint and all.\r\n\t\r\nMan, the old guy's moods were getting harder and harder to predict."},{"chapter_key":"hFMh98SUpw","title":"Chapter 3","serial_number":3,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/3/en_82571bd4-4ed3-4958-89bf-a9dcf026fb5f.txt","word_count":1263,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"In the car, Riley Neal flipped through the files in the folder.\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Sophia Bailey was sending her to pick up the founder of Summit Ventures, the firm that was currently all the rage.\r\n\r\nThe folder contained only basic information—no personal details, no photo.\r\n\r\nThere was barely anything about the founder online, either.\r\n\r\nAll anyone knew was that he had gone abroad at a young age, raked in a ton of profit riding the wave of foreign investment, and was now planning to move his operations back to the States.\r\n\r\nRiley found a print shop on the side of the road and put in a rush order for a pickup sign.\r\n\r\nThanks to the delay, the flight was already deplaning by the time she got to the airport.\r\n\r\nShe hurried to the arrivals gate, and before she could even raise her sign, she heard a woman exclaim, \"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nRiley turned, her eyes widening with delight when she saw who it was. \"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nEliana Wright, her cousin—the daughter of Riley's uncle.\r\n\r\nRiley had grown up at her uncle's house and was incredibly close to Eliana.\r\n\r\nEliana threw her arms around her. \"Did you know I was coming back today? You came all this way just for me?\"\r\n\r\nNormally, Riley would have been happy to joke around with her cousin.\r\n\r\nBut she had work to do. After a brief explanation, she was about to leave to find the founder of Summit Ventures.\r\n\r\nBut Eliana just laughed, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the exit without another word. \"The guy you're talking about? I happen to know him.\"\r\n\r\n\"Don't worry about it. I'll take you to him.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was stunned. She couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nAs if sensing her confusion, Eliana shot her a sly grin. \"Not only do I know him, you do too.\"\r\n\r\nRiley was baffled, assuming she was kidding. \"I know him? How could I?\"\r\n\r\nShe couldn't believe Eliana had managed to connect with such a major player during her years abroad.\r\n\r\nThey walked over to the baggage claim, where a man in a white graphic tee stood not far away, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on a suitcase.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden!\"\r\n\r\nEliana let go of Riley and rushed toward him.\r\n\r\nThe man caught her out of habit and gently flicked her on the nose. \"What's got you so happy?\"\r\n\r\nThe moment she heard the name \"Jayden,\" the color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nAnd when she saw Eliana throw herself into his arms, Riley's feet felt glued to the floor. She couldn't find the courage to take another step forward.\r\n\r\nJayden Kennedy. Her childhood sweetheart. Her first love. They had promised to spend the rest of their lives together.\r\n\r\nBut things change. People change. She had been forced to marry Liam Wells, betraying their vow.\r\n\r\nEliana was holding Jayden's hand. Anyone could see what their relationship was now.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, this is the founder of Summit Ventures.\"\r\n\r\n\"Isn't he the one you were looking for?\"\r\n\r\nAt that, Jayden looked up.\r\n\r\nThe instant he saw Riley, the smile in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, distant look.\r\n\r\nRiley forced a smile and stepped forward. \"Jayden... it's been a long time.\"\r\n\r\n\"Long time no see,\" Jayden said, his expression flat.\r\n\r\nNow that the pickup was handled, Eliana dumped all the luggage on Jayden and pulled Riley to walk ahead with her.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, don't mind him. He's just like that—kinda cold to people he doesn't know.\"\r\n\r\n\"You'll get used to it once you're around him more.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, by the way, we're getting married.\"\r\n\r\n\"We're back for good this time. We're gonna build our careers here in the States from now on.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at Eliana.\r\n\r\nThey had grown up together, inseparable, telling each other everything. There were no secrets between them.\r\n\r\nHer aunt and uncle might not have known about her and Jayden, but Eliana knew everything.\r\n\r\nShe knew how they had met and fallen in love, how passionate they had been, and how it had all ended in such a humiliating disaster.\r\n\r\nAnd yet, Eliana had ended up with Jayden, choosing to hide it from her all this time.\r\n\r\nRiley lowered her gaze. It wasn't that she begrudged Jayden finding his own happiness, and she sincerely wished Eliana all the best.