Natalie’s eyes filled with tears, utterly moved by his sweet words.

“But Vincent… what if Claire finds out I’m still in New York? Will she lash out at me? Will she hurt me?”

A ruthless glint flashed across Vincent’s eyes before his tone turned flat.

“Don’t worry. I hold the fates of her entire family in my hands. She wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you.”

He paused and added a firm promise.

“Claire will keep the title of Mrs. Vitelli, but the entire Vitelli family will belong to you and Leo one day. He will be my sole heir.”

Claire felt as if she had fallen into an icy abyss, her whole body turning cold.

She knew she needed a top-tier lawyer to clear her father’s name and get him out of trouble. But Vincent had anticipated her plan long ago. He froze all her bank cards and cut off every source of income.

That rental price list became her only way to raise money. She knew Vincent too well. He would never say no when it came to Natalie and Leo.

A stir erupted at the bar’s entrance moments later.

Vincent walked in sharply, dressed in a formal suit and radiating cold anger. He grabbed her wrist hard, his grip nearly crushing her bones, and his voice turned frigid.

“Claire, have you forgotten what today is? Our seventh wedding anniversary. I waited for you for an hour at the restaurant, yet you came to hang out in a place like this?”

Claire frowned at the sharp pain in her wrist, but her tone remained completely calm.

“I forgot.”

Vincent shook with rage and was about to snap. His phone suddenly rang, set to a special ringtone for Natalie.

He answered it instantly. Natalie’s tearful voice came through the receiver right away.

“Vincent, what do I do? Leo has a high fever. He keeps crying for you, and I’m so scared.”

Vincent’s anger faded at once, replaced by urgent concern. He sounded uneasy too.

“Calm down, Natalie. I’m on my way right now.”

Claire cut him off and held up her phone, showing the mobile payment QR code. A cold smile tugged at her lips.

“Scan and pay. Go on, don’t keep them waiting.”

Vincent clenched his fists until his knuckles whitened. Rage burned fiercely in his eyes, yet he held back his anger. He completed the payment quickly and spat out a cold warning through gritted teeth.

“You’ll regret this, Claire.”

He turned and hurried away.

The smile on Claire’s face faded the second he left. Only cold resolve remained in her eyes.

She turned to Sophie.

“I just need three million more dollars to hire a top lawyer for Dad’s case. Could you prepare a marital dissolution agreement for me first?”

A pounding hangover headache swept over her.

Claire’s phone rang. She opened her eyes, and the name Vincent on the screen stung her deeply.

“I’m hosting a charity gala to make up for our anniversary,” Vincent said, his voice deliberately gentle as if their fight the night before never happened. “We’ll also plan a pet donation drive in Lily’s name.”

Claire did not refuse.

Lily adored little creatures more than anything in the world. She would have been happy to know someone helped stray pets in her name.

Claire froze the moment she stepped into the banquet hall. Natalie and Leo were sitting right there.

Natalie pulled Leo to his feet at once, looking timid and ingratiating.

“Claire, I spoke out of panic back then and caused you to lose your daughter. I’ve suffered enough all these years. Please forgive me.”

Claire glanced at her faintly, a hint of mocking in her expression.

Natalie carried a brand new Hermès Limited Tote and wore a Chanel Couture Gown. Her fair skin spoke of a life of luxury and comfort. She looked nothing like someone who had endured hardship.

Claire’s breath caught when her gaze fell on Natalie’s neck.