A Divorce Make Me Rich

“You!” The old elder was so angry that his beard almost flew off, with a grim face and full of resentment.

But Paloma didn’t care; she just snorted heavily at him and took her precious grandson out of the hall, still cooing, “Don’t argue with these old-fashioned people. They have always had the idea that men are superior to women and think they’re better than everyone else.”

Anthony chuckled lightly, “I don’t care what they say.” With his grandmother defending him like this, he had nothing to worry about. His previous displeasure dissipated quite a bit.

Paloma continued to lead him into the hall while saying, “Yes, no matter what they say, those old things will be in their graves soon enough anyway. After all is said and done, you will be the one in charge of the family.”

Anthony nodded silently as he followed behind Paloma obediently – something he never did in front of others.

“However, Anthony,” she said seriously after a while, “there’s one thing I need to make clear before we proceed. You must kneel down first.”

As soon as they reached the hall, Paloma’s tone became serious again as she pointed towards a nearby cushion.

Anthony walked over slowly and knelt down on it.

Paloma stood beside him then let out a deep sigh before continuing, “As your grandmother and relative, I really hope that you can reconcile with Mavis. After all, she chased after you for five years before finally having your baby boy. You should be grateful for her love.”

Anthony nodded solemnly but firmly replied, “Grandmother, please rest assured. I have already realized many things from our past.”

“That’s good,” She paused briefly then added sternly,” But Anthony if… and I mean if… you can’t win back Mavis’ heart even though it means going through divorce proceedings eventually, Alistair’s custody cannot be given up under any circumstances.”

A frown appeared on Anthony’s handsome face as he pursed his lips tightly without saying anything.

Paloma sighed again,” Although I really like Mavis very much, Alistair’s welfare comes first no matter what happens. Not only am I your grandmother but also an elder of the Callaghan family. As such, the future heir whom our family has nurtured must remain within our family name. Do you understand me?”

With his head lowered, Anthony fell into long silence, which made Paloma realize immediately how serious this issue was for him. She walked up to him then emphasized forcefully, “Look at me when I’m talking to you, Anthony! There is no room for discussion regarding Alistair’s custody. You must give me your words.”

Paloma knew he felt guilty about Mavis and was worried that he would give Alistair to her in an attempt to make up for it. Without getting a definite answer, Paloma wouldn’t let it go.

Anthony still avoided eye contact with her and spoke vaguely, “Grandma, I won’t let things get to that point. I won’t divorce Mavis and won’t face custody battles either. You can trust me.”

Paloma shook her head, “I hope for the best outcome too, but I don’t trust you or Mavis.”

“Last time Mavis came here, I noticed that she no longer had the passionate love for you in her eyes when she mentioned your name. She was numb and cold. She’s not the same girl who only had eyes for you anymore.”

Anthony’s hand at his side slowly clenched as his chest grew tight while he held back.

Paloma squatted down and spoke with great concern, “She has no light in her eyes when she looks at you now but there is obvious love and indulgence on her face when it comes to Alistair. My guess is that Alistair is now where she finds solace. If your relationship cannot be salvaged, then there’s no way she’ll give up custody of him.”

“So Anthony,” Paloma continued firmly, “you must promise me whether out of guilt or compensation, do not have any designs on Alistair. His custody must remain solely with our family.”

The atmosphere inside the ancestral hall was heavy and serious.

Kane found out Anthony went along with Paloma into the ancestral hall so he came looking for them.

The door wasn’t closed so Kane heard what Paloma said as soon as he arrived at the entrance causing his heart to tremble violently.

It was clear that Paloma would not budge on this issue of Alistair’s custody rights.

But… Anthony already gave signed divorce papers over, which also granted custody rights over Alistair to Mavis.

If Paloma was aware of this truth, then surely all hell would break loose within their family! What should Anthony do?

He paced back-and-forth anxiously outside of the ancestral hall. Inside, Anthony blinked calmly maintaining composure and saying, “Okay Grandma, I promise. You don’t have anything worry about regarding Alistair.”

“I want your assurance. I want you to swear that if you can’t do it, if you give up the right to raise the future heir of our family and let Alistair leave the protection of our family, I won’t have the face to meet your grandfather. It would be better for me to find a rope and hang myself in your room.”

“Grandma, you’re exaggerating.”

Anthony finally looked up and explained to Paloma, “Even if I give Alistair to Mavis, he will still be under the protection of our family. When he grows up, he will still be the heir of our family. He…”

“Anthony!” Paloma roared, interrupting him. “How dare you say you didn’t have any intention to harm Alistair? You just promised me earlier, and you were just trying to deceive me!”

She stated her position carefully, word by word, “The heir of our family must be raised within our family, receive the best education and training. There is no room for negotiation on this matter. I have always been gentle with you siblings, but this is a matter of principle. If you cannot comply, then I will…”

“Grandma,” Anthony frowned, “she’d been away for five years with severe depression. Her wrists are scarred from multiple cuts. The only thing she can think of now is Alistair.”

Paloma was stunned, her back stiffened with the cane in hand, and she remained silent for a long time.

Mavis was her beloved daughter-in-law who was a naive and kind-hearted girl. Despite enduring so much hardship, she still managed to tug at her heartstrings.

The ancestral hall had quieted down.

Neither Paloma nor Anthony spoke again.

The tense atmosphere was somewhat subtle, and Kane at the door noticed it. He knocked on the door panel and said, “Madam, Callahan Group has some urgent business that requires Mr. Callahan to handle immediately.”

Paloma’s eyes turned slightly red as she turned her back and said, “You can go.”

With permission granted, Anthony slowly stood up, bowed slightly towards Paloma, and turned to leave.

As he approached the door, Paloma called out to him, “Anthony, make sure to visit her more often and bring Alistair over on the weekend.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Anthony said, “He has tutoring work over the weekend, so I’ll let Alistair stay at home. I’ll have her come over to keep him company and chat with you.”

Paloma didn’t say anything else and said, “You decide.”

…

Since the incident in court, Mavis hadn’t seen Anthony for several days, but she often came across news about him.

Callahan Group stock price rose, so he should be busy and engaged in international trade.

Raymond didn’t think so, sipping his milk tea and talking trash. “Sis, remember what I said before? Anthony is definitely lying to you. He said he’s chasing after you, but we haven’t seen him in days. What a two-faced guy.”

Mavis just laughed and continued knitting with the wool. “Well, in half a month I’ll sign the papers anyway. If he doesn’t come to bother me by then, isn’t that what you want?”

“That’s true,” Raymond felt much better.

Moore sat at a nearby table dealing with business for their company and had no interest in commenting on Anthony anymore.

As for Mavis, she was too busy to care whether or not Anthony showed up.

Winter was coming soon and she wanted to knit a soft scarf for Alistair before it arrived.

Knock knock–

Suddenly there was knocking on the door.

Without ordering takeout or expecting any visitors, they knew who it must be without even thinking about it.

Raymond complained as he went to open the door, “Look who’s here! This guy is an expert at offering false kindness.”

However, when the door opened…

The man standing outside wasn’t Anthony.