Chapter 5

Conference room.

Facing a room full of industry leaders, Octavia humbly asked for their advice.

Finnian watched and frowned slightly before speaking up. "Let me give everyone a proper introduction. This is my junior, Octavia Lavien. You all know that AI algorithm from a few years ago, right? That patent belongs to my junior here."

The moment those words left his mouth, everyone's gaze toward Octavia shifted instantly. After all, that algorithm was still widely used today. They'd only heard it had been invented by a student—seeing the person behind it in the flesh left them stunned.

Throughout the rest of the discussion, Octavia clearly felt the respect from everyone. Bit by bit, her confidence returned.

A few hours later, the meeting ended.

Finnian extended his hand toward Octavia. "This project has attracted a lot of talent. I'm really glad to have the chance to work with you."

"Same here. Thank you." From the moment they'd met, she'd noticed he'd been speaking up for her repeatedly. She'd remember this kindness.

After leaving the tech park, Octavia headed to the mall.

Over the years she'd been traveling constantly for work, her wardrobe was pitifully sparse—and everything was business attire.

New beginnings called for a fresh look. Changing her clothes might lift her mood too.

She'd just reached the mall entrance when a hand suddenly reached out.

"I thought you were a workaholic who only knew how to work. You have time to shop but can't take proper care of your child. No wonder my son doesn't like you—even the kid you gave birth to hates you. Here, take this. We're going to look at jewelry..."

Octavia sighed helplessly.

She looked at the shopping bag being handed to her but made no move to take it.

"What are you staring at? You have no manners at all. I'm your mother-in-law. You should respect your elders..." Her mother-in-law, Gemma Garcia, arrogantly shoved the shopping bag toward her.

Octavia didn't catch it. The bag dropped straight to the ground.

"Pick it up." Gemma glared at her fiercely, issuing the order as if it were natural, then clip-clopped forward in her high heels.

After a few steps, she turned back to see Octavia hadn't moved. Her expression darkened further.

Octavia ignored her and turned to leave.

Gemma froze for a moment, then barked coldly, "Where do you think you're going? Pick it up!"

The same commanding tone as always.

Octavia stopped in her tracks and looked back coldly. "I'm never carrying your shopping bags again. Do your own work."

"What did you just say? Say that again."

"I suggest you get your ears checked."

Ignoring the woman's livid face, Octavia walked into a nearby shop.

Gemma forgot about the things on the ground, her chest heaving violently. "You've really lost your mind, haven't you? Being able to marry my son was your lucky break. Believe it or not, I can have you thrown out on the street this instant and leave you with nothing."

"Go ahead."

Too noisy. Impossible to shop in peace.

Octavia quickly left the mall.

The Grimaldi Villa.

In the living room, Holden was curled up on the sofa, watching cartoons while eating snacks. In just a few days, his little face had rounded noticeably.

Ignatius, who'd been replying to work emails, looked up. Seeing his son like this, his brow furrowed slightly. He was about to speak when the door was pushed open.

Gemma stormed in, carrying shopping bags, her face flushed with anger.

"Look at the fine wife you married! No manners whatsoever. Saw me at the mall and just walked off. A woman like that is utterly useless—doesn't take care of the house or the child."

"I really regret it. I never should've let a woman like that into this family. Divorce. Immediately. Make her leave with nothing."

Octavia? Did she really have that kind of nerve?

Seeing his mother's furious state, Ignatius's expression darkened.

Half a month had passed. This tantrum of Octavia's was lasting a bit too long—she still hadn't come back.

"Are you listening? Divorce her right now. A woman like that doesn't deserve to marry into this family. She doesn't take care of her husband or her child. What's the point of keeping her around?"

"Poor grandson of mine, having a mother like that—it's so humiliating..."

The complaints continued.

Ignatius felt inexplicably irritated. "That's enough. Keep your voice down. The woman you're talking about is my wife and Holden's biological mother. Don't let the child hear this."

Adult conflicts shouldn't involve children. He didn't want his son growing up in an unhappy household.

"Fine. So you've grown up and stopped listening to me, is that it..."

Ignatius gave her a long look, worried Holden might hear too much and be upset. He took Holden's hand and led him upstairs.

Gemma was left alone in the living room, fuming. She threw the shopping bags on the floor. "No manners. Not a single one of them has any manners."

She noticed a box sitting on the table and raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

"It's a gift from Mrs. Grimaldi to Mr. Grimaldi..."

A gift? Hearing that, Gemma waved her hand dismissively.

After Veda left and no one was around, she angrily opened the box.

"Living off my family, using my family's money—what kind of good gift could she possibly buy..."

She muttered as she opened it. When she saw what was inside, her eyes went wide.

Divorce papers?

She snatched them up excitedly, flipping through the contents, nearly laughing out loud.

So she wants a divorce? Perfect. Once her son was free, she'd immediately find him someone from a suitable family to marry.

Hearing footsteps, she quickly stuffed the divorce papers into a shopping bag and hurried out.

In the study.

Ignatius stared at his call log with Octavia, frustration welling up. He hated this feeling of being out of control.

The phone rang.

Holden's eyes curved into crescents, his face full of smiles. "Yvaine, what are you doing? I miss you so much."

"I miss you too. What are you up to? Should we go out to eat together?" Yvaine's gentle voice echoed through the empty study.

Holden was so happy he practically bounced. "Of course that's okay..."

Midway through his sentence, he looked at Ignatius with hopeful eyes.

Those big, watery eyes held a trace of pitifulness that could melt anyone's heart. No one could refuse.

Ignatius responded coolly, "Set a time and place. I'll take you."

Holden practically danced with joy. "Did you hear that? Daddy said yes! Where are we going?"

The call ended.

Holden threw himself into Ignatius's arms, his little face beaming. "Yvaine's the best. She knows I love fries, and she's even going to buy me a present."

A child's happiness was that simple. One serving of fries could make his little face light up like a flower.

Ignatius ruffled his fluffy hair. "If you're happy, that's all that matters. Go get ready. We're leaving now."

"Yay! I'm gonna bring her the picture I made at school. I worked on it forever."

The father and son changed clothes and headed out.

On the other end, Yvaine hung up the phone, a smile curling at her lips.

Octavia was still running away from home? Good. She hoped she'd never come back.

These past days, she'd been asking Ignatius and Holden out frequently. Habits were terrifying things. She wanted them both to get used to her presence.

What she'd lost, she'd take back. She'd make Octavia understand the price of stealing from her.

She arched an eyebrow, her eyes full of determination.