\r\n\r\nBut in Eliana's eyes, what did that make me?\r\n\r\nRiley managed a weak smile. \"That's great. Your parents must be so happy you're moving back.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, in that case, you have to come back with us, Riley. We can all have a family dinner together.\"\r\n\r\nWith that, Eliana grabbed her hand, giving Riley no chance to refuse as she practically shoved her into the car.\r\n\r\nThe car drove all the way to her uncle's neighborhood and pulled to a stop.\r\n\r\nRiley opened her door and suddenly heard Eliana let out a short, sharp cry. \"Ah—\"\r\n\r\n\"Woof—!\"\r\n\r\nA low bark rattled the car windows as a Pitbull, half as tall as a person, burst from the thick bushes along the greenbelt. Saliva dripped from its bared fangs as it stared down the group who had just gotten out of the car.\r\n\r\nRiley instinctively stumbled back, her lower back slamming into the car door frame. She sucked in a sharp breath from the pain.\r\n\r\n\"Eliana!\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was even more frantic than the dog's bark. He yanked Eliana behind him, squaring up in a defensive stance.\r\n\r\nThe Pitbull, seemingly provoked by his movement, shifted its gaze between them before lunging at Riley, who looked like the weaker target.\r\n\r\nRiley's pupils shrank. A cold sweat instantly soaked through her shirt, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed by an icy hand.\r\n\r\n\"General! Get back here!\"\r\n\r\nA man in a tracksuit came stumbling over from the outdoor gym equipment, yanking hard on the leash.\r\n\r\nThe big dog let out a frustrated whimper and was dragged back a few steps, but it kept its eyes locked on Riley, still snarling. Its tail swiped against the low holly bushes, knocking a few leaves to the ground.\r\n\r\n\"Get your dog under control.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's voice was low, seething with anger.\r\n\r\n\"Jayden, don't. You're scaring me.\"\r\n\r\nEliana's pale hand rested on his arm, her voice a soft murmur. \"I'm okay, don't be angry.\"\r\n\r\nJayden wrapped his arm around her. \"Don't be scared,\" he soothed. \"I'm here.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's fingers, hanging at her side, curled into a fist, her nails digging into her palm.\r\n\r\nShe stared at a community notice tacked to a nearby bulletin board. The paper rustled loudly in the wind, drowning out the dog owner's apologies.\r\n\r\nWatching Jayden walk away, shielding Eliana without a single glance back, Riley sighed.\r\n\r\nThe feelings of their youth had finally warped with the passage of time.\r\n\r\nThere was no going back for them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, on the other side of the city, in Mr. Mason's office.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason picked up a chipped thermos, opened it, but didn't take a drink. Instead, he slammed it back down on the desk.\r\n\r\nThe way Sophia Bailey had put Riley in an impossible situation that morning was still fresh in his mind. The head of Summit Ventures wasn't someone you could just summon. Not even he could guarantee a meeting if he went himself.\r\n\r\nHe thought of the slender figure he'd seen upstairs that morning... she seemed even thinner than she was seven years ago.\r\n\r\nGood. Serves her right!\r\n\r\nOwen thought, grabbing his phone. His fingers moved with practiced ease, dialing a number he hadn't called in a very long time."},{"chapter_key":"1MfBNcYsst","title":"Chapter 4","serial_number":4,"start_chapter":0,"content_path":"https://video-v6.mydramawave.com/novel/25927/4/en_30d3a73d-e61d-453a-8a75-e4226f9c55b5.txt","word_count":1761,"unlock":false,"has_set_free_remind":false,"is_free":false,"text":"Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.\r\n\r\nRiley answered, but the other end was silent. After a long pause, a dismissive scoff came through.\r\n\r\nRiley's heart skipped a beat. \"M-Mr. Mason?\" she asked tentatively.\r\n\r\nOwen Mason didn't respond right away. When he finally did, he spoke quickly, his words mumbled. \"Even if you don't get the investment from Apex Capital, I can still give you another chance to come back.\"\r\n\r\nHe spoke so fast that Riley didn't catch everything. She thought he was just pushing her to secure the Apex Capital deal.\r\n\r\nEven though Riley knew it would be tough, the fact that Mr. Mason had called her himself was enough to make her heart race.\r\n\r\nShe glanced at the two people walking a short distance ahead, her gaze determined. \"Mr. Mason, don't worry. I'll do whatever it takes to get that investment from Apex Capital!\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds. Then, for reasons unknown, he let out another cold scoff. \"Do what you want,\" he snapped, then abruptly hung up.\r\n\r\nRiley hung up. Just as she was about to enter the apartment building, she heard a series of loud bangs.\r\n\r\nFireworks suddenly bloomed in the night sky.