Chapter 1

On the outskirts of Bellington, Nolan Greene carried his bags and gradually exited Saturnine Penitentiary. A Bentley awaited him at the entrance.

A woman with an intellectual allure in her 20s, dressed professionally and wearing black-rimmed glasses, saw Nolan and approached him. "Long time no see, Mr. Greene. Please hop into the car."

Nolan smiled at the beautiful woman, remarking, "It's been three years, and you look great, Jeanne. Where's Meg? Didn't she come with you?"

Jeanne Fisher adjusted her glasses and flashed him a faint smile. "Ms. Turner has an important meeting today, so I'm here in her stead. It's about time we head to the hotel. Please, hop on."

Faced with her aloof attitude, Nolan said no more and simply nodded. "Can I at least call her?"

It was as simple a request as a husband calling his wife, yet Jeanne shook her head and refused. "Sorry, Mr. Greene. Ms. Turner is in a meeting now and doesn't wish to be disturbed. Please, get into the car."

He glanced at her and walked to the front of the car, chuckling. "She even has a Bentley now. It looks like Meg has been doing great without me in the past three years."

Then, he opened the car door and entered.

The vehicle started, and the two remained silent on their journey.

At last, they arrived at Regal Crown Hotel in Bellington. Then, Leanne brought Nolan to a luxury suite. To his surprise, the room wasn't empty. Instead, inside were two men and a woman, all dressed in professional attire, awaiting his arrival.

"Mr. Greene, we've prepared new clothes for you. You may take a shower and change your clothes before we proceed with the meeting."

Nolan felt a sense of foreboding at the setup. Still, he simply smiled in response and went into the bedroom to wash up.

30 minutes later, he came out of the room, mesmerizing everyone in the suite. They had to acknowledge Nolan's good looks, especially with his roguish charm and six-foot-one-inch tall muscular figure. It was hard to take their eyes off him.

Nolan grabbed a bottle of water and sat on the couch. Looking at Jeanne and the others, he calmly uttered, "Go on. Say it."

Jeanne nodded and presented him with an agreement, explaining, "Mr. Greene, this is the divorce agreement between you and Ms. Turner. In the agreement, it is stipulated that you will receive full ownership of the house where you and Ms. Turner previously resided.

"Additionally, Ms. Turner will gift you two commercial shop lots in the city center and provide you with a one-time cash payment of five million dollars.

"With these assets, Mr. Greene, you will be guaranteed a smooth sailing life ahead. Please sign here. Of course, if you have any other concerns, feel free to voice them. These three individuals you see here are lawyers from our company, and they will relay any concerns you may have."

What a tempting offer!

Nolan picked up the divorce agreement from the table and smiled, asking, "So, my only option here is divorce?"

Jeanne adjusted her glasses and nodded, saying, "You can say that. You're an ex-convict, who will tarnish Ms. Turner's reputation. Besides, it's been three years, and the feelings have faded. So, I advise you to sign the agreement."

Tarnished her reputation?

Nolan cracked a sarcastic smile. "I served time because of Megan, and she knows that well. Is that how she repays me now? With a divorce agreement?"

An emotionless Jeanne pointed at the papers and continued, "Although you've served three years of jail time, you're also receiving two shop lots worth five million dollars and another five million in cash. That's a total of ten million dollars in assets. That should be more than enough for you.

"Anyone would jump at the chance to have millions in exchange for three years of freedom. There's no point in you dragging this out. It's better if you two part ways amicably. Ms. Turner might still assist you if you experience any struggles in the future.

"It doesn't benefit either of you if this becomes a conflict. Don't you agree?"

What eloquence and calculation! According to her, spending three years in prison for a fortune worth millions of dollars was a bargain!

Nolan tossed the agreement back to the table and flatly stated, "I'll sign, but not until Megan sees me. You're in no position to comment on our relationship. And what's the big deal about these lawyers? Are ten million dollars considered a lot?

"Tell her to see me, and I'll sign the papers without taking a buck. That's all. Now, call her."

With that, he returned to the bedroom.

About ten minutes later, Jeanne knocked on the door. "Mr. Greene, Ms. Turner is here."

As expected, Nolan saw Megan Turner when he stepped out the door. She donned a long, black dress with jewelry that complemented her beauty. Yet, her face only displayed aloofness and indifference. She was no longer the woman he once knew.

"I'm here. Will you sign it now?" She was brief and apathetic, without a single extra word or a greeting.

Nolan arrived before her and sat down. He let out a chuckle as he looked at her. "So, our marriage is coming to an end because of my criminal record and mediocrity, huh? I'm no longer deserving of you—is that it?"

Megan nodded at his words, saying, "You can take it that way. We're not who we used to be anymore. So, let's just part on good terms. I'm sorry I wronged you, Nolan."

Nolan grabbed the agreement and sighed, replying, "Indeed, you've wronged me. Do you honestly believe money can compensate for my three years in prison? Is that how much my love is worth to you?

"You're Megan Turner, CEO of your own company, Megan Corporation, and a billionaire! You're the untouchable woman now, aren't you? Is that why I no longer deserve you?"

Megan sighed and slowly rose to her feet. "Nolan, if you're only asking me here to taunt me, I suggest you forget it. You can choose not to sign the agreement, but regardless, the divorce will carry on. I'll have my lawyer handle it. Let's not meet again in the future."

She prepared to leave after saying that.

At that instance, Nolan grabbed the pen and quickly signed the papers before tossing them at Jeanne. "Here. I signed it. I don't need any of your assets. Like you said, we're strangers from now on!"

For some reason, Megan felt her body trembling slightly upon hearing his words. Despite that, she didn't turn around and simply left the suite.

Sitting alone on the couch, Nolan gazed at the drifting clouds outside the window. At that moment, only grief and bitterness were apparent on his face.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

He saw the unfamiliar number and frowned, knowing only a few knew this particular number. He wondered who the caller was and subsequently answered the call.

Before he could say anything, he heard a frantic voice over the phone. "Hello, is this Dr. Greene, the miracle doctor?"

Chapter 2

Miracle doctor?

Nolan knitted his brows, answering, "No. You've got the wrong number. I'm not some miracle doctor." Then, he ended the call.

In the meantime, the wealthiest man in Bellington, CEO of Baxton Group, Archie Baxter, was at his home. The middle-aged man, who usually conducted himself with great authority and pride, was staring anxiously at his phone.

"Wrong number? Lincoln, are you sure this is the right number?"

Lincoln Riley looked respectfully at Archie and said, "I'm confident, Mr. Baxter. This is the number I acquired at great personal cost while leveraging your favor with Sir Carter to obtain it. So, it has to be correct.

"Also, Sir Carter mentioned that Mr. Greene never labeled himself as the miracle doctor. It was the public's title for him. It's also important to note that Mr. Greene isn't easily accessible. Why don't we try again, Mr. Baxter?"

Archie nodded at his words. "I know people with special talents often have a bad temper. But my father can't wait that long. If Mr. Greene can treat him, he'll become the savior of the Baxter family. I'd even provide him with whatever he asks of."

Then, he redialed the number. This time, he quickly piped up as soon as the call connected, for fear of Nolan ending the call.

"Dr. Greene, please save my father. I'll promise you with whatever conditions you have. I understand you keep a low profile, but you know Sir Carter, don't you? It was he who gave me your number. Please. Help me out."

Sitting in his hotel room, Nolan raised his brows at the mention of Amos Carter. He sighed, then said, "Since Sir Carter has given you my number, it can only mean that you either paid a great price or shared a close relationship with him.

"However, I can assure you Sir Carter had done you a favor because he knows well that he's put himself in my debt again by giving out my number. I can help you, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to save the patient. I must be clear on that."

Having received Nolan's promise, Archie was shaking out of joy. "Yes, whatever you say, Mr. Greene. Would you be able to come now? How about I send you a driver?"

Nolan replied, "I'll be busy for the next few days. Send me the address, and I'll be at your doorstep in three days."

Then, he ended the call.

"At last, I'm out of the slammer. What was bound to come will eventually arrive." Nolan lowered his head and gazed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. From above, the pedestrians resembled tiny ants.

He faintly uttered, "Am I truly that undeserving of you, Megan? I took the fall out of love for you and spent three years behind bars. I even befriended many big shots in there and asked them to covertly assist you in building your empire.

"Three years later, you're this beautiful CEO everybody envies, while I… am just a small fry to you. But Megan, I'm far from an insignificant ant that you think I am."

At that point, he looked up to the sky and continued, "If I wanted to, I could be the majestic dragon soaring through the sky, collecting countless gazes in awe. Or I could be a deity seated among the clouds, gazing down on people as if they were mere ants.

