Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 114

Chapter 114 

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At Dreamscape Gallery, Briana had just returned from the hospial and was sitting in her studio. She had just picked up her paint palette when she heard a knock at the door. “Who is it?” sh called out. 

“Mrs. Carter, are you okay?” The bodyguard’s voice came from side. 

Are you hoping I’m not okay?” Briana shot back. 

The bodyguard replied quickly, “No, not at all. It’s just that you’ve been in the studio for so long. I was worried you might be bored.” 

Briana said, “I’m painting. Please don’t bother me,” 

The bodyguard answered, “Of course, Mrs. Carter.” Then the sound of the bodyguard’s footsteps faded away, 

Briana let out a sigh of relief. She’d made it back just in time. If the bodyguard had knocked a few more times and gotten no response, he would’ve broken the door down for sure. 

And if he found out she wasn’t there, he was sure to report it to Shepard. That would send Shepard over the edge. 

Briana lowered her head, mixing colors with practiced ease, then glanced up at the painting in front of her, which was about a third done. She thought, ‘For the next few days, I’ll just focus on painting. 

During those days, Briana stayed at the gallery, and at night, when she got back to the Carter Estate, she didn’t say a word to Shepard. She just did her own thing. She knew how to give the cold shoulder, too. 

Shepard always watched her with a deep, unreadable look in his eyes. Then, everything changed when an entertainment news story shot straight to the top of the trending list. The headline read, [Mr. Carter and his wife, Briana, will finalize their divorce tomorrow.] 

Word spread like wildfire, and the internet was buzzing with discussion. A netizen commented, [Wait, so they’ve actually filed for divorce for a month already?] 

Another netizen chimed in, [So, does this count as Mr. Carter having an affair with Vivian?] 

[Pretty sure Mr. Carter’s the one pushing for the divorce, so he can go off and marry Vivian.] 

[Or maybe Briana’s the one who wants out. I mean, who wants to get played like a fool and have everyone know about it?] 

[We’ll find out tomorrow. Whoever really wants the divorce will be the first one at the courthouse. If someone doesn’t want it, they might not even show up.] 

[Place your bets! Who’s gonna show up at the courthouse first, Mr. Carter or Briana?] 

Shepard was in his study having an online meeting when a notification popped up in the corner of his screen. He glanced at it without thinking and tried to close it until he spotted his own name. 

He leaned in for a better look, and his face fell. He thought, his mind racing, “Who the hell leaked this? Who put this online?‘ 

Shepard slammed the mouse down on the desk. With a cold edge in his voice, he said, “Meeting’s over. We’ll continue this 

tomorrow.” 

Everyone looked stunned. They thought, ‘Is Mr. Carter even going to show up tomorrow? Wouldn’t he be supposed to get divorced? Or maybe he’ll get divorced in the morning and clock in for work after lunch? Talk about being efficient. 

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Chapter 114 

Nobody dared to ask. They just quietly ended the meeting, turned off their cameras, and logged off. 

Shepard snatched up the phone on his desk. He said, “Daniel.” 

Yes, Mr. Carter.” Daniel replied. 

“Where’s Briana? Shepard demanded. 

Daniel answered, “Mrs. Carter’s on her way. She should be home in about ten minutes.” 

“Tell her to get her ass to my study!” Shepard snapped. With that he slammed the phone down. 

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These past few days, Briana’s been giving me the cold shoulder. didn’t care, thinking she’d finally given in and accepted her fate. But she’s stirring up trouble again!‘ Shepard fumed. 

When Briana got back to the Carter Estate, Daniel hurried over as soon as she stepped out of the car. He said, “Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter wants to see you in his study.” 

Briana said, “Okay.” 

Daniel could tell she was in a good mood. He leaned in and said carefully, “Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter seems a bit on edge right now. Please, just play it by ear.” 

During the five years Briana had been the lady of the Carter Estate, she’d always treated the staff with kindness and respect. 

She never put on airs, never made things difficult for anyone, and always gave generous gifts during holidays and special occasions. So, everyone at the Carter Estate respected her and held her in high regard. 

Briana smiled. “When has he ever been in a stable mood? Don’t worry about me. Just get back to work.” 

“Honestly, Mr. Carter’s pretty easy to please. Just take a page out of Vivian’s book. Even if you acted just a little bit like her, that’d be more than enough.” As he spoke, Daniel even gestured with his hands to show what he meant. 

Briana shrugged. “Me, act like her? Not everyone’s cut out to be an actress. I’m just not built that way.” 

She headed upstairs to the study, gave the door a perfunctory knock, and called out, “It’s me.” 

“Come in,” Shepard replied. 

The study was brightly lit, and the computer screen was glowing. Shepard stood at his desk, his back to the door, hands clasped behind him. 

Briana asked, “Is there something you need? Make it quick. I’m tired and want to rest.” 

Shepard still didn’t turn around, his voice low and heavy. “Trying to use public opinion to force me into divorcing you?” 

“What are you even talking about? But hey, thanks for the reminder. Tomorrow, we need to go to the courthouse. Shepard, let’s go get this over with.” Briana put on her best clueless act. 

She thought, Online gossip? Haven’t seen a thing. He’s not going through with it? Never heard of it, don’t know, totally forgot.” 

Shepard stood there, just his presence alone giving off invisible pressure. But Briana wasn’t afraid of him. 

Shepard slowly turned around, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Can’t wait to run to Henry, huh?” 

Briana nodded, her tone calm and unwavering. “Of course, I’ve been dreaming about it. Just like you can’t wait to marry 

Vivian.” 

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Briana looked Shepard straight in the eye, totally unbothered. His eyes were like a deep, endless abyss, impossible to read. Not that she cared to anymore, 

Briana said calmly, “Anyway, I’ll be at the courthouse tomorrow and I hope you’ll be there, too,” 

Shepard’s face was ashen, his expression cold and grim. He did say a word. 

Briana walked right up to him, stopping less than two feet away. Remember when we went to the courthouse a month ago? The staff asked me if I’d regret leaving a husband as good–looking as you. Do you remember how I answered?” 

The memory came rushing back to Shepard. He replied, “You said I’d be the one who’d regret it.” 

Briana nodded. “That’s right. And you said there was no way. Now, a month later, Shepard, turns out I was right after all.” 

Shepard shot back, “I’m not refusing because I regret it. Briana, don’t get it twisted.” 

“Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. You just don’t want the divorce anymore.” She shrugged, a faint smile lingering, her eyes flashing with sarcasm. She mocked him. 

Shepard gripped her chin, closing in step by step until she was pressed up against the desk, his presence overwhelming. 

Briana leaned back, hands planted firmly on the desk, meeting his gaze head–on, refusing to show any fear. “What do you 

want?” 

“Don’t you get it, Briana? The more you want something, the less I’ll let you have it.” Shepard’s voice was suddenly low and velvety, almost hypnotic. 

His fingertips lingered on her cheek. “Back when we first got married, you wanted my love, wanted me by your side. So, I wouldn’t give it to you. Now you want a divorce, want your freedom? I’m still not letting you have it.” 

Briana shoved his hand aside. “You jerk!” 

Shepard scoffed and withdrew his hand. 

Briana said, her voice steady, “I’ll be waiting for you at the courthouse tomorrow. With the whole world watching, Shepard, if you bail, how do you think people will see you?” 

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