Chapter 5 She Is My Family’s Servant

When Sebastian heard it was about divorce, he quickly apologized.

Violet smiled and shook her head, saying self-mockingly, "A marriage without love is already dead in all but name."

Sebastian still offered many words of comfort.

Violet didn't want to talk about the divorce, so she chatted with Sebastian about new software development instead.

The two had a great conversation that lasted over two hours.

If it weren't for a meeting at VelocityTech, Sebastian could have talked for several more hours.

Violet and Sebastian left the coffee shop together.

After they parted ways, Violet saw an arrogant woman walking over from the clothing store across the street.

It was Nora Hart, Adrian's sister, her unreasonable sister-in-law.

"Violet, was that Sebastian? How do you know him?" Nora asked haughtily.

Sebastian was a rising star in the tech world. He founded VelocityTech, and in just a few years, the company made it into the Fortune 500 with hundreds of billions in funding.

Last month, at the university anniversary celebration, Nora attended as an outstanding alumna and met Sebastian.

Nora was very interested in tech investment and had tried through many connections to reach Sebastian, but failed.

Violet's expression was cold as she glanced at Nora indifferently. "Discussing a project collaboration."

"Mr. Morgan and you?" Nora scoffed. "Is it a Hart Group project?"

Before Violet could answer, Nora mocked even more harshly, "Wait, that's not right. Why would my brother give you an important project?"

"What could you possibly accomplish? You're just a secretary who serves tea and passes documents. Even the security guards downstairs are more useful than you."

"Violet, what exactly did you and Sebastian talk about?"

Nora blocked Violet's path, her manner aggressive.

She had just been trying on clothes in the store and saw through the glass window that Violet and Sebastian were having a very engaged conversation!

Violet looked coldly at the arrogant Nora. "None of your business."

With that, Violet moved past Nora, ready to leave.

Nora called out, "Violet, next Monday is Lily's birthday. Remember to make a good cake."

"Lily is inviting her whole class home for a party, about thirty kids."

"You better make it nice and presentable. Don't embarrass us, understand?"

Her tone was commanding, as if giving orders to a servant.

Lily was Nora's daughter.

Nora got pregnant before marriage and was abandoned by a jerk. She raised her daughter alone and had become a laughingstock in the Hart family.

The Harts all looked down on Nora, so she could only bully Violet, who seemed easy to push around.

Lily liked the desserts Violet made.

So Nora would dump Lily on Violet every few days.

Lily's personality was as mean as Nora's. She'd eat the little cakes Violet made while treating her like a servant, ordering her around.

The old Violet loved Adrian, loved him to the bone.

She silently endured all the cold looks and harsh treatment from the Hart family.

Now, Violet and Adrian's marriage had fallen apart, and she no longer needed to keep swallowing her pride.

There was no need to waste even a bit more time on the Hart family!

Violet turned back and looked coldly at the aggressive Nora. "I'm busy. I don't have time."

Nora said dismissively, "A secretary position is just making coffee and delivering documents."

"Hart Group has plenty of talented people who can do the work. What could you possibly be busy with?"

She hadn't expected Violet, who always compromised, to actually refuse.

In the past, Violet would agree to any request.

Violet had even been humble enough to cook hangover soup for Nora at 3 AM just to please Adrian!

Nora stared at Violet. "I'm giving you a chance to please me now, Violet. Don't be ungrateful!"

Violet let out a cold laugh, a wave of bitterness spreading in her heart.

For six whole years, she gave up herself to become a dutiful spinning top, tirelessly revolving around the Hart family.

She had been blind, unable to see the Hart family for the ungrateful people they were.

Now, Violet could see clearly and would no longer be ordered around.

Violet smiled sarcastically and asked back, "Would you want this kind of opportunity if it were offered to you?"

"Violet, I see you've gotten bold!"

Nora was about to explode when suddenly an acquaintance called out to her.

Looking over, it was several people in charge of a project collaboration.

Nora swallowed her anger and put on a polite smile.

The people walked over, their curious gazes briefly resting on Violet.

Nora casually explained, "My family's servant."

With that, she left with the group.

Violet stood there, watching Nora's retreating figure.

It was a bit ridiculous.

She was clearly Adrian's legal wife, yet she had become the Hart family's servant.

In the past, Violet would have felt sad and hurt, but now, none of it mattered anymore.

That evening at 9:30.

Adrian came home with Theodore.

Theodore had spent the whole day at the amusement park with Quinn.

He was tired from playing, so Adrian carried him home.

Only the butler and Martha were home. Still no sign of Violet.

Adrian carried Theodore upstairs to the bedroom.

Theodore rested his head on Adrian's shoulder and said somewhat glumly, "Mom hasn't been home for over half a month, has she?"

Not only had Mom not come home, she hadn't even called.

He was starting to feel uneasy.

Adrian didn't respond.

He hadn't even noticed how long Violet had been away from home.

Only when his son mentioned it did he realize Violet really hadn't been home in a while.

Theodore started missing his mom a bit again.

In the past, every night, Mom would tell him bedtime stories and put him to sleep.

Mom would often hold him in her arms too.

Mom smelled nice, different from Auntie Quinn's scent.

Theodore asked quietly, "Dad, is the company project still not finished?"

Adrian said, "Almost done."

"Okay." Theodore didn't ask anymore.

He felt conflicted—he missed his mom, but he also didn't want her to actually come back.

During the half month Mom was away, he really felt relaxed, not having to be nagged and lectured all the time.

Theodore thought again that it would be great if Mom could be as gentle and understanding as Auntie Quinn.

After putting Theodore to sleep, Adrian went downstairs and met the butler coming toward him.

"Has she not come back at all?" Adrian asked.

The butler knew Adrian was asking about Violet and replied, "Madam says she's busy with work."

Violet hadn't been home for several days in a row. The butler was worried and had called several times to ask why.

"Should I call Madam again to ask?" the butler suggested.

Adrian's deep eyes flickered slightly, his expression still cold. "No need."

With that, he went upstairs to his study to continue reviewing project documents.

Adrian had no interest in Violet's whereabouts.

Not before, not now.