"You could've stood with me at the pinnacle of the world, basking in the worship of millions, yet chose to discard me like an old toy. Megan, will you shed a tear when you realize everything you have is given by me and that you'll never catch up to me no matter how hard you work?

"I don't know if you would. That's why I'll look forward to the day when that happens! I wonder how you would feel."

…

At the same time, Megan and Jeanne had left the hotel. In the car, Megan broke the silence and looked at Jeanne, asking, "Jeanne, do you think I've made a mistake?"

Jeanne shook her head and confidently said, "No, Ms. Turner. You made the right choice. That's the only and best option for you two, anyway. Nolan was unremarkable, to begin with, and he had to become an ex-convict.

"I know he's your scapegoat, but you've already given him the appropriate compensation. The only thing to be blamed was his mediocrity. He's a living hurdle to your life. Now, let's stop thinking about him. He doesn't deserve your attention. After all, he's your ex-husband now."

At her words, Megan sighed faintly and nodded in agreement. "Nolan and I are indeed from different worlds. His existence will only hold me back or even ruin my reputation."

She continued, "All these years, my journey has been smooth sailing, thanks to my many support and backing. If they find out I have an ex-con-husband, I'm sure it'll change things. Plus, there are also plenty of other reasons that led me to this decision, my only option.

"You're right, though. I've compensated him with what I have and don't owe him anything. If it's anything, it's his insignificance and criminal record to be blamed."

By then, it seemed like Megan had convinced herself that she had made the right decision and no longer felt bad. If Nolan heard their conversation, he would probably either laugh or weep.

How did he become the problem by being mediocre and an ex-convict when she was the only reason he had served time? What gave her the confidence to be obnoxiously arrogant when he was the one who used his connections to help and protect her? What a big, fat joke!

At that moment, Megan's little brother, Chase Turner, called. "Meg, have you divorced that ex-con? Is he bugging to get more money? Don't worry, Meg. I can protect you now. Nolan, that dumbass, will get a taste of my medicine soon."

Hearing that, Megan frowned and warned, "Hey, Chase. You'd better not do anything silly. Nolan has already signed the agreement. I know you're engaging in the underworld with Mr. Riley from the Baxters, but remember—stay out of trouble. You hear me?"

Chase was initially delighted when he heard Nolan had signed the papers but turned somewhat upset. "Wait a minute. Did you give him a hefty compensation? A million dollars? Tens of millions of dollars? I'm telling you. I'll never allow that!"

He continued, "I didn't even get millions of dollars from you yet. That money belongs to our family. I'd never allow that idiot to get a single buck! Anyway, you can't convince me. I swear I'll make him return all the money!" He then promptly ended the call.

Heaving a helpless sigh, Megan turned to Jeanne and instructed, "Go look for Chase. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

Chase had always been the most beloved and spoiled member of the family. Even when he was about to harass Nolan, Megan simply reacted by telling Jeanne to watch over him, almost like her brother's happiness weighed more than Nolan's safety.

Chapter 3

By then, Nolan had left the hotel and returned to the home he and Megan shared. Although only about 1,000 square feet, with three bedrooms, the place was extremely cozy and held many great memories.

Yet, things were no longer the same.

The visible layers of dust on all the furniture indicated Megan's long-time absence. Of course, why would a successful and wealthy CEO live in such a tiny nook? More importantly, she had shared this space with a convict in the past.

Contrasting to her detachment, Nolan was particularly fond of the place. He took a wipe cloth and started cleaning the house. That was his home. No matter how dirty, old, or small, it remained his safe place.

However, those once beautiful memories now became a stabbing reminder of how bitter his reality was.

Unbeknownst to him, the brother-in-law he used to be fond of had now transformed into a different person. Not only that, but he was also on his way to confront him.

Emerald Estates was a luxury residential area in Bellington, with each property valued at over ten million dollars. Chase and his parents had been living there since a year ago because Megan bought the place as a gift to her parents.

"Mom, Meg has divorced Nolan, that piece of trash. But I think she gave him hefty compensation. I'm sure it's at least ten million dollars," complained Chase, who was sitting on the couch, to a lavishly dressed middle-aged woman in gold and silver accessories.

His mother, Olivia Knight, widened her eyes in disbelief, screaming, "What? Ten million dollars of compensation? Is she nuts? Why is a criminal taking so much money from our family?

"I would've given him a few thousand dollars at most. Any amount more than that is overkill! No—I have to call Megan and talk to her."

Olivia's harsh and rude personality was something Nolan acknowledged but rarely experienced, and the reason was simple.

Back then, the Turners could be considered an impoverished family, so much to the point that they couldn't even afford meat for a few months straight. Some would think that was a ridiculous rumor, but that was the harsh truth.

It was only after they encountered Nolan that their lives changed. One could even say that he was the one who brought them out of poverty and gave them dignity.

As such, Olivia had a history of toadying him, a stark contrast to her current attitude. Yet again, three years had passed, and everything had changed. Who knew how Nolan would feel when he saw her look of revolt?

Chase looked at Olivia and stopped her. "Don't call her, Mom. Just leave this matter to me. That loser is as easy to handle as a child. Trust me. He won't dare to take a single buck from Meg."

Olivia nodded in satisfaction. "You do that, son. You should scare him out of his wits! That henpecked bastard is such a loser that he won't even fight back if you hit him. Quick! Bring a few men and scare him off now!"

Having received a green light from Olivia, Chase perked up cockily and said, "Consider it done. I'm now a somewhat prominent figure in Bellington, after all.

"Alright! That's it. I'm heading out. Just stay home and wait for my good news."

With that, he set out and arrived at the MPV parked outside. About five people awaited him there. "Mr. Turner, are we heading to finish up your brother-in-law now?"

Chase scoffed at his words. "Brother-in-law? As if! He's just a loser. Now, let's go and give that bastard a lesson! Once we finish him, drinks are all on me at Lumina Nightclub tonight!"

His words instantly sent a bunch of his lackeys into a stir. From the way they addressed Chase, it was evident they knew about his background. However, they were probably unaware that this young, wealthy man before them used to be a kid who couldn't even afford new clothes.

Within 20 minutes, they arrived at Nolan's apartment. "Just wait for my signal later. If I say hit him, you guys bash the heck out of him without worries, alright? I'll handle anything that happens."

Following that, Chase led the bunch upstairs and arrived at the doorstep. Without pressing the doorbell, he started slamming the door. "Open up, Nolan! I know you're in there. Don't even think about hiding. Open the door!"

Meanwhile, Nolan had just cleaned up the apartment and was about to rest when he heard bangs on the door. The voice sounded aggressive but familiar. Instantly, he knew it was his brother-in-law who used to call him "Noli".

He rose to his feet and pulled open the door, smiling. "Long time no see, Chase. You've grown taller and bigger. Must've been living nice, huh?"

Faced with his courteous words, Chase nonchalantly barged into the house and pushed Nolan aside. The other lackeys followed suit and entered the place. Instead of taking their seats, they stood behind Chase like his bodyguards.

"Stop with that shit, Nolan. You and Meg are divorced, and you're not my brother-in-law anymore."

Nolan observed his cocky demeanor and frowned slightly. "Right. We are separated. So, why are you here? Did you miss me? I remember you were different back then, Chase. Why did you turn out like this?"

His comment immediately triggered Chase into rage mode. "Shut the hell up, Nolan! Do you think I was still that weak and pitiful boy? I'm warning you. Don't even say you know me or tell anybody about my past. Otherwise, I'm slicing your tongue off!"

At that moment, Chase resembled a cat with its tail stepped on, acting incessantly hostile. It was as if his past was a shameful memory to him. Yet, that was simply the truth.

He had never mentioned his past and was always creating a persona of a wealthy man. Whatever happened in the past became a taboo too revolting to be brought up.

That applied to many other people who tended to forget their roots after becoming rich. The only difference in this case was that Chase was more extreme.

Watching the furious man before him, Nolan narrowed his eyes slightly and said coldly, "Slice my tongue? Is that how you talk to me, Chase?

"Wow! I was being nice to you. You didn't greet me and instead brought a bunch of people to my house to pick a fight? What are you after?

"Since we're cutting ties, like you said, why are you even still here? Get out of my place because I don't have time to entertain a stranger."

Chapter 4

Nolan was never one to pander to others, especially someone so brazenly disrespectful. The Turner family collectively thought he was a good-for-nothing and a doormat. However, they never knew the true side of Nolan Greene.

There were some things he hid from everyone. Otherwise, many would be intimidated by him.

Having been driven out, Chase became even more angered. He had been thriving in Bellington in recent years, and whether out of respect for Lincoln or Megan, people would always concede to him. Thus, how could he bear to experience such humiliation from a loser?

Immediately, he slammed the table and stood up. Pointing at Nolan's nose, he roared, "You're asking for death, Nolan! Do you think I wouldn't hit you? Did you knock your head too many times in prison?

