Chapter 54

The Big Showdown I couldn’t wait to get to the office in the morning.

I called Johnson and asked for detailed information about Lauren.

I picked up on the hidden meaning behind his words and learned that Lauren had her sights on Matthew.

Considering what I witnessed between them the other day, I remembered Matthew looking slightly shifty.

After all, once a man stole a kiss, he would likely crave more.

My heart stung again.

I once thought overcoming difficulties would solidify our love.

I never expected Matthew not to be my soulmate.

Still, I didn’t have time for sorrow and had to take matters into my own hands to save myself.

The information Ivanna uncovered shocked me even more.

Indeed, all three Murphys had accounts.

Melanie owned properties and had a construction and renovation company registered with a capital of 1.5 million dollars.

Though the company didn’t have many projects, its cash flow was substantial.

It was clear where the money was coming from.

With a registration amounting to 1.5 million, it was evident that Matthew had been profiting over the years.

The deposits under Henry and Grace’s names even exceeded seven figures.

I burst into laughter when I saw the data.

Matthew was ruthless and calculating.

It was an all–out family affair.

All their accounts were full except for mine, the legally wedded spouse.

His intentions were apparent to everyone else, while I remained oblivious.

A chill ran down my spine because he had deceived me so mercilessly.

Even if I forgave him, I had lost my youth, marriage, and deep affection for him.

I clenched my teeth as I slammed the table.

Since I couldn’t salvage our marriage, I would have to fill the void with material possessions.

Before seeing this information, I was conflicted about keeping a complete family for my daughter.

I couldn’t bear the fact that my family was collapsing before me.

I clung to that warmth.

Even if love was gone, familial affection remained.

However, the harsh truth forced me to admit it.

There was no trace of familial affection left.

The Murphys saw me as an obstacle now.

My role and value had disappeared in their eyes.

couldn’t stop thinking about my daughter.

People loved her, and her smile could light up a room.

How could she have such a sick bastard for a father? My heart ached, and I felt helpless +15 BONUS Unfortunately, I received a message on WhatsApp from Melanie.

It contained a picture of her at a car dealership, so I bolted to my feet and headed straight to Matthew’s empty office.

I clenched my teeth and called a private investigator.

I brought Ivanna along when I went to meet him.

I briefed him about Lauren and asked him to dig deeper into her background, particularly her frequent interactions with Matthew.

I told Ivanna, “Even if they’ve never interacted, we must create them.” Ivanna stared at me in disbelief, then exclaimed, “You want to set up a dogfight?! How can we make two people who have nothing to do with us follow our plan? That might be tricky!” Ivanna raised a valid concern, so I said, “I can manage that.

It’s only a matter of time before something goes wrong.

They’re both a couple of rotten apples anyway.” “If you can make those two comply, I can help spread the word,” Ivanna promised me, “I guarantee it’ll cause a storm throughout the city.” I “No, how are we going to enjoy the show then? If it creates a city–wide storm, we must include Melanie to make it more exciting.” I looked at Ivanna meaningfully.

“Do you want to see Matthew and Melanie being bystanders, or would you rather see all three of them fighting?” “Hahaha, that’s a big showdown!” Ivanna understood my intentions.

“We need Melanie to stir things up with them, then I’ll be free to act.

Otherwise, Matthew will always be suspicious of me.

I can’t seem to keep track of his movements,” I said, “Aaron, can you help- Aaron interjected, “Consider it done.

I’ve got something good for you.

It’ll tell you his whereabouts at any time!” He handed something to me, leaving me utterly stunned.

After leaving the cafe, I received a call from my mother.

She told me that my father’s condition had improved and that he wanted to see me and Ava.

I told her I would bring my daughter to visit once I settled a few things at home.

Although autumn wasn’t too cold in the city, falling leaves still marked the season.

The bright yellow trees made a striking contrast, and scattered leaves covered the ground.

Ireceived a call from Matthew, informing me that he had some last–minute out–of–town business.

By now, I knew that phrase meant something else.

I clenched my phone as my heart turned colder, I knew Matthew had likely completed his car purchase and was off to the city for a passionate night chucked as if no one was around, attracting alarmed glances from passersby