Eva turned grim instantly. "A private investigator? You hired a private investigator to look into him? Anna, you can't do that-it'll ruin your marriage!" The noise downstairs carried into the study, and Terrence Kairos stepped out, his expression softening the moment he saw Anastasia. "Anna, you're back." Her lashes trembled as she looked at him. If my father were still alive, his hair would probably be just as gray as Mr. Kairos by now. Back then, their two companies had partnered on a major project. Terrence was supposed to meet the suppliers, but something came up, and her father and two older brothers went in his place. On the way back, the supplier's car crashed, and all three of them died instantly. Overnight, Anastasia lost her most doting father and her protective brothers. And only days later, her mother abandoned her too. The memory still weighed heavily as she lowered her eyes. But soon she lifted her head again, her face resolute. "I'm going to divorce Sebastian. And I'm taking back my father's company." Her voice was quiet, but her eyes were firm. The living room fell into stunned silence. Terrence asked in surprise, "Why suddenly talk of divorce? Has Sebastian treated you badly?" They had only been married for a handful of days. There had been no wedding, but all the formalities had been done. Since Anastasia had no family left, Terrence himself had given her the betrothal gift-a luxury villa worth billions. By all accounts, they had treated her with importance. Her brows drew together. "If you want to know the details, ask your wife." She had no wish to explain further. When her father died, Anastasia was still a minor, too young to manage the business herself. For years, Skycrest Corporation had been managed by Terrence. But as the Kairos family's empire grew, Terrence could no longer spare the energy. He handed Skycrest Corporation over to Sebastian. To their minds, since the children were already engaged, it was only a matter of time before they married. Now, Sebastian was officially the appointed CEO of Skycrest Corporation. Eva's face soured at Anastasia's words. "Anna, don't talk about divorce over some small quarrel. Every couple fights. "Besides, Sebastian is doing well as CEO. And he might not mind even if you suddenly take the company back, but have you thought about whether you're capable of managing it? If Skycrest Corporation collapses under your hand, all your father's lifelong efforts will go to waste." Anastasia looked at her calmly, almost curious. "But even if it collapses, wouldn't that still be my business?" Eva's face darkened. "How can you say something like that?" 1/4 1:58 pm Anastasia blinked innocently. "Did I say something wrong?" "You-" Terrence shot his wife a glare, and Eva fell silent, embarrassed. His voice hardened. "What exactly has your son done this time? Tell me." Eva protested. "Sebastian has always made us proud. What could he possibly have done? It's all just a misunderstanding. Anna is blowing things out of proportion-" Anastasia no longer listened. She turned and left the Kairos Residence. This wasn't her home. They might have treated her kindly, but she was only a daughter-in-law-an outsider. As soon as she got into the car, Anastasia dialed Timothy Clark, her late father's most trusted aide. "Ms. Abbott." "Mr. Clark, I need your help. I want to sell Skycrest Corporation. Can you find me the right buyer?" There was silence on the other end for several seconds. "You've made up your mind?" "Yes." Anastasia was neither skilled at nor interested in managing the company. She had her own career. Since she was cutting ties with Sebastian, she wanted it clean-no more relying on him. Once she regained control of the company, she would rather sell it than let it crash in her own hands. With the right buyer, maybe her father's company could even climb to greater heights, fulfilling the dream he never got to see. She added firmly, "Mr. Clark, keep this quiet. Don't let Sebastian find out yet." After all, Sebastian had been at Skycrest Corporation for six years. By now, the company was filled with his people inside and out. If he caught wind of it early, things would only get messier. "I understand, Ms. Abbott," Timothy replied. An auction was being held in Brisden over the next two days. Anastasia had received an invitation and decided to attend, hoping it would take her mind off things. The auction was held at a luxury hotel. As soon as Anastasia stepped inside, her eyes landed on Juliana in the distance. She wore a pale yellow mermaid gown with a trailing hem, its cinched waistline accentuating every curve of her figure. Standing beside her was Sebastian, dressed immaculately in a tailored suit. Juliana leaned close, her hand looped through Sebastian's arm, whispering something into his ear as though the crowded room around them didn't exist. 2/4 1:59 pm D Juliana wasted no time. Once Anastasia moved away, she hurried to the trash can and retrieved the ring. "Sebastian... you went to so much trouble for this. It was your heartfelt gift, and she treated it like garbage..." Sebastian said nothing, but his face was dark. When Anastasia had gone to the Kairos Residence the other day, Terrence had called to scold him. Over a petty argument, she had run to his parents and even talked about divorce. She's just an orphan, desperate for love. And Skycrest Corporation still relies on me. Does she think she can live without me?! Sebastian muttered under his breath, "Maybe I've spoiled her.rotten..." 4/4 1:59 pm DDDD The Rose Who Chose His Rival Over Him