The word "divorce" reached Huo Tingshen's ears.
He froze for a second.
He had imagined Zhao Ziling might try to kill him.
But he never once thought she would divorce him!
How could she even say it?
The Zhao family would have gone bankrupt years ago if not for the Huo family's support.
Without his wealth and power, how could she possibly live so comfortably?
And now she had the nerve to throw out such words in a fit of anger!
He scoffed coldly, "Zhao Ziling, do you even know what you're saying?"
Zhao Ziling knew how unbelievable her demand sounded.
Seven years—she had cried, raged, and hurled the filthiest insults at Huo Tingshen, but divorce had never crossed her mind.
Let alone actually proposing it.
It was unthinkable.
She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingertips, tossed her long curls, and smiled. "Of course I know what I'm saying. I, Zhao Ziling, want a divorce from you!"
This was the second time she had uttered the word "divorce." Huo Tingshen's brow furrowed.
But he remained dismissive. "If you divorce me, you’ll walk away with nothing!"
They had signed a prenuptial agreement before their arranged marriage.
Shared assets during the marriage, but in divorce, Zhao Ziling wouldn’t get a single cent.
The Huo family was shrewd—they always had a backup plan.
Zhao Ziling knew this well. She lifted her chin. "I don’t care."
All she wanted now was freedom!
She didn’t care about leaving with nothing?
This was absolutely a tantrum.
Did she even realize how much she spent every year on designer clothes, jewelry, luxury cars, and watches?
All his focus was on the company—he had no interest in frivolous spending.
He never questioned her expenses, no matter how extravagant.
But now, blinded by arrogance, Huo Tingshen sneered, "Zhao Ziling, get out and cool off!"
He was certain she’d take it back within three days.
Even now, Huo Tingshen wore that condescending smirk, his words dripping with disdain.
Lin Mo’s palm itched with the urge to strike.
"Slap!"
Zhao Ziling stepped forward and delivered a stinging blow across Huo Tingshen’s face.
Lin Mo was thrilled!
Huo Tingshen’s head snapped to the side, his lips parting in shock.
He always knew Zhao Ziling was easily influenced.
Now she even dared to slap him!
He grabbed her wrist roughly. "You’ve gone too far, Zhao Ziling!"
Her wrist ached from his grip, but she wrenched free. "I’m divorcing you—who the hell cares about humoring you now?!"
Lin Mo stepped forward.
The Huo Residence’s butler panicked, blocking her. "Miss, please, no more hitting!"
So many people were watching—at least spare the young master some dignity!
Nanny Wang scrambled up from the floor, puffing her chest out like a martyr. "If you must hit someone, hit me instead! I’ll take the blows for the young master!"
A vein throbbed at Huo Tingshen’s temple.
This brat actually wanted to hit him too?
He hadn’t laid a finger on her—hell, he was the one who nearly lost his eyesight!
Lin Mo rolled her eyes dramatically. "Do I look like a violent person to you?"
The butler shook his head. "No. You are."
Lin Mo: "..."
Zhao Ziling grabbed Lin Mo’s hand. "You still want to hit him? Go ahead. Do it now—you won’t get another chance."
With Xie Guanyan and dozens of bodyguards here tonight, Huo Tingshen could rage all he wanted—he had no choice but to endure it.
Huo Tingshen’s chest burned with fury. He was her husband!
"Brat, don’t push your luck!"
Lin Mo smiled sweetly. "I wasn’t planning to hit you. I just wanted to inform you that whether Zhao Ziling leaves with nothing isn’t up to you. I’ll hire the best lawyers to fight for her. Bully my best friend? Dream on."
What a loyal friend, standing up for Zhao Ziling like this.
Huo Tingshen gritted his teeth. "Let’s see which lawyer in Jingbei dares take this case!"
"My firm’s legal team will handle it." Xie Guanyan’s calm voice cut in.
Huo Tingshen: "..."
Was Xie Guanyan out of his mind, opposing him over some brat?
Lin Mo turned to Xie Guanyan with a grin, giving him a thumbs-up. "You’re reliable, kid!"
The message was clear.
Lin Mo took Zhao Ziling’s hand. "Let’s go!"
Without a shred of hesitation, Zhao Ziling strode out of the study with Lin Mo.
The scarlet hem of her dress flared like a blooming flower, vivid and dazzling.
Behind them, the sound of objects crashing to the floor erupted.
Who had completely lost it? What a mystery!
Zhao Zixin was also stunned by the word "divorce."
She thought her sister just wanted to slap Huo Tingshen a few times.
She never expected this.
Their father and stepmother would never agree.
The family business relied entirely on the Huo family’s support.
But she would stand by her sister no matter what.
If Zhao Ziling had been unhappy all these years, how much suffering had she endured?
She had already done enough for the Zhao family!
As for herself, she didn’t care—she barely spent money anyway, except on dolls.
She could always buy fewer in the future.
Besides, her sister had always slipped her extra allowance, worried their stepmother would mistreat her.
And she was right—the stepmother doted on her own son, leaving Zhao Zixin with scraps.
She had saved every penny her sister gave her. It added up to a tidy sum.
She hurried after them. "Sis, I’ll cover the legal fees!"
By the time the group left the Huo Residence, it was nearly midnight.
Tomorrow was Saturday, but high school seniors only had one day off a week.
At least there was no evening self-study session.
Lin Mo’s bright, beautiful face beamed. "Thank you all for rushing here tonight. I’ll treat everyone to dinner tomorrow. It’s late—go home and rest."
Shen Ji’an glanced at Zhao Zixin from behind his long bangs. "Is your leg okay?"
He had seen her fall earlier.
But back then, he was too focused on finding his sister—he just pulled her up and kept running.
Her pants hid any injuries.
Zhao Zixin’s eyes sparkled mischievously. "It hurts a little. But if my goddess gives me a hug, I’ll be healed!"
Shen Ji’an: "..."
Shouldn’t have asked.
Lin Mo heard and immediately embraced Zhao Zixin. Then she said, "Let me check."
Zhao Zixin grinned ear to ear. "Goddess, you smell amazing! Totally worth it!"
Lin Mo inspected the bruise. "I’ll bring you some ointment tomorrow."
Zhao Zixin, still lost in her bliss, waved it off. "No need! This bruise is my badge of honor for rescuing you!"
Those with cars drove themselves home.
Xie Guanyan’s bodyguards escorted the rest.
Zhao Ziling felt lighter than ever as she sat in the car, waving at Lin Mo. "See you tomorrow, Mo!"
"Sis, let me drive you home," Shen Yihan offered.
Xie Guanyan adjusted his glasses with one finger. "I drove here too. She can ride with me."
Lin Mo nodded. "I’ll go with Xie Guanyan. You should rest early."
Shen Yihan watched his sister walk off with Xie Guanyan, his emotions tangled.
He twisted the Buddhist beads around his wrist.
Shen Ji’an also stared at their retreating figures.
The idea of his sister dating filled him with resistance.
But if it was Xie Guanyan… he could tolerate it.
After all, Xie Guanyan was exceptional.
Barely worthy of her.
"Second Brother, let’s go. Even if people marry and divorce, she’ll always be our sister."