"Things have changed, and you know that. But even if it hadn't, it still doesn't change the fact that you're a loser and a prick! Do you think I'd hit you? Shit, I won't even hesitate to kill you!"

Looking at the finger pointing at his nose, Nolan revealed a chilling smile. He seized the finger and snapped it, instantly causing Chase to scream in pain and contort his body. "Shit, it hurts! What the hell, Nolan? Get your hand off me!"

The few lackeys behind Chase saw the unfolding scene, and their faces dropped. They promptly pointed at Nolan, scolding, "Let go of Mr. Turner, or I'll break your leg!"

"Release him now and apologize! Otherwise, I'll make sure you won't leave the house."

At that moment, Chase shouted, "Get him! Finish him off!"

Soon after, the lackeys charged toward Nolan.

Nolan was fuming and exasperated, to begin with. As such, he saw an opportunity to release his frustration.

While still holding Chase's finger with his left hand, he delivered a powerful punch on one of the lackey's noses with his right hand, causing it to bleed profusely. The lackey crouched to the floor and struggled to stand up.

Nolan didn't waste a second. The next moment, he sent a forceful kick that sent another lackey crashing to the ground. As another one came charging at him, he swiftly dodged his attack and then, with rapid speed, took them all down with one punch each.

His movements were ferocious and impactful, with not a single one of them withstanding a blow from him.

Caught at a disadvantage, Chase was stunned and couldn't believe Nolan's combat skills.

Was this really the same Nolan who was under Megan's thumb? Or the Nolan in an apron doing all sorts of house chores while patiently serving everyone in the family?

The man standing before him at that moment resembled more like a vicious bandit.

Without giving Chase a chance to react, Nolan choked and lifted him, bellowing, "It seems all that's left between us is hatred!" Then, he struck Chase across the face. "This is for your act of depravity!"

Handprints were visible on Chase's face after the slap, and even his teeth felt loose. In truth, he was rather frightened by the aggression displayed by Nolan. Yet, when he thought of that, he felt inferior and humiliated to fear someone like Nolan.

Chase covered his face and gritted his teeth, intimidating Nolan. "Fine, Nolan. You feel brave hitting me, don't you? Listen up! I won't let you off the hook, and you're going to regret what you did today!"

However, Nolan simply returned a glare to his threat. He uttered coldly, "I left you for three years, and this is how you turned out. Fine. I'll give you a proper lesson today."

Immediately after that, Nolan yanked him even closer and raised his right hand before delivering another harsh slap to his face. "You didn't seem to learn the lesson earlier. Now, this is for your insolence!" A second slap landed on his cheek. "This is for your ingratitude!"

Following that, Nolan raised his right hand again, his gaze full of ruthlessness this time. "This third one is for being a big, fat disappointment. I painstakingly raised you on behalf of your family, yet you chose to be a delinquent."

After three tight slaps, Chase's already swollen face turned into a pulp at that point, making it hard to discern him. On top of that, three loose teeth fell out of his bloody mouth, putting him in an utterly pathetic shape.

It was then a frantic and wrathful voice sounded, "Stop it, Nolan! You… You bastard! How could you do that to Chase? You're insane!"

That person was none other than Jeanne, Megan's best friend and assistant. She was finally here, as per Megan's order to advise Chase from harassing Nolan. Yet, the scenario before her rendered her stunned.

She was filled with utter remorse at that moment. In reality, she had arrived outside the house long ago and wanted to let Chase give Nolan a lesson. After all, she wanted to remind Nolan that the Turners were no longer the same family he could connect with or offend.

Moreover, she didn't want him to get the ten million dollars in assets just like that. She wanted him to know his place. Yet, to her dismay, things turned out the opposite way.

Nolan looked at Jeanne and released his grip on Chase's neck, after which the latter plopped onto the floor like a puppet. Then, he uttered coldly, "You're here. What a coincidence! What do you guys want?"

After sending Nolan a harsh glare, Jeanne ran to Chase's side and held him up. "Chase, are you alright? Chase, wake up! Call the ambulance! Call them now!" she shouted at the similarly injured lackeys while glaring at them.

The lackeys did as told and phoned the ambulance.

Then, Jeanne shouted furiously at Nolan, "You're crazy, Nolan! You're insane! How dare you do this to Chase! You're so done, Nolan. You killed the last shred of goodwill between you and Megan. You'd better start thinking of an explanation for this."

An explanation?

Nolan burst into laughter. "Aren't you guys the ones owing me an explanation?

"The moment I got out of jail, you lawyered up and threatened me to sign the divorce agreement. That, I did, so why are you guys picking a fight here at my house? Do you think I deserve all the hell you gave me and that I should suffer it silently?"

He declared, "I'm telling you, Jeanne. I want an explanation today. I won't let this go if you guys can't give me that."

With that, he shoved Jeanne away and stepped on Chase's face, his voice harsh and cold. "Nobody is leaving until I get an explanation today!"

Chapter 5

At that point, Jeanne was stunned. She had never seen Nolan so fierce and vile. Was that what three years in prison did to him?

The situation had turned unbelievable. Not only did he get physical and hold them hostage, but he also humiliated Chase by stepping on his face.

"You crazy bastard! Let go of Chase now!" an anxious Jeanne screamed.

Nolan narrowed his eyes slightly at her and uttered coldly, "I don't usually hit women, but it doesn't mean I won't. I don't know how much you were involved in my divorce with Megan, but I'm sure you had a part in it.

"I don't have time to deal with you, so you'd better not provoke me. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to slap you."

His words sent Jeanne into fury. He threatened to hit her after already bashing Chase. How audacious! Did he have the guts to do it, though?

"Sure, Nolan. Come on. Hit me. Do it now! You selfish bastard! Using Chase as your punching bag, huh? Is that all you got? Sure! You let off your steam today, but what about tomorrow? I'm telling you—you're dead meat, Nolan!"

Faced with her taunts and arrogance, Nolan sniggered. "Oh, the Turners… The family that rose from the ashes and turned into a bunch of ungrateful, cocky brats while I was away for three years. What about them, though?

"What do they have to act so brazenly obnoxious and insufferable toward me? With their wealth? Power? Or with Megan's lack of gratitude and cold heart?

"I don't care what you guys have. You want to step on my toes? Consider the consequences first. Now, you're allowed to take him away, but not until Megan comes over to apologize. Otherwise, nobody is leaving!"

The title of the Turner family might threaten many people, but never Nolan. Excluding the fact that he was far from an ordinary person—even if he were, he wasn't subjected to their bullying and humiliation. They were a bunch of apathetic monsters!

However, to Jeanne, the so-called apathetic monster who had crossed the line and acted like a bully wasn't Chase but Nolan. In her opinion, she believed Nolan should accept his fate of succumbing to their humiliation without retaliation.

Yet, that was the opposite outcome. She couldn't believe Nolan had retaliated against them.

She took a deep breath and suddenly laughed at him. "Great! You're finally showing your true colors. You're still hung up on Megan at the end of the day. Is that why you're pulling all these tricks to gain her attention?

"You're not the same weakling you used to be. You want to be seen as capable because you can fight.

"I'm telling you. You're a joke! You look like an utter fool doing clown acts right now! After all your antics, do you genuinely think Megan would improve her impression of you? No! She's going to despise you once she comes and sees this mess.

"Don't you get it, Nolan? You don't deserve Megan. Get that into your head!"

Those words prickled his heart. They were the ungrateful and cold-hearted ones, yet they thought they were the righteous, big bullies, while everyone else should succumb to their power.

They were so shameless and lacking in self-consciousness that Nolan wanted to laugh. Was it necessary to become people who distorted the truth and blurred moral boundaries just because they were rich and powerful?

"Your words mean nothing, Jeanne. If what you said is what you believe, then so be it. Now, tell Megan to show up if she wishes to take her brother away."

Seeing how unfazed he was by her words, Jeanne became nervous and pointed at him, mocking, "You think I'm mocking you, but I'm actually saving you. Do you know who's under your foot now? Do you think he's still just Megan's little brother and the kid back then?

"No! He's a well-known figure in the underworld, backed by Mr. Riley, the big shot who can influence the entire underground community. Do you even know who he is? He's someone who can easily summon hundreds of underlings in the underworld if he wants to.

"To put it bluntly, if they were to kill a nobody like you and dump you in the river, it wouldn't even make a sound! Do you understand?

"If you still can't comprehend his power, let's just say that his backing is the greatest tycoon in Bellington, the city's wealthiest man, Archie Baxter. Now, are you aware who you're dealing with?"

All of those titles and imposing descriptions were merely to highlight Chase's current status in the city. At the same time, she was warning Nolan that he wouldn't be able to set foot in Bellington anymore because he had offended Chase.

