The Ex-Wife's Redemption: A Love Reborn Chapter 221

I walked out of the forensic examination room feeling incredibly light. The burden I'd carried for years was finally lifted from my shoulders.

In fact, I had suspected Catherine's plan was a trap from the moment she called suggesting we work together. Her sudden desire to "help" me get a divorce had been suspicious from the start.

But instead of avoiding it, I deliberately walked right into her scheme. I had been waiting for an opportunity exactly like this.

In the hospital reception area, two female police officers were waiting to take my statement. They looked up as I approached, their expressions professional but sympathetic. A man in an expensive suit sat nearby – one of the Harding family's top lawyers, looking at me with barely concealed anxiety. He seemed desperate to say something but kept holding back.

I smiled confidently at the officers and took a seat across from them.

"Sophia Wilson?" one of them asked. "You're the one who filed the report?"

I nodded. "Yes, that's me. I'm the one who called."

"Can you confirm that everything you've told us is true?"

"I guarantee it," I replied without hesitation.

The officer softened her tone. "We've been briefed about the situation. We deeply sympathize with what you've experienced. Is there anything specific you're looking for in terms of resolution?"

I considered the question carefully before answering with complete sincerity. "I don't actually want Henry to go to prison or face criminal charges. I just want him to agree to our divorce. If he'll do that, I'm willing to drop everything else."

My goal was simple – finalize this divorce and get as far away from Henry as possible. After everything I'd endured, I was just one step away from freedom. There was no chance I'd let that slip through my fingers now.

The two officers exchanged confused glances.

"If you wanted a divorce, couldn't you just file through the courts?" one asked. "Why go about it this way?"

The other officer leaned forward. "Based on the evidence we've gathered so far, Mr. Harding doesn't appear to be the one who administered the drug. Are you sure this approach is appropriate?"

While we spoke, the Harding attorney shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Henry had been rushed to emergency surgery hours ago, and immediately afterward, this lawyer had hurried to the police station to gather information. But with Henry unavailable and William still in critical condition, he had only fragments of the story. The lawyer knew roughly what had happened but lacked the specific details of the entire event to mount an effective defense.

Hearing my terms, he couldn't contain himself any longer. "Mrs. Harding, there's absolutely no need to go to such extremes for a divorce! Why not discuss it directly with Mr. Harding rather than causing this scandal?"

His voice rose with increasing desperation. "Do you realize Harding Investment's stock has already hit its daily limit down? Do you understand what that means?"

He ran a hand through his thinning hair. "If you want a divorce, you could simply negotiate with Mr. Harding privately. There was no need to create this public spectacle. This isn't just harming the Harding family—it's hurting you too!"

He pulled out his tablet and showed me a financial report. "The company has lost over twenty billion dollars in market value today alone. As his wife, your marital assets are also affected. Why choose a strategy that damages both parties?"

From the lawyer's perspective, I had countless options for securing a divorce, yet I'd chosen the most destructive approach possible. He clearly couldn't comprehend my actions.

I didn't even glance at his tablet.

My heart was calmer than it had ever been.

"I gave Henry the divorce papers months ago," I said quietly. "He refused to sign them and has been dragging this out. I'm not willing to wait any longer. I just want this marriage over."

I looked directly at the lawyer. "If you can convince Henry to give me my divorce quickly, I'll withdraw my complaint and won't pursue any charges against him."

Having said what I needed to say, I turned back to the officers. "Is there anything else you need from me? If not, I'd like to leave now."

The two officers checked their notes. "No, that's all for now. You're free to go."

As I walked out, the lawyer hurried after me, his shoes clicking on the floor.

"Mrs. Harding, your husband's life is hanging in the balance! Don't you think this is a bit extreme?" His voice echoed in the corridor. "It's been over five hours since the incident. He's been in surgery all this time. Don't you care at all about his condition?"

In the past, I would have rushed to the hospital without a second thought. Even if there was nothing I could do but wait in the hallway and pray, I would have been by Henry's side. But now?

I just wanted my divorce. I wanted to sever every connection between us.

I gave the lawyer a detached smile. "Since you're so concerned about him, why don't you go sit by his bedside? That way, when he wakes up, you'll be the first person he sees. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Ignoring his protests, I walked to the curb and hailed a taxi. "The Harding Estate, please." I was going to pick up Billy.

As I leaned against the window, the glass reflected my face—my eyes bright with something I hadn't felt in years: joy.

Finally, I would be free of Henry Harding.

What should have been a festive holiday gathering at the Harding estate had descended into grim silence.

Catherine and Isabella had been locked in the basement, guarded by Harding security personnel.

The guards had locked the door from the outside, leaving the two women trapped. Catherine had been pounding on the door for hours, her voice growing increasingly hoarse.

"Get Richard in here now! I'm Mrs. Harding! Tell him to let me out!" Despite her persistent shouting and banging, the heavy door remained firmly closed.

Isabella sat on the cold floor, watching Catherine's futile efforts. When Catherine's voice had deteriorated to a painful rasp, Isabella finally spoke up.

"You might as well stop. You could scream until your vocal cords rupture and no one would come," she said flatly. "Think about it—Henry and William are both in critical condition. Richard has to deal with his father, his son, and this entire mess at home. Do you really think you're his priority right now?"

She leaned back against the wall. "If I were you, I'd sit down, stay quiet, and conserve my energy."

Catherine finally gave up, her palms red and stinging from pounding on the door. She slumped down beside Isabella, her aristocratic elegance completely gone.

"I'm his wife," she said, more to convince herself than Isabella. "He loves me. Once things settle down, he'll remember me." Despite her words, her voice lacked conviction.

In all their years of marriage, Richard had never laid a hand on her, no matter what she'd done. Today he had slapped her in front of everyone.

Isabella gave a cold laugh. "By the time he 'remembers' you, you'll have frozen to death down here." She raised an eyebrow. "And are you really sure he loves you? Would a man who loves his wife slap her in front of so many people?"

Catherine's cheek still bore the clear imprint of Richard's fingers. The mark showed no signs of fading. Stung by Isabella's words, Catherine turned on her with sudden fury.

"Why did I get slapped? Who was I doing all this for?" she snapped. "It was for you! And now that we're in trouble, instead of trying to think of a way out, you're just sitting there making snide remarks!"

Isabella noticed Catherine's genuine anger and decided not to push further. She simply curved her lips into a smile.

"I may be harsh, but I'm only stating facts, aren't I?" She tilted her head. "You say Richard loves you. Are you willing to bet on that?"