Chapter 2

The moment Lexi hung up the phone, the ward door was shoved open. Before she could look up, someone had her in their arms. "Lexi, we can have another child again. That was just an accident. The explosion happened too fast." Joshua's voice had returned to its usual gentleness, but to Lexi, it was sickening. Sebastian's final cry of pain replayed in her mind like a never-ending nightmare. She pushed Joshua away, her face expressionless. "That wasn't an accident. It was murder. His own father ended his life." Sensing the hatred radiating from her, Joshua reached out and took her hand. His eyes were soft, but she knew it was all an act. "Lexi, I know you're hurting. I've already arranged to transfer half of my assets to you. Consider it compensation." "Compensation paid for with my child's life?" Tears spilled instantly. Lexi had never imagined that she and Joshua would end up like this. She had gone abroad at a young age. At 20, she joined the engineering corps as an explosive ordnance specialist. At 24, she became a nationally recognized bomb expert with a bright future ahead of her. Everything changed during a rescue mission when she found Joshua caught in a kidnapper's trap for revenge. He had been strapped with five time bombs, with barely over ten minutes left. No one in the entire city dared step forward to dismantle them. She volunteered. Under extreme pressure, relying purely on her skill and composure, she successfully saved him. After that, Joshua pursued her relentlessly. He publicly declared his love at award ceremonies, swore solemn vows under flags, and lit fireworks across the city. Those had all been proof that he once loved her. And now, every bit of it felt like a cruel joke. Just then, the ward door was pushed open again, snapping Lexi back to reality. Melissa walked in with teary eyes and collapsed into Joshua's arms, looking helpless and pitiful. "Joshua, people are saying Lexi only saved me because you threatened her, and that I should be held responsible for Sebastian's death." Joshua held Melissa protectively, his eyes flicking toward Lexi. "Lexi, I'll contact the media and hold a press conference. You'll set the record straight by making it clear that this was your decision alone, that Mel had nothing to do with it. Explain that Sebastian died because your misjudgment caused the bomb to detonate early." Lexi stared at him in disbelief. "You're the ones who caused Sebastian's death, and now you want me to take all the blame? Why should I?" Melissa shrank back into Joshua's arms, tugging nervously at his sleeve. "Joshua, it's just a few rumors. I can handle it. Please don't make things harder for Lexi." Joshua, however, looked at Lexi with a dark expression. He reached into his pocket and pulled out several photographs. "Lexi, you wouldn't want photos of your mother being humiliated to spread all over the city, would you?" The moment Lexi saw the images of Sapphire pinned to the ground, screaming in desperation, her entire body went cold. "Joshua, Sebastian is already dead. Are you determined to drive my mother to her death, too, before you're satisfied?" Joshua met her bloodshot gaze without any change in expression. "That's up to you." At that moment, Lexi's pager went off. It was a message from a friend. "Lexi, your mother is suffering from severe trauma. The doctor says she can't handle any more stress or shocks." Reading the message, Lexi let her hands fall to her sides, the weight of despair pressing down on her. She nodded numbly. "Fine. I'll do it. I'll take full responsibility." It was only after hearing the answer he wanted that Joshua finally looked satisfied. He gently patted her head. "Well done, Lexi." As his words fell, the lawyer walked in, carrying the divorce papers. Lexi took the documents directly and handed them to Joshua. "Sign it. And the 50 percent of the assets you promised me." Joshua did not hesitate for even a second. He took the papers and immediately signed his name. The lawyer accepted the signed agreement and glanced at Lexi. "Ms. Shaw, after approval from higher authorities, the process should be completed in about 30 days." Watching Lexi calmly discuss matters with the lawyer, Joshua felt an inexplicable sense of unease stir in his chest. But he quickly suppressed it.