Unbeknownst to her, Nolan's expression slightly shifted into surprise and amusement when he heard about Lincoln and Archie.

What would Jeanne do if she found out that the powerful Archie Baxter had called up Nolan earlier and humbly pleaded for his help? How would she react when she realized that even Amos, whom Archie regarded highly, had to act submissively toward Nolan, even going as far as owing him favors and a life?

"You talk too much. Is that your attempt to intimidate me?" Nolan waved his hand and added flatly, "You did it. I'm so scared. Can you tell Megan to come over and explain herself now? Another unnecessary word from you, and I'll hit you in the face. Try me."

After her relentless taunting, Jeanne was angered at that point. She didn't want to make that call because she was, after all, responsible for Chase's injuries. "You don't know what you're dealing with, Nolan."

However, she immediately regretted her words when she saw Nolan approaching her full of hostility. "Hey, what are you doing? Have you gone nuts? Do you even dare to hit me?"

Why wouldn't he?

Without hesitation, Nolan landed a harsh slap across Jeanne's delicate face. Instantaneously, her cheek flushed with a red handprint. Of course, she was in pain, but she was even more baffled that he had put his words into action!

"I've warned you not to say another word. Like I said, I don't see gender as soon as someone turns into my enemy. You'll get your rightful punishment, no matter if you're old, young, or a woman! Now, say another word, and I'll break your leg. Try me."

Chapter 6

Everyone in the room was petrified by Nolan. He was not only lethal but also ruthless to everyone, showing no concern for how they might seek revenge in the future. At that moment, everybody was frightened to their core.

Jeanne shielded her cheek and couldn't take it anymore. She immediately dialed Megan's number and retold the incident to her, including how Nolan bashed Chase and slapped her. As much as Megan was unconvinced by the story, she had no choice but to believe it.

After making sure Jeanne had made the call, Nolan sat on the couch and poured himself a glass of water. He calmly added, "Now, we wait."

Jeanne was tempted to mock him again but remembered the fresh, red handprint on her cheek. As such, she dared not speak against the now deranged and despaired Nolan. Whatever he did was an act of giving up on himself—at least that was what she believed.

In the meantime, Megan, sitting in her office, plunged into fury when she heard about the incident. She picked up the telephone on her desk and screamed, "Gather all the bodyguards and security downstairs and wait for me."

Then, she hung up the phone.

Looking at the divorce agreement on her desk, she growled, "I wanted to part ways amicably, giving you some dignity, but it seems you've become relentless. How dare you hit Chase and slap Jeanne? Is that the only thing you learned in prison for the last three years? Playing the tough guy?

"You're nothing, Nolan. It's time for a wake-up call!"

After venting, Megan left her office exasperatedly. At that moment, her bodyguards and the 20 security guards of the company awaited her downstairs. Once she arrived, the group immediately set off in a convoy toward Nolan's home.

Megan initially thought Jeanne was exaggerating her story. However, when she saw the handprint on her face and Chase, almost indiscernible, lying on the floor submissively, she lost her temper completely.

Her anger became uncontrollable when she saw Nolan casually enjoying his drink on the couch. "You bastard!"

She came up before him and swept the glass in his hand away, scolding, "I know you're pissed that I divorced you, but how could you beat Chase to a pulp? You're a cold-blooded bastard!"

Bastard?

The emotionless-looking Nolan felt a surge of sadness as he watched Megan condemning him. Was this fierce and menacing-looking woman still the same person he loved and unhesitantly went to prison for?

Three years were neither a long nor a short time, yet it drastically changed her. Was time the only altering factor? Or was it money and power that transformed her into a completely different person?

Nolan didn't know the answer to those questions. He simply knew Megan was no longer the same woman he loved.

He rose slowly and gazed toward the more than 20 security men behind her. He wasn't the least bit afraid, but her look of intense hostility was enough to sadden him.

"Are you aware of where we are now, Megan? I beat your brother because I was pissed? Anyone with a brain could tell that it was him who came to me looking for trouble. Was I supposed to surrender without a fight and let him trample over me?"

Everyone knew the truth. It was a fact that Chase showed up at Nolan's doorstep to pick a fight. But Megan didn't care about the truth. She was solely fixated on how severely injured Chase was. That was her precious little brother!

"Even if Chase was at fault, you're in no place to punish him! Who do you think you are? Do you honestly think you're a big deal? How dare you disrespect the kindness I showed you?"

Megan's rude words rendered Nolan gradually angry. What a poor, wretched ending he got himself into after sacrificing so much for Megan, Chase, and the Turners.

"Aren't you sad that you turned out like this, Megan? You distort the truth, ignore the right and wrong, and become utterly ungrateful. Where's the old you, Megan?"

Without waiting for Nolan to finish, Megan roared, "What's there to miss about the old Megan? Have you lost your wits in prison? People change, Nolan. The old Megan was poor, weak, and incapable. What other traits did she have other than being kind?

"That version of me will never return! If you want to reminisce about her, do it alone. I have nothing to do with you anymore. Don't even let me see you again. This is the last chance I'm giving you, Nolan.

"You said I'm ungrateful. Fine. I'll cut all ties with you today. Move out of this house and leave Bellington. I may be able to let you off the hook today, but my family, especially Chase, will not. Just leave now. Think of it as me paying back everything I owed you.

"Also, don't even think about receiving any of the assets in our divorce agreement. You don't deserve a place in my heart anymore, let alone a buck of my assets. It's my greatest grace for not killing you today. I'm done. Now, leave."

Nolan couldn't help but find her circling back to her money and assets ironic yet sad. From the start, he had never once asked for compensation from her. It was her conceited attitude blinding her the entire time.

Furthermore, he had clarified that he didn't want any assets from her. So, why wouldn't these people just believe him? How awful of a person was he in their eyes?

"Sure. I'll look forward to seeing how you'll deal with me. Since you're here, you can take your brother as promised. However, anybody who objects to me living here can come at me.

"I don't want to see you anymore, Megan. You disgust me. Now, leave. This is my house, not yours."

With that, Nolan pointed at the door and roared, "Get out of here!"

Chapter 7

Megan cracked a smile after glancing meaningfully at Nolan. "Maybe I should let you see the real world, after all."

Nolan didn't expect those words from her. He frowned, asking, "What does that mean?"

She shook her head and ordered her men to carry Chase. "I'll ask you out within the next two days. Show up if you dare. I won't do anything to you, though. Of course, if you're scared, you can choose to escape, too."

Without another word, Megan and the others left the place.

After sending Chase into the ambulance, Megan similarly brought Jeanne into the vehicle. There was no way she could feign ignorance about Chase's injury and keep it a secret from Olivia, who would turn this into a bigger deal.

"I'm sorry, Jeanne. This shouldn't have happened. I promise I'll compensate you."

Jeanne dared not receive her compensation. She was at fault, after all. Regardless, she struggled to let this matter go. "Are you letting Nolan off the hook just like that? Even if you are, Chase will just report the matter to Mr. Riley and let him finish Nolan.

"Also, you said you'd ask him out. Are you… regretting your decision?"

That was something Jeanne feared the most. She knew that Megan secretly harbored remorse and guilt toward Nolan despite being firm and determined on the surface.

However, she wasn't sure whether Megan had any feelings left for him. After all, he was unmistakably a great man to Megan and the Turners back then.

At her words, Megan shook her head calmly and displayed a cold look. "Regret? No. I just think he deserves something worse. I'll show him his place since he's unaware of the vast difference between us. Jeanne, do you know what makes a person most demoralized?"

Jeanne shook her head, asking, "What is it?"

Megan coldly said, "It's when two people who used to complement each other, albeit having some differences, suddenly became worlds apart.

"Whether it's their values or worldviews, their lifestyles or living environments, everything changed drastically between them. That's when they feel the most desperate.

"No matter how much he tries, he can never catch up to her. In the end, he can only blame his own mediocrity and incapability. Slowly, he'll lose all the confidence to even speak.

"I precisely want Nolan to see for himself how different he and I are. I want him to feel from the bottom of his heart that he's just a feeble, insignificant ant who can never catch up to me."

Jeanne's eyes lit up, and she nodded heavily, saying, "I get it now. You want to crush his ego and make him feel inferior to the point that he would never hold his head up high again. That's great. That's the only way you can destroy his confidence.

"From now on, he'll only live in pain, regret, inferiority, and despair. That's fantastic! You're amazing, Megan!"

At that, Megan revealed a smug smile. It was then a call came in.

Looking at the caller, she frowned but proceeded to answer the call. "Why are you calling, Audrey? I thought you were mad at me."

From the speaker, a soft female voice traveled into Megan's ear. "I am mad at you, Megan, but I'm not here to talk about that today. I wanted to ask if Nolan is out. Did you… actually divorce him?"

