C ( 0 ) Chapter 11 Chapter 11 On the day Aveline Blackwood was diagnosed with stomach cancer , Alexander was accompanying Noral as they were taking their son for a check up . In the hospital corridor , Ryan held the biopsy report with a serious expression and said, Aveline , the test results are out . Its a malignant tumor , stage 3A . If the surgery is successful , the five year survival rate is between 15 % to 30 % . Avelines delicate fingers clenched the strap of her bag , her pale face filled with seriousness . Ryan , how long can I live if I dont have the surgery ? Half a year to a year , it varies from person to person . In your case , its better to undergo two rounds of chemotherapy before the surgery to prevent infiltration , spreading , and metastasis . Aveline bit her lip and said with difficulty . Thank you . Why are you thanking me ? Ill arrange your admission right away . No need , I dont plan to undergo treatment . I cant endure it . -Ryan wanted to say more , but Aveline respectfully bowed to him and said , Ryan , please keep this a secret for me . I dont want my family to worry . After the global financial crisis that sent markets into chaos , the Blackwood Group had heavily invested in a massive development project , with loans from multiple banks . As property values plummeted and credit froze , The Blackwood Group faced a severe cash flow crisis . The old Blackwood , trying to save the family business , made a desperate gamble . He leveraged everything they had on high risk investments , hoping for a miracle turnaround . But the market continued its downward spiral , and the Blackwood finally lost it all . The mighty Blackwood empire , built over generations , crumbled in a matter of months . The bankruptcy hit him hard , but we still had each other . Annabell watched helplessly as her father aged years in weeks , and he finally attrack into illness . Just covering her fathers high medical expenses was already a huge burden for Aveline . Informing her family about her illness would only add to their troubles . Chapter 11 Ryan sighed helplessly . You can be rest assured ; Ill keep it confidential . I heard you got married . Your husband … Ryan , please take care of my father . I have to leave now . Aveline seemed reluctant to discuss this further and left before he could respond . Ryan shook his head , thinking back to their university days when Aveline had dated with Castro , then married Alex . It was like a fallen star , and now , all that remained was devastation . For the past two years , Aveline had been the only one tirelessly taking care of her fathers treatment . Even when she fell ill herself , no one had seen her husband . Aveline could no longer hold on . With trembling hands , she dialed his number . After three rings , his cold , magnetic voice came through , I wont see you unless its about the divorce . Avelines nose tingled , her eyes grew hot , but she swallowed the words about her illness that she had prepared . Noras voice suddenly interrupted the call , Alexander , the baby needs a check up . The tears that Aveline had been holding back for so long fell in that moment . Her child was gone , her family was ruined , and he had started a new life with someone else . It was time for all of this to end . Without the usual humility , Avelines voice came through shakily , Alexander , lets get a divorce . The man on the other end of the phone clearly hesitated for a moment and then sneered , Aveline , what kind of game are you playing now ? Aveline closed her eyes and said slowly , one word at a time , Alexander , Im waiting for you at home . After hanging up the phone , Aveline had used up all her strength . Her body slid down the wall , and the rain outside the corridor flew in , drenching her . She clutched the phone , biting her sleeve , silently crying . Alexander stared at the abruptly ended call , lost in thought . They had been in a cold war for a year , she had always refused to divorce . Why the sudden change ? and Her voice had a hint of tears , and as he looked out at the pouring rain , Alexander left the diagnosis room . Alexander , where are you going ? Nora chased after him , holding the child . But all she saw was Alexanders retreating figure , and his once gentle face had turned dark and terrifying . That woman , she just cant let go . Chapter 11 Alexander hadnt set foot in their marital home for a long time . He had thought that Aveline had prepared a table full of dishes he liked , but the villa was empty and lifeless when he arrived . Winter nights came too early ; it was already dark outside at just past six . Alexander glanced at the withered flowers on the dining table . Avelines personality would never allow flowers to wither like this without disposing of them . There was only one possibility ; she had been at the hospital all these days . Aveline pushed open the door and saw the tall man in a suit standing by the dining table . His handsome face was as cold as ice , and when he looked at her , his pitch black pupils were filled with intense hatred . Having rushed from the car through the pouring rain , Aveline was soaking wet . The moment she felt his icy gaze on her , her back turned cold . Where were you ? Alexanders cold voice rang out . Even her once bright eyes were now devoid of light , and she replied lightly , Do you still care about my life and death , Mr. Sterling ? Alexander sneered , Im afraid there wont be anyone to sign for you if you die . That sentence felt like a thorn stabbing deeply into her already wounded heart . Aveline walked inside with her drenched body , without crying , without making a scene . Her emotions were strangely calm as she took out the agreement from her file folder . Dont worry ; Ive already signed the papers . The stark black and white agreement was placed on the dining table , and Alexander had never felt divorce to be such an eyesore . She had only one request , a ten million dollars compensation . I knew you wouldnt divorce willingly . Its all about the money . His mocking expression filled her vision , and if it had been before , she might have offered a few retorts . But today , she was just too tired . So Aveline stood quietly , looking at him , and said softly , Originally , I could have taken away half of Mr. Sterlings fortune , but I only asked for ten million . Ultimately , Im still too kind . Alexander took a step forward , his tall figure casting a shadow over Aveline . He pinched her chin with his Chapter 11 long , slender fingers , and his voice was cold and deep . What did you just call me If Mr. Sterling doesnt like that title , I dont mind call you ex husband . You can leave after signing the papers . The womans defiant face sparked Alexanders displeasure . This is my house . What right do you have to ask me to leave ? Avelines lips curled in a cold smile . Youre right . Sterling . Dont worry . Once I get the divorce certificate , Ill move out of here . With that , she shook off Alexanders hand , and her dark eyes stared directly at him . Her red lips parted , and she said coldly , Mr. Sterling , bring the divorce agreement and your household registration to the Civil Affairs Bureau at nine oclock tomorrow morning . Well meet there . Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...