Chapter 26 The Voice on the Phone I paused before snapping back to reality and realized she was right . I couldn't lose everything without a fight or reclaiming what was rightfully mine . Even if I fought and lost , I wouldn't regret it . At that point , my phone had stopped ringing . I stared into Ivanna's calm eyes and gradually regained my composure . My thoughts began to clear , and I wiped my face , saying , " I get it now ! I'm grateful to have a clear - headed person like you by my side . You constantly remind me of my priorities . " 4 When the phone rang again , I had already sorted my emotions . Ivanna passed me the phone and nodded . " You've got this . " I took a deep breath and swiped the screen to answer the call , " Hey , honey . It's about time you called . I need to ask you , where's the money in our account ? Ava had pneumonia , and I had to rush her to the hospital in the middle of the night . 4 " Nothing was left when I tried to withdraw money from the card . What's going on ? " 2 Ivanna smacked her forehead when she heard my words . However , I knew Matthew well and phrased it to fit my personality , especially since he would be on guard if I didn't bring it up . 1 " Hi , honey . I used the money , but don't worry . I'll explain when I get home , " sure enough , Matthew comforted me , " How's Ava now ? " 1 " She's still on the IV , and her fever was 39.5 degrees . It's quite serious . When are you coming back ? Can't you hurry ? " I pretended to sound anxious , " I'm scared and had to wake your parents in the middle of the night . 3 " Can't you tell me when you're using the money ? Don't you know we might have emergencies like these when you're not around ? " 2 Such conversations were mundane last time , but maintaining this calm tone took so much effort now . I couldn't help but laugh at myself . I realized I also had a knack for acting . 1 " I know . I'll be back as soon as possible . I'll try to finish my work in the morning and come home , " Matthew tried to reassure me , " Take care of our daughter and make sure you rest too . You've been through a lot , honey . " 4 I forced a bittersweet smile at his comfort and advice . 1 " Okay , then , I'm heading out for work ! " As I was about to hang up , I heard a coquettish voice in the background . I felt all my strength draining the next second as it was unmistakably a woman's voice . Was he enjoying his affair in Operose while I carried my sick daughter to the hospital ? 1 I dared not continue those thoughts as I plopped on the hospital bed with the phone falling to the ground . 2 Ivanna was alarmed at my reaction and squatted before me . She held my hand and asked with concern , " Chlo , what's wrong ? Hm ? " 2 I looked at Ivanna in a daze as that coquettish voice echoed in my ears . Ivanna shook my arm . " Can you speak ? What did he say ? " 2 I said sobbingly , " Ivanna , find me a lawyer . " She stood up , hugged me , and patted my back , " Okay ! Don't cry ! " 3 1/2 Chapter 26 The Voice on the Phone +25 BONUS I met Mr. Brown two days later . He was the lawyer Ivanna had found for me . I explained the situation in detail , and he told me that my description had no value yet . He said they were speculations without substantial evidence , sliming my chances of winning . " So , what can I do to maximize my chances ? After all , I still have a four - year - old child , " I asked urgently , Besides , I was the one who started that company . I must defend my rights . " 1 After some thought , Mr. Brown advised , " For now , the best you can do is collect solid evidence . Based on your described situation , your husband isn't explicitly aware that you've caught on to his affair . " So , maintaining this state makes it easier to gather information . However , it's also challenging to gather evidence . " 2 I chuckled and said bitterly , " So I must continue enduring this ? " 2 He nodded , giving me a clear answer , " Yes . " When I left Mr. Brown's office , I felt drained , as I had just discovered I didn't have the upper hand . Although Matthew cheated , moved assets , and enjoyed my company's success , I was disadvantaged . 8 I wondered why the world was so unfair as I sat by a river . I gazed at the flowing water , genuinely not knowing what to do next . I only regained my senses when Ava asked , " Mom , where'd you go ? Did you get lost ? " 4 I grinned when I heard those words . My daughter was right that I was indeed lost . I called Ivanna on the way back , but she excitedly told me she had good news to share before I could speak .