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The two men exchanged a glance, then lowered their gazes to meet mine: "What are you going to do now?"
I bit my lip, speaking firmly: "I want a divorce."
After speaking, I watched them intently.
Albert saw my anxiety and leaned down to pinch my cheek lightly: "Alright."
Damien concurred: "Then divorce it is. That fool Davis drags us both down just by association."
A sudden lump formed in my throat.
I suddenly understood what it felt like to have an ex that tarnished your reputation.
Even though I hadn't actually dated him.
Watching their interaction, I was confused: "Did you two know each other before?"
I thought they'd only just met tonight, but this familiarity didn't seem like a first encounter.
Damien snorted coldly, staring at my belly: "Don't change the subject. Whose baby is in there?"
"Confess, and don't even think about making my child call someone else father."
Albert laughed coldly in response: "Damien, what nonsense are you spouting? Everyone knows about your sterility! The whole court is practically gray worrying over your lack of heir."
Damien's face darkened. He retorted, unwilling to be outdone: "Still better than you, the 'miracle doctor' who diagnosed himself with infertility!"
"Tell that joke and watch people die laughing. First time seeing someone ruin their own reputation."
Watching them seemingly ready to come to blows any second, I backed away, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.
The book never explained why they had no heirs. This was my first time learning about it. Apparently, these two knew each other's secrets well.
After a fierce war of words, Damien stretched out an arm and pulled me between them: "Maya, you tell us. Who is it?"
Albert gazed at me affectionately, batting his eyelashes: "Maya, don't play favorites. I remember that night we went at it... what, three, four, five...maybe six times?"
Feeling their intense stares, my heart clenched. The master balancer instantly went into action.
"Well, you know... I think it could be either of you. I mean, both encounters were... quite frequent."
Damien raised an eyebrow: "Maya, think carefully now. I'm not like some lone wolf over here."
Then he lowered his gaze with a smile, his voice full of temptation: "My family has a throne to inherit, you know."
He was absolutely tempting me.
But with such a grand throne dangling before me, if I just let it slip away like a coward, I'd slap myself silly later.
I immediately thrust out my hand like a drowning man: "No, Damian! The baby says you're its daddy!"
He beamed triumphantly at Albert, the picture of victory.
Can't blame me for being weak; he was offering too much.
I don’t think anyone could turn down an offer like that.
Deciding on divorce, I began taking stock of my dowry.
But when I opened the storage room, I found it empty—all my silks, jewels, everything was gone.
All gone!!!
Seeing the room so empty you could race rats, I trembled with rage, my head buzzing.
That was my retirement fund!
Staring at the storeroom, I ground out through clenched teeth: "Larkin, go report it to the authorities. Say there's been theft at the Davis estate."
"You will not go!" Davis blocked Larkin.
Seeing the sweat beading his forehead, he must have run here in a panic.
His eyes flickered guiltily towards the storeroom: "Maya, what are you causing trouble for now? Don’t you know family shame shouldn’t be made public?"
He knew it was shameful now? Why didn't he think that when he was stealing?
Losing my money felt worse than death.
Using my heel to think, I knew it was those two. I remembered the Davis estate was drowning in debt.
I pressed my lips tight, glaring coldly at him: "The shame isn't mine to bear! What am I afraid of? Today, no matter what you say, I'm reporting this. What do I care if you permit it or not?"
He frowned, stepping closer: "They're just material things. Why be so petty? Besides, you belong to me, so what does it matter?"
Material things? If they were so worthless, why steal mine?
Blazing with anger, I retorted: "It's easy for you to say when it's not your loss! If you don't mind, then open the Davis coffers and compensate me! Anyone can talk big."
Davis looked suddenly enlightened: "Don't think threatening me with the authorities will work. This estate isn't yours to command."
Callie sauntered over, covering a delicate laugh with her hand, the peony hairpin in her hair swaying: "Davis is right. Sister, why make such impossible demands? Aren't you just humiliating yourself?"
Realizing communication was impossible, I stopped wasting my breath: "Save your breath for the magistrate's court."
Davis's face changed: "Maya, didn't I forbid you to report this?"
My anger only grew hotter: "What's it to me? I've never heard of a woman's dowry vanishing into thin air at her husband's home. The authorities need to investigate properly."
Plenty of men misused their wives' dowries, but I'd never seen such an ugly display of greed.
Since these two had no shame, I wouldn't spare their dignity.
He laughed in bitter anger: "Investigate? Maya, I advise you not to push your luck. In the Davis estate, even a drop of rain belongs to Davis, let alone your trinkets."
Noticing figures approaching behind him, my anger cooled slightly. A small smile touched my lips: "Oh? Then why don't you look behind you?"
He turned and froze, his face instantly draining of color.
