Chapter 47 The Divorce Agreement Hasn't Been Delivered Yet
Ruth knew Alaric's personality inside and out.
He'd cruised through life without ever tasting the sting of regret from losing anything that mattered.
Though she was his grandmother, she wanted to see him make a mistake and regret it.
He needed a lesson.
"Thanks, Grandma," Cordelia said, regaining her composure with a faint smile.
Alaric had been the one to initiate the divorce, after all. He was the one who had handed her divorce papers multiple times a month.
He was the type who liked to control everything.
Maybe because the divorce papers weren't drafted by his own hand, he felt uneasy.
Ruth held Cordelia's hand gently, her tone kind. "How about staying for dinner here tonight?"
Cordelia nodded. "Sure."
Ruth's face lit up with joy, and she immediately called a servant to prepare dinner.
"Make something Cordelia likes, nothing too greasy. Light and nutritious."
She gave the instructions seriously, making Cordelia feel a twinge of nervousness.
Before her pregnancy, she had a strong preference for rich flavors, but since becoming pregnant, she couldn't stand the smell of anything too greasy.
Did Ruth know something?
Cordelia avoided making eye contact with Ruth, feeling uneasy.
Ruth seemed to notice her tension and patted her hand gently.
"I've been eating light lately, so bear with me."
Cordelia relaxed a bit, forcing a smile. "Not at all, I've been eating light too."
Ruth chatted about other topics, carefully avoiding any mention of Alaric.
After dinner, Evelyn came to pick up Cordelia.
As Cordelia got into Evelyn's car, she couldn't help but wonder why Ruth seemed unaffected by the news of her and Alaric's impending divorce.
Evelyn kept her eyes on the road as she drove.
"Did Alaric sign the papers?"
Cordelia shook her head. "No."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, not looking surprised.
Cordelia continued, "Alaric said there were some issues with the contract, and that Barry from the Hughes Group needed to draft a new one before he could sign. He hasn't signed yet, but he generously offered me four billion dollars."
Evelyn smirked. "Mr. Hughes is indeed generous."
It was obvious that Ruth had pressured him into agreeing to the divorce, and he couldn't find a good excuse to refuse. So he pretended to be magnanimous.
"Maybe it's for the best. In Astoria, you'll need money to get by. An extra two billion dollars will make your life much more comfortable."
Cordelia responded softly, not feeling any joy from the sudden windfall.
"I suspect Grandma knows about my pregnancy."
Her voice was small, uncertain.
The things Ruth had said at dinner while serving her food made Cordelia suspicious.
If Ruth knew, it wouldn't be long before Alaric found out too.
Evelyn noticed her concern and tried to ease her mind.
"Don't overthink it. If Ruth knew you were pregnant, she wouldn't support the divorce."
Cordelia nodded in agreement.
After all, she was carrying Ruth's great-grandchild. Ruth wouldn't allow Cordelia to divorce Alaric while pregnant.
Maybe she was just overthinking things.
For the next few days, Cordelia stayed with Evelyn.
She hadn't received the new divorce papers, so she decided to call Barry.
"Hey Barry, it's Cordelia."
Barry sounded surprised to hear from her but kept it professional.
"Mrs. Hughes, what can I do for you?"
Cordelia frowned slightly and asked quietly, "I haven't received the new divorce papers. When can you send them over?"
Barry paused. Alaric hadn't mentioned anything about new papers.
Cordelia, noticing his hesitation, frowned deeper. "Didn't Alaric tell you?"
Barry quickly covered, "Sorry, I've been swamped with work and must've forgotten. I'll draft them right away and send them over. Is that okay?"
Cordelia sighed. "Please do it as soon as possible. I want to sign them."
From signing to filing for divorce, it would take a month to get the decree. Cordelia didn't want to delay.
"Of course, Mrs. Hughes," Barry said courteously.
Cordelia hung up and took a deep breath.
At the Hughes Group, Barry put away his phone and headed to Alaric's office.
He knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Alaric's cold, indifferent voice came from inside.
Lately, his mood had been terrible, and everyone in the office was walking on eggshells.
Barry composed himself and entered.
Alaric was at his desk, reviewing documents.
"Mr. Hughes."
Alaric looked up, his expression darkening. "What is it?"
Barry hesitated, then spoke softly. "Mrs. Hughes just called, asking me to draft a new divorce agreement."
"You didn't mention this to me, so I'm here to confirm."
Alaric's grip on the document tightened.
She was really in a hurry?
A wave of frustration washed over him, darkening his gaze.
"Then draft it and send it to her."
Alaric's tone was dismissive as he returned to his work.
Barry asked again, "Should I use the same terms as before?"
Alaric nodded, then added coldly, "Give her the house at Garden Vista Estates, the properties in the west suburbs, and the commercial spaces. Plus an additional four billion dollars."
Barry noted it all down.
"Should I send it directly to Mrs. Hughes or bring it to you first?"
Alaric's eyes darkened. "Send it directly to her."
Barry nodded. "Understood. I'll take care of it."
He turned to leave but was stopped by Alaric's voice at the door.
"Barry."
Barry turned back, waiting for Alaric to continue.
"Make sure she gets it today."
Barry nodded again. "Will do, Mr. Hughes."
As Barry left, Alaric stared at the document in his hands, his mind swirling with frustration and a touch of regret.