Chapter 2

Brooklyn decided to move out with Robert during the cooling-off period of one month. Staying one day more in this home that she had personally designed and decorated made her feel sick to her stomach. That morning, Brooklyn was organizing her clothes in the walk-in closet. Christopher came in and stood beside her out of habit. He was waiting for her to hand him his matching coat and tie. Christopher remarked. "Brooklyn, take Robert and stay somewhere else for a few days. He's been crying all night for the past two days, and Samantha is a light sleeper. "She's on the verge of a breakdown due to the noise disturbance. Once she recovers, I'll bring you and Robert home immediately." Brooklyn's hand slipped, and she accidentally tore a long slit in her silk dress. Great, it was just what she wanted. Brooklyn had been thinking about how to tell Christopher that they were moving out. Now, she didn't even need to find an excuse. She mustered up all her strength and forced a single word from her throat. "Okay." Christopher waited for another moment, but Brooklyn didn't hand him his coat. He went up to her and hugged her gently. "Are you feeling upset? Samantha was delicately raised—" Brooklyn pushed him away impatiently. "Samantha! Samantha! You talk about her all day long. Anyone who didn't know would think that she's your woman." Christopher's face darkened. "What nonsense are you talking about? You're a graduate from a reputable college. How could your mind be so depraved?" He turned around and slammed the door on his way out, but he retraced his steps a moment later. He warned her, saying, "Don't let me hear any rumors circulating outside." That day, Brooklyn called a moving company and had everything taken to the house she owned before getting married to Christopher. Brooklyn thought she wouldn't have to see Samantha's face any longer. Unexpectedly, Samantha showed up at her office. "Brooklyn, I feel really bad that you and Robert can't stay home because of my health. That's why I thought of coming over to lend you a hand. Assign me a position at your company. I've already gotten Chris' approval." "There's no need," Brooklyn said. Samantha snapped, "I'm a graduate from Stanport College. Do you know how many companies are fighting over me? I came here because we're family, but how dare you put on airs? Don't be so ungrateful and shameless!" Brooklyn had the security escort her out immediately. Half an hour later, Christopher canceled a billion-dollar project and rushed over to Brooklyn's office. His face was icy as he asked, "Why are you still making things difficult for Samantha? You're older than her. Can't you be more tolerant of her?" Did Christopher forget that she was only a year older than Samantha? Brooklyn didn't want to argue, so she said calmly, "I'm not short on staff. Let her find work elsewhere." "Brooklyn, you're still so narrow-minded. I'm truly disappointed in you." Christopher took Samantha with him and left. However, the senior executives and junior staff of her company suddenly resigned en masse a few days later. Brooklyn's company came to a screeching halt. She tried to recruit workers in person but couldn't hire anyone. Feeling frustrated and anxious, she had no choice but to sell her company at a low price. On the day of handover to the new boss, Brooklyn pushed open the door to her office only to find Samantha sitting in her chair. Samantha said, "Chris said it's boring to just be an employee. If I'm going to join, I might as well be the boss. "Brooklyn, don't you think he's being just too domineering? Chris paid your employees twice their annual salaries to make them quit their jobs. That cost tens of millions." Brooklyn clenched her fists. She had started the company back in college and moved her office from a rented room in a residential neighborhood to the most luxurious office building. She endured countless hardships, sweat, and tears. This company was her lifeblood, and she cared for it like her own child. Christopher had witnessed how hard she worked to build up her company, yet he made her sell it off as if it were child's play. Furthermore, he sold it to the very woman who almost killed their son. Brooklyn regretted deeply. She regretted ever mistaking his persistence for sincerity. She hurt Robert, lost her company, and ruined herself. Christopher came into the room and sighed. "Things didn't have to turn out so ugly… We're family, so it doesn't make much of a difference. Brooklyn, this is still your company." Brooklyn sneered coldly. "Family? Christopher, we won't be very soon," she thought. She handed the handover documents to Samantha. "You've won. I don't want the company anymore." As soon as Brooklyn spoke, Samantha started throwing all the trophies and awards displayed in the cabinet onto the floor with a loud clatter. Some shards flew toward Brooklyn and cut her foot. Blood flowed out immediately. Just as Samantha picked up the last trophy made out of colorful ceramic, Brooklyn rushed over and snatched it from her hands. "Stop!" Samantha furrowed her brows and said, "You're the one who said you don't want the company. Why are you yelling at me when I'm just redecorating my office? What's more, you scratched my finger!" Christopher strode forward and gently lifted her hand to inspect it. She had a tiny scrape on the tip of her index finger. He turned to Brooklyn and shouted, "Where's the first aid kit?" She pointed toward it and turned to leave. "Stop right there." Christopher spoke again in an unusually calm voice. "Give the trophy to Samantha. This office belongs to her now, and she has full authority to do whatever she wants with it." His tone softened a little as he continued, "If you want, Robert and I will make you a new one." Brooklyn scrutinized Christopher. So, he still remembered that this trophy had been a gift from him and their son. It was because of their love that she had treasured this trophy so deeply. However, how much of his love was ever real? Since she didn't even want Christopher now, there was no reason for her to hold onto the trophy anymore. Brooklyn saw everything clearly in that instant. She raised the trophy high above her head and smashed it onto the floor.