Chapter 1
Leaving With Nothing
On the top floor of the Caldwell Tower in Mayby City, a stunning woman stood in front of a massive floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the bustling street below.
Behind her, a brutal scene unfolded.
A dozen burly men in black suits were savagely beating a young man in his mid-twenties. One of the thugs even pulled out a gun and slammed the butt of it into the man's forehead.
Blood sprayed like a fountain, and he collapsed into a crimson pool.
"Enough." The woman spoke, her voice cold and commanding.
She swayed her hips as she walked over, looking down at the bloodied man with disdain.
"Osborne, are you ready to sign the divorce papers now?"
Through sheer pain, Osborne Augustine struggled to sit up. He wiped the blood from his face and stared at the woman, a bitter laugh escaping his lips.
His face twisted in agony, and he gritted his teeth. "Ophelia, why?
"We've been married for three years. What have I ever done? You want a divorce and want me to leave with nothing? You have your goons beat me up?" Osborne's anger was palpable. He couldn't understand why this was happening.
Ophelia Caldwell was from the powerful Caldwell family. They had been college sweethearts and, despite her family's strong objections, secretly married.
After the wedding, Osborne, an orphan, moved into the Caldwell Manor. Though he was often looked down upon, his relationship with Ophelia was solid. She worked at the Caldwell Group, and Osborne, keeping their marriage a secret, acted as her bodyguard, silently protecting her.
He supported Ophelia in her bid to become the family's heir, thinking that once she secured her position, no one would dare to oppress her.
Recently, they succeeded. Ophelia became the heiress, took over the company, and controlled billions of dollars in assets.
Osborne thought their hardships were over.
Instead, he was handed divorce papers. Ophelia demanded that he give up any claim to their assets. When Osborne refused, a dozen bodyguards with guns beat him into submission.
"Why do you want a divorce?!"
Osborne's voice was raw with desperation as he yelled.
Ophelia's face remained cold and detached. "Because you're no longer worthy of me. We're from different worlds now. You're nothing but a burden, unable to offer me any help.
"My husband should be someone of my caliber or even more powerful, a true heir of a more wealthy family. But you? You're just a worthless piece of trash.
"Do you understand what trash means?"
Her words dripped with contempt, and Osborne's eyes burned with a mix of humiliation and rage.
To hear such demeaning words from his wife of three years, words that trampled on his dignity, was unbearable. But he held back.
Three years of marriage had made him accustomed to such humiliation. He didn't beg or plead any further. Clenching his teeth, he said, "Fine, I agree to the divorce. But
mark my words, you'll regret it.
"I swear, everyone in the Caldwell family will regret this!"
With that, Osborne signed his name on the bloodstained divorce agreement.
"I will never regret it! You piece of trash!"
Ophelia's cold words cut through him like a knife, leaving him numb. He said nothing more, limping away from the scene.
Leaving the office building, Osborne walked aimlessly through the streets, his heart heavy with the weight of today's humiliation.
He was a man of dignity, yet his wife had shredded it mercilessly and he was powerless to stop her.
Ophelia wasn't entirely wrong. They did come from different worlds. She was the heir to a massive fortune, surrounded by a constant entourage of armed bodyguards.
He, on the other hand, was just a regular guy. Despite living in the Caldwell Manor for three years and doing everything for Ophelia, his status hadn't changed. He was left with nothing.
Osborne wanted revenge, but he knew it was impossible. In a world where power and wealth ruled, an ordinary man standing up to a powerful family was a death sentence. The only outcome would be his complete obliteration.
A deep sense of frustration and helplessness filled his chest. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh, drawing blood.
Suddenly, the screech of brakes shattered the air. Dozens of luxury cars screeched to a halt in front of Osborne. The doors flew open, and over a hundred imposing men in black suits and sunglasses stepped out.
Their presence was intimidating, exuding a deadly aura. Compared to these men, Ophelia's bodyguards seemed like child's play.
Osborne, wanting to avoid trouble, tried to step aside. But the sea of black-suited men blocked his path. Then, in perfect unison, they bowed deeply to him, their faces full of respect.
"Mr. Osborne Augustine...
"The Godfather wishes to see you."