No More Forgiveness

I looked at them coldly.

"I did tell people not to take his songs. But the beating? That was their own idea. Maybe they simply think he deserves it."

Then my eyes shifted to Mira.

"And you. Look around before you throw a tantrum."

Only then did Mira see the large portrait of my grandfather placed in the center of the hall.

She froze.

"No. That's impossible. He called me just a couple days ago. How could he be dead?"

Julian immediately began crying, wounded and pitiful.

"Mr. Whitmore, why go this far just to make Mira feel guilty? She loves you so much. You cannot lie to her like this."

To my shock, Mira was stupid enough to believe him.

She grabbed a funeral wreath and smashed it.

"Exactly. I almost fell for it. If Grandpa really died, why isn't it in the news? Grant Whitmore, do not think you can coax me back so easily this time. And I am protecting Julian. If you dare touch him again, I will divorce you."

She pulled Julian away.

I followed the mourners to the cemetery.

After the last guest left, I stood before Grandpa's grave and sighed.

"Grandpa, you are finally at rest. I will not keep Mira anymore. I hope you understand."

I had just turned to leave when Mira called.

Her voice shook with panic.

"Lily is missing."

My heart sank.

I drove to her immediately.

When I arrived, she said through sobs, "Lily wanted pizza, so Julian and I took her out. I only went to the bathroom for a moment, and when I came back, she was gone. I called the police, but they said it hasn't been twenty-four hours yet. What do we do?"

Julian looked guilty.

"It's my fault. Her ball rolled away, so I went to pick it up. I didn't think..."

I slapped Mira across the face.

"You handed your own child to an outsider. How stupid can you be? Do you not think this is too convenient?"

Even then, she defended him.

"Julian was kindly helping me watch her. Do not frame him."

I slapped her again.

Julian held her in his arms as if he were the victim.

"If you want to hit someone, hit me. You cannot treat Mira like this."

I snorted.

"I will settle accounts with you. But I have something else to do first."

Then I took out the divorce agreement and handed it to Mira.

"You've threatened divorce several times. Fine. I will give you what you want. You leave with nothing. The Whitmore Group terminates every investment and endorsement tied to you. Lily will have no legal or personal relationship with you going forward. Sign."

Mira stared at me in disbelief.

"Our daughter is missing, and all you care about is this stupid divorce? How can you be so cold-blooded? I need Grandpa to discipline you."

At that moment, both our phones rang.

A breaking headline appeared.

It announced my grandfather's death.

Mira went completely still.

Tears spilled down her face.

"Grandpa..."

I said flatly, "Do you still believe what your childhood friend told you?"

Then I played a surveillance clip I had ordered someone to pull on the way over.

"Look carefully. Lily's ball did not fall by accident. He knocked it away on purpose."

"Divorce. This is not negotiable."