For some reason, Megan felt a sense of discomfort when she heard how gentle Audrey Weiss sounded talking about Nolan. It felt like someone was longing for her beloved toy.

"What does Nolan's release have to do with you? Besides, it's none of your business whether we're divorced. If my memory serves me right, you're an engaged woman, Audrey. Aren't you afraid to be called unfaithful when they find out you're missing another man?"

At the mention of her engagement, Audrey stayed silent briefly. Then, she gloomily said, "I know I'm in no place to ask that—never have and never would. But Megan, I don't want you to hurt Nolan. He's the best man you could ever ask for. If you lose him, you'll regret it your whole life.

"Listen to me while you still can, Megan. Don't do anything you'll regret. You'll cry over it in the future."

Hearing Audrey's advice and affection toward Nolan, Megan lost her temper. "You should mind your own business, Audrey. Also, how Nolan is as a man has nothing to do with you. Do you feel sorry for him? Go ahead and comfort him, then.

"We're divorced, anyway. I'll sit back and see whether you have the guts to do that while you risk being called a cheater. And don't forget the consequences when your family finds out. You know the Weiss family's current state.

"If Mr. Thompson finds out, you won't be the only one to suffer the aftermath!"

Almost as if out of spite, Megan sent Nolan's address and phone number to Audrey. She wanted to see if Audrey had the guts to comfort him. If she couldn't, who was she to stand on a moral high ground and condemn her decision?

…

On the other side of Bellington, a sweet and generous-looking lady in a white dress was staring at her phone absentmindedly. Amid her gaze were hints of pain and sorrow, almost like her life was undergoing tremendous changes.

"I've always envied you for receiving Nolan's love and attention, yet why won't you cherish it? While I, someone who's always wanted to be in your shoes, will never get the chance to love him. Perhaps, this is my life."

Audrey lowered her head slightly, a bead of tears rolling off her eye. She knew she couldn't approach Nolan for her safety's sake. Yet, she genuinely wanted to see how the man she had loved for so long was faring after being abandoned.

Was he deep in sorrow?

Chapter 8

"Audrey, why are you crying?"

A middle-aged woman appeared behind Audrey. Upon seeing the latter cry, she sighed. "Audrey, I know you don't want to get married to Mr. Thompson. Honestly, I don't want you to, either. He's just a playboy and only knows how to flirt. He's a good-for-nothing.

"But right now, the only one who can save the Weiss family is the Thompson family. I know we're putting you through a lot."

Audrey looked at her mother, Courtney Chapman, and wiped away her tears before saying softly, "Mom, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me. I know what I need to do.

"This is my fate. Even if I don't want to marry him, there's nothing I can do. The Weiss family is counting on me to save them. No matter how unwilling I am, I won't do anything to hurt the Weiss family. So, don't worry."

It was truly tragic. The once prestigious Weiss family in Bellington had now fallen to the point where they must rely on a marriage alliance to save the family.

The saddest part was that even though they knew the other party wasn't a good match for the marriage alliance, they didn't dare to refuse it. It broke their hearts and made them feel helpless.

Audrey had resigned herself to fate, but when her grandfather, who loved her the most, lowered his pride and begged her, and everyone in the Weiss family desperately pleaded with her to save them, she knew her life was already over.

"Mom, I'm going out for a bit. If you need anything, just give me a call."

Then, Audrey left the room. She still decided to meet up with Nolan. Even though she no longer had the right to love him, she couldn't move on from him or forget him, especially now.

He had just gotten out of prison but was faced with a divorce. He must have been devastated and heartbroken. Even then, she wanted to see him, even if it was just to offer him a little comfort. To her, that alone would be worth it.

…

Meanwhile, Megan, who had just ended the call with Audrey, was filled with anger as if she were a volcano that was about to erupt.

"Back then, Audrey flirted with Nolan, and now, even after all these years, she's still so shameless. It's so infuriating."

Looking at the angry Megan next to her, Jeanne sighed. She felt that Megan shouldn't be behaving in this manner.

After all, Megan and Nolan had already gotten a divorce. If someone else took him away, it would actually save a lot of trouble. But based on the way Megan was acting now, she seemed more like a jealous woman.

"Megan, you shouldn't be angry at a time like this. You should be happy. You wanted a clean break with Nolan and feared his entanglement. It won't be a bad thing if he really ends up with Audrey."

Upon hearing what Jeanne said, Megan exploded in anger. "My divorce with Nolan is our business. Even if I wanted a clean break, Audrey shouldn't have called me heartless, especially when she acts all high and mighty as if she cares a lot about relationships. She disgusts me.

"Nolan used to be my husband. Even if we have gotten a divorce, he's still my ex-husband. Who does Audrey think she is? What right does she have to act holier-than-thou with me and preach to me?

Especially when she's the shameless one, liking a married man and still thinking about him.

"She's so pathetic."

Jeanne smiled bitterly. She didn't know what to say at the moment. But she had a feeling that deep down, Megan hadn't truly forgotten Nolan. No matter how determined she seemed, she still had feelings for him. It was just that Megan herself hadn't realized it yet.

At that thought, a cold glint appeared in Jeanne's eyes. She couldn't allow Megan to have any chance to regret her decision. If Megan ended up getting back together with Nolan, all her efforts would be in vain.

The promise from the eldest son of the Xanderson family, Liam Xanderson, from Eastern State, was something many people would dream of. It was her best and, perhaps, only chance to soar to the top. She couldn't miss this opportunity.

Thus, Megan had to make a clean break with Nolan. It would be best if they became enemies.

"You're right. Audrey is shameless. She always acts all high and mighty. Megan, remember when we hung out together back then? She would often do small favors for us because her family was rich. Did you think she was being kind?

"No. She did it to satisfy her vanity and boost her ego. She treated us like charity cases. She's the worst."

Jeanne continued to fuel Megan's anger against Audrey, forgetting that the hypocrisy she mentioned referred to the many times Audrey had helped them, without expecting thanks.

In fact, Audrey often helped them cautiously, worried about hurting their pride. But now, her kindness was twisted into arrogance and charity.

Upon hearing that, Megan lowered her head and clenched her fists, unable to shake her anger.

Then, Jeanne added fuel to the fire, saying, "Megan, don't be angry. What we should do now is let Audrey meet Nolan. Whether or not anything happens between them, we get to control the narrative, don't we?

"Besides, knowing Mr. Thompson's temper and personality, do you think he'll let Audrey and Nolan off the hook? By then, Mr. Thompson will definitely deal with Audrey. If you don't want Nolan to get hurt, you can step in as the savior. You can advance or retreat as needed. It's the best choice."

Upon hearing that, Megan gazed deeply at Jeanne and said, "You seem to hate Nolan and Audrey more than me."

When Jeanne heard that, her heart skipped a beat. Then, she smiled and shook her head. "I'm just thinking from your perspective. I want to stand up for you.

"Megan, I've seen how hard you've worked to get where you are today. Don't let Nolan ruin your future again. Otherwise, you'll regret it when it's too late.

"Besides, don't forget that Mr. Xanderson is coming to Bellington in a few days. If we don't deal with Nolan now and something happens when Mr. Xanderson is here, Nolan might not survive if Mr. Xanderson takes action.

"So, we need to control Nolan. And if possible, send him back to jail for a while. It's the best way to protect him. Don't you think so?"

Upon hearing that, Megan fell silent before saying, "I'll think about it. If there's no other choice, I'll have to do it. I'm doing it to save Nolan's life. He can only blame himself for being too ordinary. I've done everything I can for him. Sadly, he just doesn't understand my good intentions.

"He took my good intentions for granted. He's probably cursing me behind my back, but who cares? Anyway, we are no longer related. I don't expect him to thank me. I just hope he doesn't bother me anymore."

Then, Megan sighed as if she had done something noble and suffered a great grievance. However, what she was about to do was nothing short of harming others.

Chapter 9

At this moment, Nolan sat in his house and looked at the room he had just cleaned, which was still a mess. Then, he sighed. It wasn't the life he had imagined.

He thought he would be greeted by a sweet and happy life after getting out of jail. At the very least, it would be a simple and peaceful happiness. But reality often turned out differently than expected.

"Megan, can wealth and power really completely change a person? How disappointing."

Nolan shook his head and didn't say anything else. It was already evening, and he hadn't eaten yet. When he was about to leave, the doorbell rang again. This time, he frowned and became a bit annoyed. Was there an end to all of this?

However, when he opened the door angrily and saw a woman in a white dress, looking pure and kind, all his anger vanished. "Audrey, it's you. Why are you here?"

The person who came was none other than Audrey, who had given Megan a call earlier. She was once a close friend of both Megan and Jeanne, although their current relationship was difficult to define.