\r\n\r\nLike a million crushed diamonds flung against a deep blue canvas, streams of gold and red exploded, trailing long tails that shattered the silence.\r\n\r\n\"So beautiful!\" someone nearby exclaimed.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder which rich guy is proposing to his girlfriend.\"\r\n\r\n\"Probably that guy from the Wells family.\"\r\n\r\n\"I heard the woman he's in love with is that older daughter from the Neal family—the one who made some breakthrough in AI and was all over the national news.\"\r\n\r\n\"This must be a celebration for her!\"\r\n\r\nRiley looked up at the sky as the fireworks burst one after another.\r\n\r\n\"Riley!\"\r\n\r\nHearing Eliana's call, Riley looked ahead.\r\n\r\nEliana and Jayden were standing side-by-side not far away, along with her aunt, Sarah Reed, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.\r\n\r\n\"Aunt Sarah.\"\r\n\r\nRiley walked over to them quickly and greeted her aunt.\r\n\r\n\"What took you so long? Are you mad that Jayden didn't stick up for you earlier?\" Eliana asked, looking at her.\r\n\r\nRiley shook her head. \"Of course not.\"\r\n\r\nSarah's eyes darted between the three of them. \"Once you two are married, you'll be family. Why would Riley be mad at her brother-in-law?\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced at the silent Jayden and forced a smile. \"That's right, Eliana. He should be looking out for you. Why would I be mad?\"\r\n\r\nAt her pointed use of the title, Jayden's hand, which was holding the suitcase handle, trembled almost imperceptibly.\r\n\r\nAnother round of fireworks exploded overhead.\r\n\r\n\"I wonder what big shot is behind this. So extravagant. A whole second round right after the first.\"\r\n\r\n\"A night like this has to cost millions of dollars, right?\"\r\n\r\nEliana looked up at the sky. \"Well, at least we get a free show.\"\r\n\r\nSarah had a strange look on her face. \"Riley, I didn't know you guys were coming back, so I'm not prepared at all. Why don't you come with me to the grocery store to pick up a few things?\"\r\n\r\nRiley guessed her aunt wanted to talk to her alone and nodded. \"Okay.\"\r\n\r\nSarah handed what she was holding to Eliana, told her and Jayden to go on upstairs, and then pulled Riley toward the complex gate.\r\n\r\n\"Riley, did you and Liam get into a fight?\"\r\n\r\nThe fireworks tonight were obviously Liam's doing. But with Riley standing right here, you didn't have to be a genius to know who they were really for.\r\n\r\nShe chose her words carefully.\r\n\r\n\"This business with him and Reagan Neal... everyone in our circle is talking about it. It's really gone too far.\"\r\n\r\n\"If you ask me, you should raise hell. And if that doesn't work, have a baby to tie him down.\"\r\n\r\n\"For a powerful family like the Wells, having more kids is never a bad thing.\"\r\n\r\nRiley's hand drifted to her stomach. There had been a child there not long ago. Too bad it wasn't hers.\r\n\r\nSarah continued, \"A man like Liam Wells is a real catch. You have to hold on tight.\"\r\n\r\n\"Our family wouldn't be where it is today without the Wells family's support all these years.\"\r\n\r\n\"Besides, Eliana is back in the country to build her career now. She's going to need you and Liam to help her out.\"\r\n\r\nRiley glanced sideways at Sarah.\r\n\r\nShe had checked with the hospital; the forensic results for the surrogacy evidence would be ready in three days.\r\n\r\nThe moment the results came in, she would give them to her lawyer, just in case.\r\n\r\nBut before that, she'd already had her lawyer prepare the divorce papers.\r\n\r\nShe still wanted to try and settle things amicably with Liam. After all, her family's businesses depended on his company to survive.\r\n\r\nAs long as she could get the asset distribution she wanted and they could divorce peacefully, she had no desire to burn everything to the ground.\r\n\r\nBut if Liam refused to cooperate, she would immediately file a lawsuit for divorce using the surrogacy evidence.\r\n\r\nNo matter what, she was going to divorce him, and she was going to get a fair settlement.\r\n\r\nOnce she'd sorted that out in her mind, Riley had nothing left to worry about.\r\n\r\n\"Yeah, Aunt Sarah, don't worry. What's going on between me and Liam won't affect the family's companies. I'll handle it.\"\r\n\r\n\"Well, as long as you have a plan.\"\r\n\r\nThe two of them walked to the market, bought their groceries, and headed back into the complex. Sarah suddenly grabbed Riley's hand.\r\n\r\n\"Oh, right, Riley. About how you married Liam all those years ago to get investment for the family... can you not mention that in front of Eliana and Jayden?\"\r\n\r\nSeeing Riley's confusion, she added, \"It hasn't been easy for Jayden and Eliana starting their business abroad all these years. I don't want to worry them.\"\r\n\r\nRiley understood. \"Aunt Sarah, it's all in the past. My cousin and her fiancé are about to get married. I won't bring it up and cause trouble.