Chapter 2

When Alex showed up at the nursing home, he looked like he was about to explode.

Diana noticed the marks on his neck and knew he'd just been with another woman.

"What the hell are you doing? Who said you could call the cops?" Alex barged in, fuming.

A police officer stepped in front of him. "Watch your mouth. Your wife reported that you've been keeping her mother here against her will, Mr. Smith. Is that true?"

The cops knew Alex from the tabloids. Seeing him act so playboy-like, they had their guessings. Just another rich guy scandal.

Alex tried to show good manners. "Are you seriously mad? Throwing a fit and calling the cops over family stuff? Airing our dirty laundry isn't a good look."

He always pretend to keep up appearances in front of others.

Diana was fed up. Their marriage was a disaster beneath the surface.

She was ready to fight back, even if it meant going down together. "You won't let me see my own mother and you're keeping her locked up. Alex, what's your game? I have every right to call the police."

Alex reached for her hand. "Let's talk in private."

Diana stepped back, hiding behind the officer. "I've got nothing to say to you."

She knew Alex cared about his image, and making a scene wouldn't help him.

The cops could only mediate. "How about a compromise? Mr. Smith, you let Ms. Mellon visit her mother, and Ms. Mellon drops the case?"

That was exactly what Diana wanted. Alex wasn't happy but had to agree.

They both went to the police station, and by the time they left, it was dark.

Laura Williams, all dolled up, was waiting outside. She rushed over to Alex. "Alex, are you hungry? I made dinner for you."

Diana met Laura's challenging gaze and felt nothing. She flagged down a taxi.

She'd seen this scene too many times over the past three years to care anymore.

Alex's lovers came and went. If Diana got upset over each one, she'd be a wreck.

Alex called after her, looking pissed. "Are you trying to start a war?"

Diana turned back, her voice cold. "We both have dirt on each other. You better take care of my mom, or next time I'll go to the media."

Alex's voice was icy. "What, you want everyone to know you slept with another guy before our wedding?"

Diana stayed calm. “I don't mind airing our issues. Let's see if you're not scared of the headlines: 'Mr. Smith tolerates wife's infidelity for three years.' Don't push me, Alex. We'll both go down."

Alex's veins bulged. He shoved Laura aside and grabbed Diana's face hard. "Do you want to die?"

He squeezed so hard her skin turned red, like it might burst.

But Diana just smiled. "I want a divorce."

Alex"s anger exploded. "Not gonna happen."

The whole scene ended badly.

Diana went home in the cold, leaning against the door frame, finally letting out a breath she'd been holding.

She knelt on the ground, crying silently in the dark. The warm room couldn't chase away the chill that had settled deep in her bones. She'd been enduring this pain for three years. Why couldn't she fight back?

Meanwhile, in Harmony City, at The Visconti Manor...

Ronald Visconti was chilling by the water, fishing, when a guard brought in a grumpy-looking Stanley Visconti.

Stanley walked up and said, "Grandpa," but nothing more.

Ronald glanced at him. "I called you back for something important, why the long face? I heard you had a woman with you last night."

Stanley looked up, his sharp eyes staring straight ahead. "That's my business."

In other words, Ronald was sticking his nose where it didn't belong.

Ronald chuckled. "She hasn't married you yet, and you're already so protective. I didn't say I disapproved. Have you checked her background?"

Stanley nodded.

In a family like his, everyone around him got a background check, especially someone who might be his lover.

Even if he didn't like it, he had to do it. It was a matter of principle.

"That girl hasn't divorced yet. Her husband's a piece of work, always with other women," Ronald said flatly.

Stanley replied coldly, "That's not her fault."

Ronald looked at Stanley's sour expression. "You were in the military for a few years and should know some principles can't be broken. You've broken the family rules twice. Go and take your punishment later."

Stanley kept a stern face. "Got it."

Ronald put away his fishing rod. "If you want to marry her, wait until she's divorced. Do it right, don't bring shame to the Visconti family. By the way, I called you back for a task. You need to work with the military, using your position as the president of the Visconti Group. The team is all trustworthy military folks. Get ready and go. The car's waiting outside, and you can review the documents on the way."

The Visconti family was one of the few involved in both politics and business.

Ronald was a big shot in the political world.

When it came to Stanley's father's generation, he went into business despite opposition, building a vast empire over decades.

By the time it was passed to Stanley, the Visconti Group had become a massive conglomerate with immense power and influence.

With that power came hidden and important responsibilities.

Stanley's identity was both a good shield and a good target.

Three years ago, an accident caused Stanley to make a mistake, inadvertently ruining Diana's marriage. He deeply regretted it and, over time, fell in love with Diana, whom he had only met once.

He spent three years clearing obstacles to get close to Diana.

It wasn't just for a one-night stand but for a long-term responsibility and love.

After assigning the task, Ronald leisurely walked away with an empty bucket and fishing rod.

Stanley went to the family room, took a few lashes, cleaned off the blood, and walked out of the Visconti Manor.

As soon as he got in the car, his confidant reported, "Ms. Mellon was kicked out of the Smith Manor. She had a dispute with Alex over her mother, involving the police, but they reached a settlement."

Stanley's brows furrowed. "Does she have a place to stay?"

His confidant nodded. "Ms. Mellon is currently staying at an old property under her mother's name."

Stanley nodded. "Make sure she's protected. I'll figure out the rest when I get back."