Upon seeing Nolan, Audrey couldn't help but smile. She was genuinely happy to see that he had gotten out of jail. "Nolan, it has been three years since we last saw each other. You've lost weight."

Nolan smiled at her words and responded, "I don't think I've lost a lot. The food in jail wasn't great, but I ate well enough. Come on in and have a seat."

Nolan wasn't lying about his treatment in jail, as he was treated differently from ordinary prisoners. Of course, Audrey wouldn't fully believe it.

After entering the room, Audrey looked around at the messy room and frowned slightly. "Did Megan cause trouble here? Is it because she forced you to get a divorce?"

Upon hearing that, Nolan glanced at Audrey and asked, "Aren't you best friends with her? I thought you would have known. But I wouldn't call it causing trouble. I think there's just some misunderstanding."

Was it just some misunderstanding? Perhaps that was the only way Nolan could describe it now. After all, how else could he describe it? That his ex-brother-in-law came to beat him up? It was pointless to mention that.

Audrey looked at Nolan and shook her head. "Megan and I haven't been in contact for almost three years. Our relationship completely changed after you went to jail. Nolan, I know what happened. I just want to ask if you regret it."

After hearing what Audrey said, Nolan fell silent.

Regret? Did he regret falling in love with Megan, being too good to her, or going to jail for her? Should he not have found so many people to help and protect her, leading to her smooth career growth and eventually becoming the bitter person she was now?

Maybe he regretted all of that, but he felt he had brought it on himself for the situation to reach this extent. After all, if he hadn't doted on her so much, things might not turn out this way.

"Audrey, what's done is done. There's no point in asking whether or not I regret my decisions. Let's not dwell on these unhappy things. What about you? How have you been all these years? Have you gotten married?"

When Audrey heard that, her expression became bitter. She looked at Nolan and said, "Even now, you're still ignoring my feelings for you…

"Nolan, I really want to know what Megan has that I don't. Why don't you like me at all when you clearly know that the person who loves you the most is me?"

Audrey seemed to have realized she was a bit too worked up. She slightly shook her head and said, "I'm sorry for getting a bit emotional. I just think the situation is unfair to you."

Nolan knew all along that Audrey liked him, but he only had one person in his heart from the beginning to the end. When he loved Megan, he never thought about betraying her. Audrey kept her distance from him as well. Their relationship was restrained and could withstand any suspicion.

But that day, it seemed that Audrey didn't want to hold back anymore.

"Nolan, I'm here today to visit you. It's getting late. You haven't eaten yet, have you? Let me treat you to a meal."

Upon hearing that, Nolan smiled and said, "You're at my house. How can I let you treat me to a meal? Besides, I don't really want to eat out. If you don't mind, how about I cook? But I have to say something beforehand. Although I think my cooking skills are alright, I don't know if you'll like it."

At that, Audrey glanced at him and said, "I tasted your cooking in the past, and I still think about it from time to time. It's just that I didn't have the chance or reason to trouble you. Since you're willing to cook today, I'm really happy."

Then, she lowered her voice and said, "Having a simple meal with you and watching you cook for me can make up for some of my regrets."

Nolan didn't hear what Audrey mumbled. With a smile, he said, "Just sit and rest. I'll go cook."

Then, he entered the kitchen. Thankfully, he bought some groceries when he returned, although he was alone in the house. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to eat out.

Nolan's cooking skills were great. As Audrey sat in the living hall, she watched him cook in the kitchen with an infatuated gaze. Her gaze never left him, as if she wanted to keep watching him until she could no longer do so.

"I didn't make much. I only cooked a few simple dishes. See if you like them."

After Nolan finished cooking, he placed the dishes on the dining table.

At this moment, Audrey smiled happily and looked at the dishes in front of her. "There are spicy potato wedges, pork chop, omelet, and steak. Nolan, these are all the dishes I love. Thank you for remembering them."

Upon hearing that, Nolan shook his head and smiled. "You're the first person who genuinely welcomed me after I got out of jail. So, I should be the one to thank you. After all, you made me feel warm again."

That was right. Ever since he got out of jail, he had faced divorce, bullying, and being beaten up at his door. It seemed like everything had changed. All the good things from the past had become unrecognizable to him.

And when he was feeling disappointed and down, Audrey came to see him with a sweet smile and a sincere heart. He was really touched and felt warm. Just as he was about to start eating, she pulled out a card and placed it on the table.

"Nolan, I know you have a lot of pride and your own sense of dignity, but please give me a chance to love and help you. Please don't refuse me.

"There's three million dollars on this card. It's my savings from the past few years. I know it isn't much, but since you just got out of jail and have to start over, please accept it… Even if it's just so I won't have any regrets."

Chapter 10

Looking at the card on the table, Nolan fell silent. There wasn't only money on the card. There was love as well. He didn't know how to face Audrey's deep feelings for him. He sighed and pushed the card toward her.

He shook his head and said, "Audrey, I appreciate your kindness, but I can't accept the money. You don't need to worry about me. I have money. I won't go hungry. Besides, I'm in good health. I can take care of myself."

Nolan didn't want to accept the money not only because he wasn't short on them, but also because he didn't know how to repay Audrey's kind gesture.

Meanwhile, when Audrey saw him push back the card, her eyes turned red as tears fell.

Upon seeing that, Nolan felt helpless. He quickly said, "Audrey, don't cry. I really am not short on money. I'm not lying. I'm not rejecting your kindness, either. I…"

He didn't know how to continue his words because he didn't know how to face her or explain it.

Audrey wiped away her tears and looked at him, her voice choked with emotion. "Nolan, I've never pestered you. Even though I've loved you deeply, I've always loved you silently without disturbing you. I just want to help you now. That's all.

"Can you just accept this card, Nolan? I'm begging you. You've just gotten out of jail, so how much money could you possibly have? With your temperament, I know you won't accept any compensation from Megan after the divorce.

"But your pride and dignity won't let you be in this predicament for long. Consider this as a start-up fund from me, alright? Even if you think of it as a loan, please just accept it. It's the last thing I can do for you. After this, we probably won't see each other again."

Then, Audrey finally broke down and sobbed uncontrollably. Upon seeing her cry, Nolan felt bad, and it made his heart ache.

Audrey was such an amazing woman. Whoever married her would surely be happy. But since they met that day, he sensed something different.

She had been smiling the entire time, but her eyes were filled with sadness and pain. She seemed to be struggling and in despair as well. It was as if she were trapped in a mire with no one to save her as she sank into darkness silently.

Nolan wanted to ask her about it earlier, but he thought it wasn't his place to ask about it. But now, he had to ask her.

"Audrey, what happened in these three years I've been gone? Can you tell me? I can tell you're in pain and struggling. If you tell me, maybe I can help."

Nolan wasn't just making empty promises. He genuinely wanted to help such a kind woman who had been loving him silently. However, Audrey just wiped away her tears and shook her head. She didn't intend to burden him with her problems.

In her opinion, he was already having a hard time. He shouldn't be troubled by her issues. Besides, aside from bringing him a heap of trouble, there wasn't much he could do to help. While they were eating, a loud knock suddenly sounded at the door.

"Nolan, you bastard! Open the door."

Nolan felt helpless. Upon hearing that voice, he recognized who it was immediately. He looked at Audrey and said softly, "I'm sorry, but it seems like this meal won't be very pleasant."

Then, he opened the door, revealing an angry middle-aged woman adorned with gold jewelry. He sighed and said, "Mom, you're here."

It was none other than Megan and Chase's mother, Olivia. When she found out that Megan and Nolan had gotten a divorce, she was elated. Besides, she allowed Chase to harass Nolan. After all, she believed that the millions of dollars in assets shouldn't just go to waste on Nolan.

But the outcome? What did she end up hearing? She heard that Chase had been beaten up by Nolan and was admitted to a hospital. Upon hearing that, she was furious and went to confront Nolan directly.

"Who are you calling 'Mom'? Who's your mom? You and Megan have already gotten a divorce. You don't have the right to call me that."

Nolan was calm as he looked at Olivia. He nodded and said, "You're right, Olivia. Megan and I have already gotten a divorce. So, what brings you here?"

He never expected an explanation from her. As someone who had once been her son-in-law and lived with her for a while, he knew better than anyone how harsh and shallow she was. She was someone who favored the rich and despised the poor.

Back then, when Nolan could improve the Turners' lives by giving them food, housing, and a good standard of living, she was full of smiles and flattered him a lot. But as he gradually handed everything over to Megan, and as her life became better, everything started to change.

Now that Megan was a wealthy CEO worth billions and Nolan was just an ex-convict who had just gotten out of jail, Olivia's attitude was predictable.

Seeing that Nolan dared to act and talk in such a manner in front of her, Olivia couldn't hold back her anger and slapped him hard across the face.

