“Without the Smith family’s formula, Scott Corporation wouldn’t have its products. The money for the formula must naturally be paid. Sophia was Henry’s wife, and since he was unfaithful first, it’s only fair that she receives alimony. However, the amount has always been a point of contention. Dragging things out like this won’t help anyone. In my opinion, we should lease the formula for $10 million a year while also paying alimony. At the same time, Sophia must ensure updates and improvements to the formula and agree to cooperate with inspections of the toothpaste formula,” Scott Livinus stated calmly.
Sophia frowned. Essentially, she would receive $10 million annually, which would cover both leasing the formula and alimony.
It seemed like a significant amount. After all, her initial goal had been $50 million. With this arrangement, she could achieve that in five years and would continue earning money afterward.
However, it also came with risks. If Scott Corporation went bankrupt or the product was pulled from the market, she wouldn’t see any of that money.
The Boss seemed satisfied with the proposal and said, “Livinus is right. Sophia, what do you think?”
Sophia considered it. As long as Scott Corporation remained under Livinus’s leadership, bankruptcy seemed unlikely.
She would earn a steady income yearly, and since the formula’s ownership remained hers, leasing it seemed advantageous.
“I can agree to that,” she said after a pause. “Let’s follow Uncle’s suggestion.”
The way she addressed him as “Uncle” sent a shiver down Scott Livinus’s spine.
Much later, when they were in bed, Sophia would teasingly call him “Uncle” again and again, and the only way Livinus could stop her was by silencing her mischievous lips with fervent kisses.
—
By dinnertime, everyone in the Scott household knew that Sophia’s divorce agreement had been finalized.
Andrea and Olivia’s faces were darker than the night.
Olivia had initially intended to stir up trouble, but Sophia had left her no openings. Moreover, Sophia’s cordial relationship with Wilson Mark kept Olivia in check, preventing her from acting out.
Additionally, with reporters swarming around the Scott residence, any misstep could ruin Olivia’s reputation entirely.
She had thought she could bide her time since she was already living in the household. But Sophia had finalized the divorce so quickly and secured over $10 million in alimony annually!
As long as Scott Corporation didn’t go under, Sophia would keep receiving that money.
Was there really such an ideal arrangement?
Olivia was so envious her eyes burned with jealousy. Her tone became sarcastic as she sneered, “Oh, dear sister, I truly admire your fortune. Pretending to be a victim all the time, saying you’re bullied by mistresses, but behind closed doors, you’re just a bloodsucking leech, taking so much money in one go.”
Having settled the divorce agreement, Sophia was in high spirits. Earlier, she had already instructed Aaron to draft the contract and coordinate with Scott Corporation’s legal team. Once everything was in order, she would sign it.
At this point, Sophia no longer considered herself part of the Scott family. So what did Henry’s affairs have to do with her?
Laughing lightly, she retorted, “You’re right. With that money, I could afford to keep a younger man and live a carefree life. Ah, such a heavenly existence—no in-laws to serve, no husband to care for, just living my life and spending as I please. And the best part? Once the money’s gone, more will come next year.”
Hearing the phrase “keep a younger man,” Scott Livinus’s hand, which had been picking up food, paused briefly, but he said nothing.
Olivia, however, was so furious she clutched her cutleries tightly, her jealousy practically dripping from her eyes.
She simply couldn’t stand Sophia. Though they came from similar family backgrounds, Sophia lived as though she were an heiress, always poised and calm. Even when her husband was taken from her, she seemed indifferent, which made Olivia’s resentment burn. Why could Sophia live like this while Olivia had to resort to stealing another woman’s man?
“Yes, you’re so lucky!” Olivia gritted her teeth, her smile turning icy. “But what good is money? You’re a divorced woman now. Do you think you’ll ever find a man as good as Henry again? Still, I must thank you for stepping aside. Without you, how could we become a happy family of three?”
“It’s too early to say thank you,” Sophia said cheerfully. “After all, Henry hasn’t married you yet. Why rush? Just because I’ve left doesn’t mean you’ll be the one to take my place. Thanking me now is a bit premature, don’t you think?”
Sophia shook her head as if she couldn’t believe Olivia’s audacity, her expression making Olivia’s blood boil.
To make matters worse, Henry remained silent throughout the exchange.
Olivia pinched him sharply and snapped, “Henry! She’s insulting me, and you’re just sitting there? Say something!”
Henry finally snapped out of his daze. He hadn’t been paying attention to Olivia’s words; his mind was filled with thoughts of Sophia and Livinus. Strangely, now that the divorce was finalized, he felt uneasy. He didn’t want Sophia, but he also didn’t want her to find someone better than him—especially not Livinus.
“Enough, Olivia. Let’s eat,” Henry said curtly.
Olivia froze, her face flushing red with anger.
—
The next morning, Aaron and the Scott family’s lawyer arrived with the finalized divorce contract for Sophia to sign.
