The next day, Thomas rushed in from another city and headed straight to Broad’s office to discuss a potential collaboration.
Vivienne accompanied her father, her head held high all the way. She was convinced it was her pivotal assistance that had come to Broad’s rescue when he needed it most. In her mind, her father’s meeting with Broad was practically a stage for Broad to publicly acknowledge their relationship. This thought filled her with pride.
Inwardly, she sneered, Miranda, you’ve never received this kind of treatment because you’re nothing but a useless woman.
Thomas expressed great interest in the deal, and Broad quickly signed a contract with him. With a company now willing to take over the batch of eco-friendly materials, the previously hostile board members softened their stance. Stephen strode up to Broad and said, “Broad, it seems you do have some abilities. Keep it up.”
Meanwhile, Broad’s rival, Victorino, was so furious he nearly lost his composure.
Broad, feeling deeply grateful for Vivienne’s contribution, took the opportunity before Thomas left to make a heartfelt announcement: “Mr. Thomas, I’ve decided to get engaged to Vivienne.”
Vivienne was so overwhelmed by Broad’s words that she almost fainted. She was convinced that, in this battle for Broad’s affection, Miranda had been utterly defeated.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Broad and said, “Darling, I’m so happy.”
Meanwhile, in the president’s office at Westbrook Corporation, Miranda was lounging on the sofa, browsing the news on her phone. Suddenly, her fingers paused.
She sat up straight and gestured at Charlotte with her phone. “You won’t believe this, Charlotte. Broad just struck a deal with Vivienne’s father!”
Charlotte smirked, barely looking up from her typing. “Miranda, do you seriously think Vivienne’s family is that generous?”
Miranda frowned, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Charlotte finished typing and hit send. Then, she opened a file on her computer and turned the screen toward Miranda. “Come here and take a look.”
Miranda leaned in and saw a detailed corporate background report. Her tone was tinged with surprise. “This is insanely thorough.”
Charlotte smiled faintly. “My dad worries too much about me. He spent a fortune investigating every potential business partner to make sure I wouldn’t fall into a trap. This report is one of a kind.”
As she spoke, she scrolled to the page on Thomas’s company. “See for yourself.”
Miranda read carefully, then gasped. “Vivienne’s father made his fortune in shady industries!”
“Exactly,” Charlotte said, leaning back in her chair. “Even now, Thomas’s company employs a number of enforcers. It’s just that his family has covered up the negative press so well, doing a lot of charity work to distract the public, that hardly anyone knows.”
Miranda’s mood inexplicably lifted. “How interesting! I can’t wait to see this partnership blow up in Broad’s face. I bet his reaction will be priceless.”
The next day was the date Miranda and Broad had set to finalize their divorce.
Earlier that morning, Eric had called her, his tone playful and mysterious. “Darling, I won’t be able to pick you up tomorrow!”
Miranda didn’t mind. Since deciding to divorce Broad, she had vowed to become an independent woman, relying on no man.
She drove herself to city hall, where Broad and Vivienne were already waiting. Vivienne clung to Broad’s arm, her entire body practically draped over him.
“You’re late,” Broad scolded sharply as Miranda approached.
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “Oh? Couldn’t bear to wait a few minutes? Funny, considering I waited for you every night during our marriage. Should I send you an invoice for all those hours?”
Vivienne seized the opportunity to flaunt her engagement ring in Miranda’s face. “You’re just a washed-up old woman. Who cares about your miserable marriage? I’m here today to announce my engagement to Broad!”
Miranda barely glanced at the ring before fixing Broad with an icy smile. “That diamond… is that really the best you can afford? Looks like the company’s cash flow is tight.”
“You-!” Vivienne turned purple with rage, but Broad held her back.
“Keep fooling yourself, Miranda,” Broad sneered. “Losing a man like me will be your lifelong regret. And don’t worry-I won’t spare you another glance, ever.”
“You?” Miranda’s laugh was sharp and cutting. “You don’t even realize you’ve been played.”
“Explain yourself!” Broad barked, his commanding tone instinctive.
But Miranda simply checked her watch. “Let’s get this over with. Being tied to you for even one more second feels like a life sentence.”
With both parties cooperating, the divorce proceedings were finalized quickly. By the time they stepped out of city hall, Miranda and Broad were no longer husband and wife.
Miranda exhaled deeply, as if releasing all the frustration bottled up during her seven-year marriage. She glanced up at the sky. The sun was shining brilliantly, just like the bright future she envisioned for herself.
As she prepared to leave, a sleek Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up smoothly in front of city hall.
Broad, standing behind her, immediately recognized the car. It was a custom extended edition, worth over ten million dollars. More importantly, this wasn’t just a car anyone could buy-it was a symbol of the owner’s status. His expression darkened.
Miranda smiled faintly, fully aware that this was Eric’s doing. Eric stepped out of the car, walked to the passenger side, and opened the door for her. “Get in, my princess.”
Miranda placed her hand in Eric’s, and he leaned down to kiss her hand gently. “Darling, you didn’t have to come today.”
Without sparing a glance at the couple behind her, Miranda got into the car. The engine roared to life, and in an instant, they were gone from Broad and Vivienne’s view.
Inside the car, Miranda stretched out comfortably. “Eric, was this your surprise? Picking me up in this car?”
Eric kept his eyes on the road, a small smile playing on his lips. “Darling, you underestimate my creativity. Look ahead.”
Miranda blinked, puzzled. Then, as she saw what was in front of them, she gasped.
A towering billboard, once featuring a razor advertisement, now displayed her portrait. In bold black letters, it read: Congratulations to Ms. Miranda Grant on her successful divorce!
As the car sped past, a second billboard, identical in design, came into view.
Miranda turned to Eric, her eyes shining with delight. “This is… the best divorce gift I’ve ever received.”
Eric’s smile deepened. “We’re driving in the opposite direction from your ex-husband. But don’t worry-I’ve prepared some matching ‘surprises’ for their route home too.”