"Bastard, what else am I here for? Did you or did you not beat up Chase? How dare you lay hands on him! I won't let you off the hook!"

Nolan placed his hand on his cheek. He could have avoided the slap but chose not to. The slap marked the end of any ties between them.

But before he could say anything, Audrey stepped forward. She couldn't bear seeing him being hit.

"Olivia, how can you hit him? Even if Nolan did beat up Chase, shouldn't you at least ask why? You know what kind of person Nolan is. He has never been one to pick fights. If he hit someone, there must have been a reason for it.

"When I got here, the place was a mess. It's clear that Chase was the one who started the trouble. How can you just blame Nolan?"

Upon seeing that Audrey was feeling bad for Nolan, Olivia was enraged.

"Audrey, you've always been eyeing to ruin Megan's marriage. Now, you finally got your chance. You two are even having an affair here.

"You're having a meal together as well. Are you two living together now? You can continue eating. Let's see how you'll eat."

Then, Olivia marched over to the dining table and swept the dishes to the floor while cursing the entire time.

"Do you think you can get away with this? I'll get even for my son. And you, Audrey, you're so shameless! Aren't you engaged? How can you have an affair with another man behind your fiancé's back? Just wait. I'm going to tell your fiancé about this. By then, let's see if he'll beat you up!"

At that, Audrey's face turned pale. Meanwhile, Nolan's expression became more ghastly as he grew angrier.

Chapter 11

"That's enough! Olivia, while I'm still being respectful, please watch your actions. Besides, Megan and I aren't married anymore. You're in my house now. Please leave.

"As for Chase being beaten up, I'm the only one who did it. It has nothing to do with anyone else. If you insult my friend again, I'll stop being polite to you."

Nolan had a good temperament? No, perhaps he used to have a good temperament. For love and Megan, he could endure a lot. But when he had had it enough, no one could bully him.

It was just like the situation now. He could tolerate Olivia over and over again, but when it became intolerable, he would no longer hold back.

Nevertheless, Olivia wasn't the type to listen. Seeing that Nolan dared to yell at her, she immediately became furious. She pointed at him and shouted, "You dare be impolite to me? Go on, then. I want to see how rude you'll be. Do you want to hit me? Go ahead!"

Nolan gritted his teeth and pointed at the door. "Please leave!"

Olivia snorted and looked at Nolan and Audrey. Coldly, she said, "Nolan, don't think that Audrey can protect you because her family is well-off. You have found the wrong person to protect you.

"The Weiss family is barely holding on. They're about to marry Audrey off to the son of the Thompson family. By then, she can't even protect herself, let alone you."

Then, Olivia looked at Audrey, who looked pale and devastated, and said, "Audrey, since you're having an affair with Nolan here today, not only will you get a beating when Mr. Thompson finds out, but the entire Weiss family will suffer as well.

"And, with Mr. Thompson's bad temper, do you think he'll let Nolan off? I can't wait to see how you two die. Audrey, you're really something, huh? Even a worthless ex-convict can have you wrapped around his finger. You're disgusting and shameless!"

When Nolan heard that, he could no longer take it. Without hesitation, he slapped Olivia hard across the face.

"If you say one more word, I'll knock your teeth out!"

Olivia was stunned and furious. She never expected Nolan to actually lay a hand on her, let alone slap her. Then, she lost it. Like a madwoman, she scratched and clawed at him.

"You worthless piece of trash! How dare you slap me? I swear I'll kill you for this! I won't let you off the hook, you bastard! You deserve to die!"

Seeing Olivia throw a tantrum, Nolan finally had enough. He grabbed her arms and slapped her twice, leaving her face swollen and red.

"I'll say this one last time. Get out, or I won't hesitate to knock all your teeth out."

Nolan's gaze was cold and vicious. Olivia was frightened when he saw that. She was taken aback. She had never seen such a fierce and icy look in his eyes before. For a brief moment, she felt he might actually do something terrible to her if she pushed through the act.

Finally, she backed down. "Alright. You two, just wait. I won't let this slide."

Then, she left the house angrily.

After Olivia left, Nolan looked at Audrey, who looked pale and lost in thought. He sighed and said, "I'm sorry you had to go through this because of me."

Audrey shook her head. Her face was stained with tears, making her look pitiful. "No. It's my fault. My recklessness might bring you more trouble. Nolan, you should leave Bellington for a while."

In Audrey's opinion, things might have been fine if Olivia hadn't found out. But now that she had found out and was enraged, she would definitely spread what happened. By then, although Audrey could endure whatever came her way, she didn't want to drag Nolan into it.

Audrey believed that Nolan wasn't Nicholas Thompson's match. And given Nicholas' temper, he would definitely take revenge.

When the time came, Nolan would definitely get hurt, or even worse, have his arms and legs broken. It wasn't something impossible. After all, Nicholas had done such things more than once or twice before.

Nolan sighed and said, "Audrey, you were just visiting and helping me. How could it be your fault? And ever since you came, I've noticed something's off with you. What's the engagement Olivia mentioned? Who's Mr. Thompson?

"Are you getting married? But you don't seem happy at all. Are you being forced into this?"

At that, Audrey could no longer hold back her tears. She sat on the couch and covered her face before she started to cry. She had been pretending to be strong, but she was just a vulnerable woman in the end.

She couldn't change her fate, so she had to brace herself for what could be a hellish future. But it still hurt and upset her.

Nonetheless, what could others do even if she showed them her weakness? But that day, she completely let her guard down in front of Nolan.

On the other hand, Nolan sighed upon seeing her cry and handed her a tissue. "Audrey, if you don't want to get married to him, just don't do it.

"Marriage should be a happy thing. It's something that lasts a lifetime. I don't know what kind of person Mr. Thompson is, but it's fine if he truly loves you and treats you well.

"But from what I heard just now, he doesn't seem like a good person, and he definitely won't treat you right. So, why are you getting married to him?

"Is it really because you have no choice? Happiness is in your hands. There's no need to sacrifice yourself for anyone or anything. Audrey, you don't have to get married to him. Don't cry."

Nolan's words warmed Audrey's heart, but they didn't change anything. She gradually stopped crying. After forcing herself to calm down, she forced out a smile and said, "I'm sorry for showing you such a weak side of me.

"Alright, then. I can handle my own issues. It's just that, I might really bring you trouble, Nolan. Please promise me you'll leave Bellington for a while, alright?

"Take the money I gave you and stay somewhere else for the time being. It's not just about avoiding trouble, but it's also about taking a break.

"Promise me that you won't make me sad or worried, alright? I'm begging you."

Audrey gazed at Nolan deeply. She was genuinely afraid that Nolan, who was already struggling, might get hurt because of her.

Before Nolan could say anything, Audrey bit her lip and took a step forward before hugging him. "Please hug me just this once."

Chapter 12

Nolan felt the warmth in front of him and looked at Audrey, who was hugging him and crying, as her tears soaked his chest. He could feel the immense amount of pressure and grievance she had been enduring during this time.

A woman, who once loved him deeply and never regretted it, had now fallen into such a situation. He couldn't bear to see it.

Even if it was just as a good friend, he felt it was necessary to help her. At the very least, he should help her regain her freedom.

While gently embracing Audrey, Nolan said softly, "I'll accept the card and consider it your investment. Seeing you unhappy is enough for me to decide to take care of the trouble for you. Trust me."

When Audrey heard his comforting words, she cried even harder. It wasn't until a few minutes later that she finally stopped crying. Then, she looked at him and said, "I'm sorry for breaking down. But Nolan, can you leave Bellington for my sake?

"Even if it's just to relax for a while, please leave. I beg you. You beat up Chase and his mother today. They won't let you off the hook. Megan isn't who she used to be anymore.

"She's quite well-known in the underworld of Bellington now. She's also backed by Mr. Riley of the Baxter family. He's the real underworld boss. You aren't their match. So, please leave, alright?"

Nolan knew that no matter what he said right now, Audrey wouldn't believe he had the ability to resolve these issues. At the same time, he didn't want to worry her. So, he could only agree for the time being. He reassured her and put her at ease.

"Alright, Audrey. I promise you. You don't need to worry about me. I'll take care of myself. If I tell you that I'm not afraid of Mr. Thompson or Mr. Riley from the Baxter family, will you believe me? But I'm really not afraid of them at all. In fact, they need something from me."

Audrey didn't find his words funny. Nevertheless, she knew he had his pride and dignity, so she didn't expose him. Anyway, it was enough as long as he agreed to leave and stay safe.

"I know you're the best. But please, for my sake, just take a break for a while and don't make me worry, alright? I know you're destined for great things. I believe in you, and I'll wait for you. Nolan, you'll always be the best.

