This night was destined to be a sleepless one for many. The police were actively searching. The hospital was carrying out rescues throughout the night. Vera Hansen sneaked to gather news from the hospital. Jasper Ford didn’t dare to call Serena Sterling, so he contacted Bianca Lynch. After learning the relevant information from Bianca, he was still quite worried. He paced around the room and finally decided to work on the company’s affairs to ease his anxiety. Julian Lawson lay on the sofa, sleepless all night. He didn’t know what he was thinking. Finally, he ended up under the eaves, quietly watching as the sky gradually brightened, with cigarette butts littered around the chair. Serena Sterling lay on the bed with the curtains open, quietly watching the heavy rain outside the window. Finally, when daylight fully broke, the rain stopped. Serena looked at the time; it was still early, but she didn’t want to lie down anymore, better to pick up Seraphina earlier. She got up, dressed, washed, took everything she needed, and drove to the orphanage. Meanwhile, on the other side. The Hawthorne Family. Raindrops were still dripping in strings along the eaves. In the study, the aroma of tea filled the air, and Silas Hawthorne was writing some calligraphy. Orion Hawthorne had just woken up, stretching as he walked downstairs. When passing the study room, he glanced inside. "Brother, you’re up so early." Orion yawned as he walked in, looking at the characters his brother was writing. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel·fıre·net Silas did not immediately respond; he finished his writing and concluded the piece. "Everything is suitable, nothing is forbidden," Orion read aloud. "Is this today’s almanac?" As he spoke, Orion looked around like a silly goose, seeming to want to find an almanac to check. Silas smiled but said nothing, just put down the brush, grabbed a cup of tea, and sat on the wicker chair overlooking the garden, where the rain had gradually ceased. The entire city was waking up, pedestrians hurried along the roads. The rain had stopped just at the right time, but the morning rush was still very congested. Serena had left early today, so she picked up Seraphina early. The two even went to play at a small park for a while before Serena took her to kindergarten. With time almost up, Serena arrived at the civil affairs bureau. She stopped in the parking lot, with divorce-related documents by her side. Would Julian Lawson show up on time today? Serena couldn’t be sure; she could only wait. She took out her phone, checking the time, it was already 8:50 AM. Julian hadn’t sent her a message yet. Time ticked by second by second. At 8:55 AM, as Serena was looking at her phone, she heard the honk of a car. Serena looked up and saw the Maybach parked not far away. Serena composed herself, took all her prepared materials, and got out to approach the Maybach. She walked to the passenger side and knocked on the window. The window rolled down, and Serena saw Julian’s profile. Overnight, stubble appeared on his lips, and he was in the same clothes as yesterday, unchanged. "The time is almost up, have you brought everything?" Serena bent down and asked, looking at him. But Julian didn’t speak. Serena frowned slightly, not understanding what he was thinking. After about half a minute, Julian nodded. Mumbled an acknowledgment. Julian pulled out the related materials from the side and stepped out. The two said nothing, silently heading to the civil affairs bureau. Several couples were in front. They stood by, taking a number to wait. More couples came one after another, some arguing, others as silent as them. Julian looked down at Serena beside him. She was still as petite, now reviewing and confirming the materials she brought. Her fingers were slender, but they were bare; she wasn’t wearing their wedding ring. Julian looked at his finger, took off the wedding ring, and put it back in his pocket. Serena noticed his action. But she just glanced at him without speaking. Ever since she moved out of their marital home, she had left the wedding ring and the perfume he gave her in the drawer. "Wear it again when we remarry," Julian said softly. Serena did not answer, continuing to confirm the materials. "I’ll buy you a better one then." Perhaps thinking she was unhappy, he softly comforted her. Serena said nothing, just kept her head down, not wanting him to see through her emotions at the moment. Her silence made Julian frown. She looked very haggard, with some dark circles under her eyes; she probably didn’t sleep well last night. "Take good care of yourself in the coming days," he said. Serena looked up at him, only to see the swirling black in his eyes. "Mm," she replied, lowering her head again, "I will." Then, neither spoke again. Before long, their number was finally called. The two walked to the window and submitted the respective materials. The staff reviewed the materials, and they just sat there like that. "Are you sure?" the staff finally asked. Both responded, nodding. The staff prepared the corresponding documents, stamping them with two firm thuds. "All done, here you go." Two divorce certificates and related items were pushed out. The staff pressed the next number. Serena and Julian took the documents and left the window. Serena looked at the embossed seal on the document. This was it; their marriage was officially ended. Serena felt an unprecedented sense of relief. Many things could resume now. Whether it was regarding the issues with Irene on "Heavenly Sound" or that contract she had left a backdoor in, they could all proceed. The things she had prepared for the worst-case scenario in a contested divorce were no longer necessary, which eased her psychological burden slightly. And Seraphina, no matter what, now Seraphina completely belonged to her, her daughter. Now what she needed to do was win the championship of "Heavenly Sound." Originally, she planned to reveal her identity after obtaining the divorce certificate, but with Julian and the Hawthorne Family securing the program’s and Irene’s slot, there was no need to expose it prematurely. Wait until the final to unmask, giving no chance to those with malicious intent to prepare in advance. Although Irene’s reputation online was currently poor, it was only a few days more. When the mask was removed, all rumors would dissipate. Serena’s mind whirled with thoughts of the subsequent plans. Julian was also looking at the documents beside her. However, their thoughts were entirely different. On the surface, both appeared calm, quietly walking out of the civil affairs bureau. Sunlight flooded the earth. "So, it’s a divorce," Julian said to Serena on the steps. "There’s a final episode of a music variety show in a few days, I think you might be interested. It’s called ’Heavenly Sound,’ and there’s a contestant named Irene who’s quite impressive, very talented and skilled." Julian continued, "Her style is a bit like yours, but her technique is much more mature. I admire her; I think you can learn something from her. I’ll get you a ticket to the live show." He paused briefly and added, "Will you go?" Serena looked up, "I will go." [But not in the audience.] Serena said in her mind. Julian merely nodded in response. The two had nothing more to say. Serena looked at him, feeling utterly calm inside. "So then," she said, "Julian Lawson, happy divorce."