Chapter 3

Even though Elaine felt nothing for Marcus, emotionally speaking, she wasn't dumb—she still needed the Orion Axis Group as her safety net. So yeah, divorce? Out of the question. With that thought locked in, she did a 180 in attitude. Elaine gently placed the divorce papers on the table and flashed Marcus a sweet smile. "Mr. Sinclair, divorce is a big deal. Don't you think we should at least give our parents a heads-up?" In the past, Audrey had always called him "Honey," but Elaine just couldn't bring herself to say that. Marcus clearly wasn't expecting the sudden shift in how she addressed him. Still, she didn't hold back—once again dragging the parents into the mix as her bargaining chip. But this time, her vibe was noticeably different. She wasn't tearing up the papers like before. Instead, she played it all lighthearted and cheeky. Watching Marcus's unreadable expression, Elaine kept pushing, "Of course, I know even if they disagree, it won't change your mind. But still, courtesy, right? Just let them know." She raised a brow at him. "What do you think?" His gaze darkened, voice sinking into a low warning tone. "Audrey, how many times are you planning to use the same trick?" "Trick?" Elaine faked confusion like a pro. "I honestly don't get what you're implying." "I just figured it's polite to inform the elders. They're getting old—I don't want them getting a scare." Her innocent smile could fool just about anyone. That look messed with Marcus a bit. The Audrey he used to know hardly ever smiled. Her face constantly looked like she'd just lost a fight. And even if she did smile, it definitely wasn't like this—so bright and genuine. It took him a beat to compose himself before warning, voice soft but firm, "Don't push your luck." Elaine opened her mouth to clap back, but just then, Mrs. Thompson's voice echoed from the hallway. "Sir, ma'am, dinner is ready." "Perfect timing, I'm starving." Ignoring the tension, Elaine hopped off the couch and practically bounced downstairs. For a split second, Marcus was thrown. This woman... felt different. Totally different from the Audrey he was used to. Her every move, even the way she smiled, was off—in a good way. Elaine sat down at the dining table like she owned the place—but her excitement quickly fizzled. The food looked painfully bland. The only thing that caught her eye was the roasted chicken glazed with honey mustard. The rest? Mostly steamed veggies and a sad-looking quinoa salad. Whatever. Hunger trumped everything. Without hesitation, Elaine grabbed her plate and, right there in front of Marcus and the house staff, scarfed down half a plate of chicken and mashed potatoes like a competitive eater. And honestly? She had complaints. That portion? Definitely not enough. No biggie—she'd just get seconds. Holding out her plate, she looked at Mrs. Thompson and said, "Can I get another helping, please?" Mrs. Thompson froze for a second, stunned. That amount of food already exceeded Elaine's usual appetite—and the speed? Ridiculous. And the fact that she was going after the roasted chicken like it was her absolute favorite? Totally bizarre. She glanced at Marcus. He too was staring at Elaine like she'd just morphed into someone else entirely. Elaine raised a brow at Mrs. Thompson. "What? We outta chicken?" Snapping out of it, Mrs. Thompson quickly took the plate. "No, no, we have plenty. I'll bring you more right away." "Thanks." Elaine grabbed the refilled plate and dove right back in. Mrs. Thompson nervously watched her eat, then finally blurted out, "Ma'am..." Elaine looked up, mouth still half full. "Yeah?"