Chapter 2 Divorce?

Andrew sidestepped her like she was something dirty, brushing off the wrinkles on his suit jacket. His tone was indifferent, as if he were discussing the weather. "What's the rush? What's going on here?"

Zoey looked at Andrew, noticing he was thinner than the photos in the headlines. Was it the foreign food not agreeing with him, or was he too busy to care for his health?

"Andrew! I've missed you so much!" Ella's voice instantly softened, losing its previous harshness. She quickly stepped forward, pushing Zoey aside, and grabbed Andrew's arm, looking him over.

Veda seized the moment, her voice dripping with feigned grievance. "Mr. Andrew Anderson, you're back! Mrs. Zoey Anderson accused me of stealing her jewelry and fired me!"

Andrew's gaze flicked to the pearl earrings on Veda's earlobes. He recognized the name inscribed inside, a birthday gift he had casually picked for Zoey. But he merely glanced at them before turning to Zoey, his tone cold. "It's just a small matter. If Veda likes them, let her have the earrings."

Zoey's head shot up, staring at him in disbelief. The earrings might be a trinket to Andrew, but to Zoey, they were the only gift he had ever given her! "Andrew, you gave those to me..."

Her voice trembled slightly, trying to evoke even a shred of his concern. "Just an earring."

Andrew cut her off, his impatience clear. "Zoey, you're my wife. If you can't even show this much generosity, people will laugh at you."

Tears welled up in Zoey's eyes. She instinctively stepped back, accidentally hitting the antique shelf behind her. A porcelain vase fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.

"That vase was Mr. Anderson's most treasured item!" Veda exclaimed.

Andrew interrupted her. "This doesn't concern you. Leave."

He walked straight to the sofa and sat down. Veda, sensing the mood, quickly cleaned up the broken porcelain and retreated.

Seeing Andrew sit down, Ella also returned to the sofa, eagerly offering him freshly brewed tea. "Andrew, are you staying for good this time?"

Andrew took the teacup, his fingers rubbing the warm cup wall, his gaze once again falling on Zoey. "I'm planning to settle down here."

Zoey froze, doubting her ears. "What did you say?"

She recalled Alice's words about "success in both career and love." She hadn't read the overwhelming news, but the rumors in their circle were plenty. Andrew was thriving on the other side of the world, never lacking female company. And shortly after Andrew left, his favored woman, Emily Johnson, followed him abroad. How could he bear to come back now?

Ella set down her teacup, seemingly speaking to Zoey but also to Andrew. "My Andrew is capable. His investment company has not only expanded overseas but also entered the domestic market. My only wish now is for him to marry a truly suitable wife and expand the family line..."

Zoey finally understood. Looking at the two people before her, she felt a deep, bone-chilling cold. Her scalpel could mend a ruptured liver, but it couldn't fix this marriage, already riddled with holes. She could perform miracles on the operating table, but in this prison called the Anderson family, she didn't even have the right to speak for herself.

With a soft creak, the iron door with its brass ring opened slightly in the twilight. Eli Anderson's polished shoe tip crossed the threshold first, his gaze sweeping over Andrew on the couch, a cold scoff escaping his throat.

"Finally decided to come back?"

Ella hurriedly plastered on a smile and took a half-step forward, her fingertips almost touching Eli's sleeve.

"Honey, you're finally home! Andrew rushed here straight from the airport. He's been thinking about you..."

Before she could finish, Andrew stepped forward, the crease in his suit pants perfectly straight, his fingers at his side turning white.

"Dad, I'm back."

Eli responded indifferently, his gaze moving past Andrew's shoulder to Zoey's face.

"Eli, you're back."

Zoey's voice was slightly lower than usual, a polite smile on her face. She knew that despite the many issues between her and the Anderson family, she still had to show respect to Eli.

Eli's gaze didn't linger on Zoey for long. He walked straight to the spiral staircase leading to the second floor.

"Andrew, come to the study."

Eli issued the command as he stepped onto the last stair.

Andrew obediently followed Eli into the study. Watching Andrew's back, memories of their brief harmonious moments flashed through Zoey's mind. But now, why did Andrew feel so unfamiliar? As the study door closed, the living room fell into silence. Zoey took a deep breath in the quiet moment.

After a long day and witnessing this "drama," fatigue washed over Zoey. Staying in the scene any longer seemed pointless. With that thought, Zoey decided to leave.

But before she could step out, Ella's sharp voice stopped her.

"Hold it!"

Zoey froze, turning around coldly. Ella's fingers were caressing a delicate teacup, her gaze on Zoey like she was looking at a worthless trinket.

Ella took a sip of tea and spoke slowly, "You saw it. Andrew's return is for something important. So, I hope you won't cause any trouble for him. You should file for divorce as soon as possible."

Zoey's pupils contracted sharply, her fingers clenching unconsciously. She had known Ella wanted her to divorce Andrew, but she hadn't expected it to be so sudden. Their marriage had been arranged by the Anderson family, and they were never close, often apart, their feelings as bland as water. Otherwise, she wouldn't have to hear about Andrew's whereabouts from others.

But now, divorce?

She knew their relationship wouldn't last long, but at this moment, she didn't want to give Ella what she wanted.

"Why? Just because you say so, I have to get a divorce?"

Ella laughed mockingly, her fingers elegantly brushing her temple.

"Not just anyone can be Andrew's wife. Look at you, no family background, no impressive resume. Andrew is successful now. Do you think you still deserve him?"

Zoey's face turned pale, but she found it absurd.

Indeed, Andrew had founded a top pharmaceutical company abroad, even challenging Eli's position in the industry, while she was just a doctor. How could she compare?

But if that was the case, why did they marry in the first place?

Zoey forced a cold smile.

"You're so eager to get rid of me because you're afraid I'll take Andrew's assets? Well, I can only say that what's mine, I deserve. If I ever divorce him, it will be because I want to, because I don't love him anymore, not because of your threats."

"Don't you want a share of Andrew's assets?" Ella's voice turned icy after being rebutted.

"Don't be ungrateful. Leave voluntarily, and I'll make sure Andrew compensates you. With the money, you'll be set for life."

"Bribing me with money?" Zoey laughed in anger.

"That's such an old trick. I may come from a modest background, but I'm not a beggar. Besides, the reason my family fell, I think you know better than I do!"

"You!" Ella's face turned red with anger. She stood up abruptly.

"I'll tell Andrew about your attitude today. You'll regret it!"

"Then let him know." Zoey straightened her back, her gaze sweeping towards the study.

"I won't be threatened by you. I'll decide the fate of this marriage myself."

With that, Zoey turned to leave.

A voice suddenly boomed from above.

"Where are you going?"