"No matter what Megan and the others say about you, please remember that you're the best in my heart. No one compares to you. This is the truth."

Then, Audrey looked at Nolan reluctantly before glancing at the scattered food on the floor. She said bitterly, "It's a shame that we didn't get to eat this meal. But I'm happy seeing you and knowing you're fine and safe. Nolan, goodbye."

After that, she left without looking back. It was as if she was afraid that if she looked back, she wouldn't be able to leave.

Meanwhile, Nolan watched the crying Audrey leave. He sighed and said, "Audrey, how can I repay your deep affection? Perhaps the best thing I can do is help you solve these problems. I'll show you with my actions that I'm really not afraid of these people. In fact, they should be the ones who will fear me.

"Mr. Riley of the Baxter family? It seems I should pay the Baxters a visit."

At the mention of Lincoln and the Baxter family, Nolan's eyes lit up as he made up his mind.

…

At this time, in a small meeting room of Norwich Group, a huge company in Grale with assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars and spanning dozens of industries, several executives, or, rather, several siblings from the Norwich family, sat together. They looked troubled and furious.

"What does Mr. Norwich Senior mean by this? He wrote in his letter that he transferred his shares to a young man.

This is outrageous! Norwich Group belongs to the Norwich family. An outsider has no right to meddle in this," said a middle-aged man with extreme anger, as if something had been stolen from him.

In reality, it wasn't far from the truth. Norwich Group was founded by Henry Norwich and was expanded over several decades.

Its assets had grown to hundreds of billions worth of dollars. But now, Henry had handed over his shares to someone else without saying a word. No one could understand it.

It was Norwich Group, for God's sake. Even a one-percent share represented tens of billions of dollars in wealth. Not to mention, Henry held 30% of the shares that were worth over a hundred billion dollars.

But the most important part wasn't even the wealth. Those shares could shake up the current management of the company. If someone wanted to interfere with it, Norwich Group could change hands.

The words of the middle-aged man, William Norwich, the eldest son of the Norwich family, made everyone present furious.

"While it was our fault that Mr. Norwich Senior went to jail back then, that doesn't mean we were unfilial. It was out of our hands. What's this now? Revenge?"

"No. This cannot happen. What belongs to the Norwich family won't be taken by anyone else. Mr. Norwich Senior has lost his mind due to old age. What he says doesn't count!"

"That's right! This young man must have sweet-talked Mr. Norwich Senior so that he could get the shares. But it doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that we find him. I want to see if he has the guts to take this wealth. I bet he won't even be alive to enjoy it."

"Send someone to look into it. Find out everything. If the young man is sensible, we'll offer him a small compensation to transfer the shares back to us. If not, we'll just kill him."

As the siblings of the Norwich family gathered around, they quickly came to a decision. They would never give up on such a vast fortune of Norwich Group, let alone allow an outsider to get involved.

At this moment, Nolan was still unaware that more trouble was brewing around him. But even if he knew, he wouldn't care. What mattered more to him was whether or not he could fulfill Henry's wish.

As for those who wanted to go after him, they could give it a try. If he were afraid, he wouldn't be Nolan. He wasn't scared at all. The real issue now was that the troubles just kept piling up.

Especially after Olivia caused such a scene, the relationship between Nolan and the Turner family was beyond repair. In fact, he hadn't even gone to bed yet because he was expecting Megan to show up at his house again. After all, he did slap her mother a few times.

Chapter 13

In the Turner residence, Olivia sat on the couch, fuming, as she shattered several teacups. To her, that day was an unbearable humiliation. She never expected that Nolan would dare to hit her.

Megan soon arrived home, and when she learned what happened to Olivia, she was filled with fury. Nolan had already crossed a line by hitting Chase, but now, he had even hit Olivia. This was unacceptable!

She knew that Chase and Olivia must have gone to provoke Nolan on their own, but it didn't matter. They were still her family. So, what right did Nolan have to lay a hand on them?

"What a bastard! This is intolerable. Mom, don't worry about it. I promise you I'll make Nolan pay heavily for this."

Upon hearing that, Olivia nodded firmly and said, "I don't really care about my pride since I'm already of this age, but Nolan beat up Chase so badly. You can't just let him off the hook. I've already informed Mr. Riley. Mr. Riley will be at the hospital soon. By then, I want Nolan dead!"

When Megan heard that Olivia had informed Lincoln, she was taken aback. Then, she frowned. "Mom, why did you inform Mr. Riley? Don't you know his status and methods? If he strikes, it will definitely lead to bloodshed. If this escalates, it could affect me and Chase. You acted too rashly."

Lincoln's name was well-known in the underworld of Bellington. Even though Megan was now a wealthy CEO with assets worth billions of dollars, she still had to show respect to Lincoln.

After all, not only was he a powerful figure in the underworld but also a member of the Baxter family. Megan couldn't afford to be arrogant in front of the Baxter family.

Upon seeing Megan hesitating and being fearful, Olivia shook her head and said, "Nolan hit me and Chase, but you're still worried about him? Megan, don't tell me you still have feelings for him.

"I'm telling you right now that I absolutely won't allow it. Even if I die, I won't agree to it. And you should give up on that idea. Nolan is just an animal in human form. He's a playboy, but you're clueless.

"Do you know what I saw? I saw Nolan and Audrey together. Your so-called best friend, Audrey. They sat in the room and were having a candlelight dinner. They were having a date in the middle of the night. They're openly together and have no shame at all.

"Do you think there's nothing going on between them? They've probably been having an affair in secret for who knows how long. Megan, you're such a fool. Do you understand why I'm so furious now?"

At that, Megan was taken aback. She had received a call from Audrey but had already warned the latter. She didn't expect Audrey to actually meet Nolan and even have a candlelight dinner with him.

For some reason, she was enraged and couldn't control her anger. The mere thought of such an unsightly scene made her want to flip tables and punch someone.

"Mom, are you sure? Audrey and Nolan really had a candlelight dinner together?"

Upon hearing that, Olivia nodded firmly and answered, "I'm sure. Do you think Nolan and Audrey have been in a relationship for a long time? Otherwise, why would they shamelessly be so open about it right after the divorce?

"You thought Nolan felt guilty, but I think they've been betraying you all along. But don't worry, Megan. I'll make sure they pay for this."

At this moment, Megan was burning with anger. She felt like she had been betrayed and abandoned. Upon seeing that Olivia was eager to take action, she shook her head and said, "No, Mom. You don't need to handle this. I'll take care of it myself.

"Just beating them up is too easy. I'll make sure they understand what they need to pay to cross me. If they don't know their place, I'll make sure they learn exactly where they stand."

With a cold expression, Megan gritted her teeth.

When Olivia saw that, she was elated. She rarely saw this side of Megan. However, whenever she did, it meant that Megan was truly furious. So, everything else would be easy.

"Megan, you shouldn't give Nolan any assets. Chase has grown up now. It'll be better to give the assets to him. Otherwise, he won't have money to spend when he finds a girlfriend. How embarrassing would that be?"

Too furious to care about anything else, Megan nodded and said, "I got it, Mom. I need to go now. Anyway, leave this to me. I'll take care of it."

With that, she left the house angrily, leaving behind a scene that made it difficult to tell who had abandoned whom and who had betrayed whom.

As soon as she left the house, she immediately gave Nolan a call. Soon, the call was connected.

"Nolan, let's meet up at noon tomorrow. That's all."

Without waiting for Nolan to respond, Megan ended the call.

"Nolan, I thought you knew you were average, but you think you're so high and mighty, don't you? Let's see how you feel when I show you just how big the gap is between us. I hope you won't be so ashamed that you want to die afterward."

Then, Megan wrote a message and sent it to Nicholas. The content was simple. "Audrey is cheating on you!"

After doing all that, she drove back to the villa she was currently living in. At this time, Nolan looked at his phone and frowned. He didn't know what she was plotting this time. But whatever it was, he wasn't afraid.

…

At the same time, Nicholas, who was at a bar surrounded by women, saw the message on his phone and was instantly enraged.

Audrey was cheating on him? This was outrageous! How dare someone cheat on him in this world?

Especially Audrey as he had pursued her for so many years but was rejected repeatedly. His patience had long since worn thin. He knew very well that her heart belonged to someone else. That alone was enough to make him want to punish her. He pulled out his phone and gave her a call.

"Get to the hotel right now, or our engagement is off! If you don't show up, the Thompson family will join other forces to crush the Weiss family. By then, I'll make sure your whole family ends up begging on the streets!"

After saying that, Nicholas left the bar while drunk. He drove his car to the hotel, where his suite was.

Meanwhile, Audrey was currently sitting on a bench by the street. After the call ended, she let out a bitter smile. She had expected this outcome, and sure enough, Nicholas called her. She had to meet up with him because her family's future depended entirely on her.