\"\r\n\r\n\"Oh, you're a good kid.\" Sarah patted Riley's shoulder. \"You've been through a lot.\"\r\n\r\nThey went upstairs and put the groceries in the kitchen. Sarah told Eliana to come help her and sent Riley to rest in the living room.\r\n\r\nBack in the living room, Riley saw Jayden sitting on the sofa. Thinking of Owen Mason's phone call, she stopped herself from heading to her bedroom.\r\n\r\nShe sat down awkwardly on the other end of the sofa. \"Jayden, will you invest in the Sage Cloud project?\"\r\n\r\nJayden's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. \"You really want to make this deal between Sage Cloud and Apex Capital happen?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\" Riley nodded, pressing him. \"Will you invest?\"\r\n\r\n\"I was going to,\" Jayden said, his voice light and dismissive. \"But now...\" His tone shifted as he lit a cigarette. \"I might have to reconsider.\"\r\n\r\n\"The head of your research institute must not be very bright, hiring someone like you.\"\r\n\r\n\"Then what will it take for you to agree to work with the institute?\" Riley looked at Jayden, her eyes searching.\r\n\r\nA nasty smile suddenly spread across Jayden's face. He pointed to the mangoes on the coffee table. \"Eat one of those, and I'll consider it.\"\r\n\r\nThe color drained from Riley's face.\r\n\r\nHe knew she was allergic to mangoes. She'd been allergic since she was a kid.\r\n\r\n\"You can't even do that?\" Jayden raised an eyebrow. \"Sure, Sage Cloud is a leader in the industry. It's not like I'd lose money working with them.\"\r\n\r\n\"But business is business. A deal isn't something you can get just by sweet-talking me. If you can't do it, you'll have to come up with another offer...\"\r\n\r\n\"Fine. I hope you keep your word.\"\r\n\r\nRiley knew she had nothing else to bargain with right now. Before he could change his mind, she grabbed a mango, cut it open with a fruit knife, and put a piece in her mouth.\r\n\r\nSoon, her face began to turn red and itchy. Riley fought back the discomfort and finished the mango.\r\n\r\n\"Is that enough?\"\r\n\r\n\"Yeah.\"\r\n\r\nJayden's expression had turned grim. He stood up. \"If you're having a reaction, go to the hospital. Don't be an eyesore here.\"\r\n\r\nAs if granted a pardon, Riley quickly left and rushed to the hospital.\r\n\r\nWhile she was getting an IV, her phone rang.\r\n\r\n\"Apex Capital agreed to the investment.\"\r\n\r\nOwen Mason was silent for a few seconds, then sighed. \"Come see me at the institute the day after tomorrow.\"\r\n\r\n\"Okay, Mr. Mason.\"\r\n\r\nRiley watched the fluid drip, drop by drop, from the IV bag, her eyes growing moist.\r\n\r\nHer allergic reaction was severe, so Riley spent the night at the hospital. When she got home and opened the door, a stale smell hit her.\r\n\r\nLiam hadn't come home last night.\r\n\r\nShe went into the study, printed the divorce agreement her lawyer had sent over, signed it, put it in a file folder, and headed to Wells Tower.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist had never seen Riley before and didn't know who she was, so she stopped her.\r\n\r\n\"Ma'am, you need an appointment to see Mr. Wells.\"\r\n\r\nRiley held out the folder. \"I'm not here to see him. Just give this to him, please.\"\r\n\r\nOnce Liam saw the divorce papers inside, he would definitely contact her.\r\n\r\nThe receptionist took a step back, not taking the folder. \"I'm sorry, I can't pass this along for you. It's against policy.\"\r\n\r\nAs they were arguing, the building's glass doors slid open.\r\n\r\nRiley turned to see Liam walk in with Reagan Neal.\r\n\r\nLiam's assistant, Steve Weaver, who was walking in behind him, paled when he saw Riley.\r\n\r\nHe glanced cautiously at Liam, realized he hadn't seemed to notice Riley, and quickly pulled her by the arm into a corner.\r\n\r\n\"Mrs. W— Ms. Neal.\"\r\n\r\nSteve looked troubled. Mr. Wells didn't like people knowing about his relationship with Riley, and he'd forbidden her from coming to the company.\r\n\r\n\"You shouldn't be here.\"\r\n\r\n\"Give this to him and tell him to contact me.\" Riley handed him the folder and turned to leave.\r\n\r\nSteve looked at the folder, not daring to open it himself. He went upstairs and knocked on Liam's office door.\r\n\r\n\"Come in.\"\r\n\r\nLiam was busy with paperwork. \"What did she want?\"\r\n\r\n\"Your wife wants you to contact her.\"\r\n\r\nSteve placed the folder on the desk.\r\n\r\nA small smirk touched Liam's lips. It seemed Riley was getting desperate because he'd been spending time with Reagan lately.\r\n\r\n\"Just leave it there. Don't worry about her.\""}]}} 200003
Seven years of sacrifice. A husband who used her. A son who despised her. A childhood sweetheart who mocked her. When she finally left, they thought she’d crawl back. But she didn't. Now they’re all on their knees, begging for her forgiveness.
But she only smiles, holding another man’s hand and a little girl’s palm.
“Sorry… my future no longer includes you.”