Chapter 5

Lawrence was completely clueless.

Three years married to Emily, and when he really thought about it, he realized he didn't know a thing about her!

Sophia's face was stern. "She went out looking for you last night and hasn't come back yet. What kind of wife does that? Married for so many years, not having kids is one thing, but now she's throwing a tantrum and not coming home! And you, you didn't even come back for your grandfather's birthday yesterday. If you had a legitimate reason, fine, but you missed it just to celebrate Olivia's birthday. Of course your grandfather is furious! Go apologize right now. If you really like Olivia, wait until Emily divorces you and then marry her."

Lawrence remembered Emily's temper when she mentioned divorce last night.

Lawrence's expression turned cold. "Mom, did you talk to her about divorce?"

"Of course!" Sophia didn't think there was anything wrong. "She's been married for three years and hasn't given us a son. What's the point of keeping her around? I gave her an ultimatum last night. She has two more months. If she's not pregnant by then, she's out!"

Lawrence gave her a long look. "Mom, this is between me and her. Don't interfere anymore."

With that, he walked into the house, his face still cold.

Sophia was stunned for a moment, then chased after him. "Lawrence, what do you mean by that? You..."

She stopped mid-sentence when she met James's cold, stern eyes.

James warned Sophia and then turned his gaze to Lawrence. "Come with me."

Lawrence took off his suit jacket and handed it to a servant before following James upstairs.

As soon as they entered the study, James slammed his cane down. "Kneel!"

Lawrence stood still. "Grandpa, I'm an adult now!"

James held a revered position in the Parker family, and no one dared to defy him.

When he disciplined the younger generation, he never held back. Lawrence and the others had all been punished by him.

James couldn't help but give him another whack. "You know you're an adult, yet you did something so disgraceful yesterday. Is that how a mature man behaves? Emily is your wife. You didn't even give her flowers on her birthday, but you bought fireworks for another woman's birthday. What does that mean? No wonder Emily wants a divorce! I don't care; I only recognize Emily as my granddaughter-in-law. If you lose her, don't bother coming back to the Parker family. I don't have a grandson who can't get his act together!"

"I know Emily. If she's asking for a divorce now, it's probably just a moment of anger. But if you don't hurry and win her back, she might really leave, and then you'll regret it!"

Lawrence stood straight, seemingly unfazed by the hit to his leg.

His eyes held a cold glint. "If she leaves, she leaves. Do you think I can't find another wife?"

"I'm worried you won't find one as good as Emily!"

James added, "No, you definitely won't find one as good as Emily!"

Lawrence said nothing, his expression cold and indifferent.

Seeing this, James was exasperated. "I don't understand. When Emily came with the engagement token, you agreed to marry her. Didn't you like her and protect her when you were kids? When she was sent to the countryside, you kept saying you wanted to find her. What changed?"

Lawrence let out a cold laugh. "People change."

James was so angry he almost spat blood, his cane thumping loudly.

"Regardless, you're married to Emily and should be responsible for her. If you keep this up, I'll strip you of your inheritance! The Parker family company will never be handed to someone who breaks promises!"

Hearing this, Lawrence's face darkened.

He looked at James calmly for a long moment before smirking. "You can announce the new heir now. Let's see if they can handle it."

With that, he turned and walked out without looking back.

Behind him, James was furious, throwing his cane at the door, which slammed shut with a loud bang.

That ungrateful brat! He'll regret this someday!

Leaving the study, Lawrence received a call from his home.

"Mr. Parker, we just received a document. It looks like... a court summons."

"A summons?" Lawrence narrowed his eyes. "What kind of summons?"

The servant's voice was hesitant. "It's a divorce summons from Mrs. Parker."

Lawrence's expression turned icy.

He hung up and quickly headed out.

A servant handed him his coat, and Sophia hurried after him.

"Dinner's almost ready. Where are you going?"

He missed James's birthday party yesterday, and now he was leaving again. What would the family think? What would the extended family think?

Did he still want to be the Parker family heir?

Lawrence didn't look back. "I have something urgent to handle."

Behind him, Sophia stomped her foot in frustration.

Lawrence drove home and saw the summons with the name of the opposing lawyer. His eyes narrowed dangerously.

Jerry Nelson, a renowned top lawyer with an undefeated record, working for Apex Global Enterprises.

He was known for handling only commercial cases, never touching divorce.

Why did he make an exception for Emily?

Were they already acquainted, or was he one of the people Emily mentioned who could replace him?

The servant, sensing Lawrence's mood, quickly left after handing him the summons.

Lawrence stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his tall figure exuding a chilling aura.

After a long while, Lawrence let out a cold laugh.

He took out his phone and called Emily.

But her number and WhatsApp were blocked.

Lawrence's cold laughter continued, his grip on the phone so tight his knuckles turned white.

Fine, very fine!

Emily, you're serious about this!

He took a deep breath and called Jerry.

On the other end, Jerry looked at the caller ID and then at the man sitting across from him, half-hidden in the shadows.

"Lawrence is calling."

Daniel reached out. "Give me the phone."

Jerry handed it over, and as soon as Daniel answered, Lawrence's icy voice came through.

"Where's Emily? Divorce? Fine! Let her tell me herself!"

"Emily doesn't want to see you. Mr. Parker, it's best if you sign the divorce papers. Dragging this to court won't be good for either of you."

Lawrence laughed. No one in Emerald City dared to challenge him!

"You better advise her to think this through, or else..."

Daniel's voice turned cold. "Lawrence, don't think Emily is without support."

"Try threatening me and see what happens!"