"Who said this matter is resolved? I'm not done investigating!" Ella immediately snapped.

Austin's expression darkened. "What's there to investigate? Do you think this is a courtroom?"

Ella laughed bitterly. A sardonic gleam flickered in her eyes.

"Do you truly place your faith in Judith's words?"

He responded with absolute certainty. "Why shouldn't I?"

Ella took a deep breath and lowered her gaze. "I have stated plainly, I seek only justice."

As she spoke, she reached to retrieve her phone, intent on completing the unfinished task.

Austin regarded her obstinate demeanor with dwindling patience. "It's merely one million. I can give it to you right now. Is escalating this really necessary?"

"Is this truly about the money?"

"Then what is it?"

Unyielding, Ella picked up her phone and pressed the dial button. "I have said it. I demand an answer."

Yasmin, witnessing the scene, immediately burst into tears and cries,but just as she attempted to speak, her gaze met Judith's eyes.

Those eyes brimmed with menace, compelling her to swallow her words

and silently weep in helplessness.

Unaware of this, Ella watched helplessly as Yasmin was taken away. Only then did she lower her eyes and walk toward Austin, her pale lips instinctively pressing together as she said, "It's early. Let's go to the courthouse today and get a divorce."

Austin froze,clearly not expecting this.

Perhaps he had always thought he was the only one who could walk away whenever he wanted.

He never imagined that Ella, wvho had always been in a subordinate position, would be the one to say she didn't want him anymore.

"Ella, have you really thought this through?" He asked, staring intently at her.

Ella nodded firmly, with even more urgency and determination than before. "WNe must divorce. There's no room for discussion."

His expression hardened at her resolve.

With cold mockery, he said, "You think divorce is child's play? Something you can just decide on a whim? Do you know how much the Raymond family's assets are worth and how much you'd be entitled to? You've enjoyed the status of Mrs. Raymond, living off my money. Could you survive without me?"

"No one dies from leaving someone else. Austin, I'm willing to walk away with nothing. Not a penny," She replied, lifting her chin with dignified contempt.

Standing nearby, Judith listened to their exchange,feeling as if her head

were about to be shattered by the sudden torrent of joyful news.

Instinctively, she clung to Austin's arm, yearning to witness a glimmer of happiness on his face. yet was met instead with a visage darkened by an ominous gloom, which cast a heavy weight upon her heart.

"Ella, in seeking a divorce at this moment, have you considered Grandmother's feelings?"

Initially, he had dismissed her divorce agreement as a small tantrum,a show of temper, and newfound assertiveness.

But now, a thought struck him.

He was about to lose Ella.

But didn't he already have Judith?

Why should he care?

His fingers at his side curled slightly, yet Austin compelled himself to banish such thoughts.

"Grandma's health has been declining lately. A divorce would strike her deeply. Let's handle these matters later..."

Ella let out a cold, derisive laugh tinged with scorn. "Austin, isn't this precisely what you desire? What are you stalling for now? Or could it be that you're reluctant to swiftly unite with Judith in eternal harmony?"

Austin found himself at a loss for words. Beside him, Judith discerned his hesitation, and the bitter resentment swelling within her heart reached its zenith.

She fiercely restrained her animosity and feigned concern.

"Ella, don't be so temperamental. It's merely a servant. Why buráen yourself so heavily over such triviality? Besides, Austin and I have always been pure and innocent. If you find me an eyesore, I can leave."

Her voice faltered, her eyes reddened with unshed tears.

Under normal circumstances, Austin would have already drawn her into his embrace, showering her with comfort and solace. But this time,his attention was fixed solely on Ella.

"You cherish Grandma the most. Can you truly bear to let her worry over us at such an advanced age?"

Ella offered no reply, her expression fraught with complexity.

Austin reáched out, as if to touch her gently. "Enough. I understand your distress. Calm yourself first; we will discuss this matter later."

"I will keep it from Grandma for you," Ella said, lifting her frigid, piercing gaze.

Before Austin could respond, she pressed on, "If you fear I'Il stake a claim on your fortune, you can engage a lawyer to draft the divorce agreement yourself."

With that, she strode out of the villa.

Austin watched her retreating figure grow smaller, his heart as if clenched and crushed by an unseen force, then discarded like refuse.

He struggled to breathe.

Why was it like this?

"Austín," A gentle voice called softly.

Austin turned to see Judith gazing at him with deep concern.

"Are you alright?" Judith grasped his hand, her eyes drawn to Ella's resolute silhouette beyond the door.

"Do you think Ella might have found someone she likes? Is that why she's so eager for a divorce?" Judith asked soothingly.

Austin's voice dropped, his brow furrowed tightly. "I don't think so."

"Austin, people change. Ella hasn't been herself lately. She was never this impulsive before."

Judith continued to cast aspersions on Ella.

Austin lowered his eyes, his gaze deepening.

At the police station, Ella learned that Yasmin could only be charged with theft.

Due to insufficient evidence, they couldn't implicate any other culprits.

Yet, without uncovering the true culprit behind the scenes, all her efforts evidently amounted to nothing.

Ella could not reconcile herself with such a futile outcome, but after seeking counsel from a lawyer, she found herself powerless.

Gazing intently at her phone, her fingers gradually curled into a tight grip.

If they refused to investigate, then she would take it upon herself to delve into the matter.

She unlocked her phone and scrolled through a seldom-used alumni

group chat, only to discover the preceding conversations archived within.

[Is Jason married yet?]

[I heard Jason joined a major corporation. He probably doesn't remember us classmates anymore.]

|What about Ella?]

|Wasn't she always following Jason around doing experiments? They entered so many competitions together at university!l

[Jason, come online! The single female alumni are getting desperate.J

Ella paused, feeling a strange melancholy.

If not for her marriage,perhaps she too would have had a better career.