Chapter 7: The Choice of Blood

With a triumphant smile, Charlee hugged Erik tightly and praised him.

"Good boy. My good son."

After all, they were connected by blood.

And I… I was just an outsider.

I couldn’t help but mock myself inwardly.

"What are you doing?"

Zachary’s cold voice suddenly sounded from the doorway.

He had just returned from the company.

Still dressed in his suit, he stood tall and rigid, his expression unreadable.

Charlee immediately began to cry.

"Stephanie went crazy. She started cutting all the clothes with scissors. I tried to stop her, but she cursed me…"

I stared at her in disbelief as she continued her lies.

"She even scolded Erik. Look at him—he’s terrified. He hasn’t stopped crying."

Zachary said nothing.

He walked into the cloakroom silently and picked up the white T-shirt from the floor.

Erik had stepped on it, leaving dirty footprints on the pink star.

Zachary brushed off the dust slowly and looked at me.

"Don’t you want to explain?"

His eyes were cold and distant, just like always.

His tone was calm, but I could feel the contempt hidden beneath it.

In that moment, something inside me snapped.

He wanted me to bow my head.

He wanted me to apologize and accept everything quietly.

He wanted me to remain obedient, like always.

But I refused.

"Listen carefully," I said coldly.

"I didn’t cut the clothes. I won’t pay for anything."

"And I didn’t make your son cry."

"From now on, I have nothing to do with him."

"And I will divorce you."

Zachary stood there, expressionless, like a god looking down on a mortal.

I hated that look the most.

Because it meant he didn’t care about me at all.

Charlee, on the other hand, continued her performance.

She sat on the floor gracefully, her legs slightly bent, looking fragile and pitiful.

She grabbed the hem of Zachary’s trousers and looked up at him with teary eyes.

"There’s no surveillance camera here," she said softly.

"Zachary… who do you believe? Me or her?"

Her acting disgusted me.

I couldn’t stay there any longer.

I turned and ran out of the villa.

Outside, the night air was cold and damp.

A light drizzle had begun to fall.

My clothes quickly became soaked, and I trembled in the cold.

Without hesitation, I took out my phone and dialed Dustin’s number.

Fortunately, he agreed to help me.

I hailed a taxi and rushed to the location he gave me.

A reporter he had arranged was already waiting there.

Based on the information I provided, they began drafting explosive headlines.

"Zachary Mason impregnated a nineteen-year-old before marriage—he has a son."

"Zachary Mason hires a stepmother for his autistic child. Click to learn more."

"Zachary Mason treats his son’s stepmother as a nanny while secretly reconnecting with his ex-lover."

Standing behind me, Dustin read each headline aloud with amusement.

"Are you sure everything you said is true, Stephanie?"

"If this goes public, Zachary’s reputation will be destroyed."

"Don’t worry," I replied with a faint smile.

"Everything is true. I want him to lose everything."

But even as I said that, a dull pain spread through my chest.

My body curled slightly as if trying to contain the ache.

My wet clothes clung to my skin, making me feel even colder.

"Go to Lattetude Mall and buy some clothes for Mrs. Mason," Dustin instructed his secretary, handing over a black card.

Then he turned to me and spoke gently.

"You might catch a cold. Take a hot shower."

He rested his hand casually on the back of my chair.

I could faintly feel his fingers brushing against my neck.

"No, thank you," I replied firmly.

Everyone knew Dustin was a notorious playboy.

I had no intention of getting involved with him.

Right now, we were simply using each other.

"The news has already been sent to major media outlets," Dustin said with a smile as he opened a bottle of wine.

"In three seconds, the internet will explode."

He poured a glass of red wine and handed it to me.

"Thank you, Mrs. Mason. I’ve been competing with Zachary for a project recently."

"After tonight, his reputation will be ruined. I’m certain I’ll win."

"Let’s celebrate in advance. After all, you’ll definitely get your divorce."

The room was quiet.

It was late at night, and only the two of us were there.

I remained cautious.

"No, thank you," I said politely.

"I don’t like alcohol. But I appreciate your help, Mr. Curtis."

I stood up and extended my hand for a handshake.

However, after taking my hand, Dustin didn’t let go.

He looked at me with a teasing smile.

"Trying to act calm to hide your shyness?"

"You’re becoming more and more like Zachary."

"Why don’t you stay a little longer?"

I tried to pull my hand back, but suddenly he pulled me toward him.

I lost my balance and fell onto his lap.

"I’ve been interested in you since the first time I saw you," he whispered.

"You’re Zachary’s wife. Every man wants to conquer his rival’s woman."

He lowered his head and inhaled the scent near my neck.

A chill ran down my spine.

Instinctively, I tried to push myself up from the sofa.

But it was too soft, and the more I struggled, the deeper I sank.

Dustin wrapped his arms tightly around my waist.

At that exact moment…

The door was pushed open.

Zachary stood there.

And he saw everything.