---- Chapter 15 Joshua didn't step forward. His heart felt stabbed, the pain stealing his breath He watched Adrian lead Kathleen to the car, his chest heavy with unwillingness They knew each other for ten years, from first love to marriage, becoming the closest people in each other's lives. How could she stop loving him just like that? "Kathleen, no matter how you treat me, | won't give up. I'll wait until you change your mind," he shouted at her retreating figure, wiping tears from his face as he trudged out of the hospital Kathleen stayed silent during the drive, staring blankly out the window. She wasn't good at arguing. If she hadn't discovered Joshua's betrayal, she might have lived happily in the dream he spun for her forever. "What's wrong? Regretting it? Want to go back and see him?" Adrian asked, glancing at her in the passenger seat, a flicker of irritation in his chest. Kathleen gave a smile. "Regret? From the day | decided to ---- leave him, | prepared for the worst. Even if | died, | wouldn't die by his side." Adrian's grin faded. This woman was ruthless, leaving herself no way back. 7 "You're doing fine now, aren't you? Don't worry, you'll live a long life," he said. Kathleen kept gazing out the window. She didn't hope for a long life. Every day from now on was a gift from fate. Without Joshua, so what? She was never anyone's accessory. Even alone, she could live well. Ellen waited at the door. Seeing Adrian return with Kathleen, she exhaled in relief. "You're finally back. How's the checkup?" Adrian handed her a stack of medical reports with a smile. "She's thriving. No signs of rejection. The doctors called it a miracle." Ellen covered her face, tears falling. She felt she had honored her late brother and sister-in-law. "Ellen, it's good news. Why are you crying?" Kathleen said, her own eyes red as she patted her aunt's back. The two recalled something painful and clung to each other, weeping. Kathleen's uncle finally spoke up. "Come on, Kathleen's just recovered. Why make her cry? Let's go inside. Ellen redid your ---- room and bought things you like. Go see if you love it." The two women laughed through their tears. Kathleen was starting a new life. They should be happy. "Ellen, | want to sell Joshua's company shares. Can you handle it?" Kathleen said. After her parents' death and her cancer diagnosis, Joshua managed the company they were meant to inherit together. It was time to cut all ties. Ellen nodded. She had long wanted to do the same. "Adrian, take care of it," she said. Adrian nodded. He despised Joshua, a man who built his success on a woman's back, only to keep a mistress. People like him deserved bankruptcy. Kathleen glanced at Ellen. "Also, | want to sue Joshua. Can you find me a lawyer? With the evidence | have, | should win, right?" Ellen's heart ached for her niece. She patted her shoulder gently. "Don't worry, Kathleen. Even if he refuses, | have countless ways to make him agree." Over the past weeks, she withdrew nearly all investments and poached most of Joshua's key clients. No one who hurt the Walton family would escape unscathed.