Dear Billionaire, I'm Not Your Wife Anymore! - Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Clara's words made me fall into brief contemplation.
She was right—I indeed didn't have the advantage to fight for custody now. No income, no professional background, let alone social status. But strangely, I didn't feel discouraged by this. Instead, I became more determined to change the status quo.
"You know me, I've always been one to counsel reconciliation, not separation." Clara picked up her coffee and took a light sip. "For someone of Braden's status, philandering is normal. Just be more open-minded about it, don't make yourself sick with anger. How about... having another son for him?"
I slowly raised my head, giving her a smile with a calm tone: "I'll live better without him."
Just then, my phone rang.
I picked up my phone to see the caller ID and unconsciously straightened up: "Hello, Senior Leo?"
"Charlotte, do you have time now? Can you come to the laboratory building? The doctor is having an impromptu meeting."
"Okay, I'll be right there."
I hung up and nodded to Clara: "I have to go."
The meeting was personally led by Dr. Colton, aimed at preparing for the laboratory construction under the domestic medical research institute. With his influence, such matters indeed received overwhelming support.
When I arrived at the conference room, Senior Leo waved me over. Only after I sat down did I realize—four familiar faces were sitting across from me.
They were my classmates from medical university.
In that instant, many memories surged up—I had dropped out due to pregnancy and then became a full-time homemaker. In others' eyes, I was the woman who "handed her life over to family."
They obviously hadn't expected to see me in such a setting either.
Their gazes were full of surprise and suspicion.
After the meeting ended, I hurriedly said goodbye, preparing to rush back to pick up Mia, when I heard familiar voices behind me.
"Charlotte, long time no see, it's been almost six years, right!"
I turned around to see Chloe looking at me with a bright smile.
"Yes, long time no see." I smiled back.
"How did you come to attend this meeting?" Another tall girl interjected, her voice cold.
I looked at her—it was Vivian, the star of our class back then, beautiful, excellent, and ambitious.
"I was invited by Dr. Colton." I answered calmly.
They looked at each other, while I glanced at my watch and said: "Sorry, I have urgent business, I'll leave first."
I had just taken a few steps when I heard a male voice, neither high nor low, behind me:
"What qualifies her to join this experiment?"
"Right, what does someone who didn't even graduate from university deserve? What about all our years of effort?"
Chloe laughed softly: "You don't even look at who her father is. Why do you care so much?"
I didn't turn back, just quickened my pace.
In the afternoon, I brought Toby to pick up Mia as promised.
She was indeed much happier to see the puppy, laughing all the way home.
Back home, on the garden lawn, she and Toby chased and played, her bell-like laughter mixing with Toby's barking.
I sat on the lounge chair, flipping through book pages while listening to their sounds, the corners of my mouth unconsciously curving upward.
At six in the evening, Braden came home.
He carried his suit jacket in his hand, wearing a gray vest that outlined his waistline clearly. His straight suit pants paired with legs that could rival a top male model—still that pleasing appearance.
I was in the living room watching cartoons with Mia. I glanced up at him once, then looked down to continue watching TV.
Even the most childish cartoon on TV looked better than his disguised face.
"Daddy!" Mia excitedly jumped up and threw herself into his arms.
He bent down to ruffle her hair and gave her a kiss: "Were you good today?"
"Yes! I was first place at eating!"
"Really?" He smiled and pinched her cheek. "Then Daddy will go shower first, and come down to spend time with you later."
"Okay!" Mia ran back to snuggle beside me and continue watching TV.
I've always had a sensitive nose, and the perfume scent on him instantly made me irritated. It was women's perfume, very faint, but familiar.
I closed my eyes. Last night he was rejected by me, so today he rushed to find Linda to fulfill his needs?
Ha, so impatient.
At nine that night, I was writing an experiment report in the study on the third floor.
The door was pushed open. I thought it was Mia, but it was Braden.
I quickly closed the report page and switched to a news interface.
He sat on the sofa across from me, his long legs naturally crossed, in a leisurely posture.
"How long are you going to stay angry at me?" His tone was slow, with a hint of nonchalance.