Chapter 3 You Will Not Survive Rebeccas expression stiffened with embarrassment.
As a rising star in the entertainment industry, she was accustomed to being attended to by four or five assistants, with multiple chefs ensuring that her meals suited her tastes.
When she had offered to cook, it had only been a polite gesture.
She had expected Christian to take the hint and invite her out to eat.
But to her surprise, Christian remained lost in thought, staring at the living room without acknowledging her.
Left with no choice, she forced a gentle smile and coaxed Chester patiently.
Chester, I can learn how to cook in the future.
How about this? Ill go get some food from a restaurant for you, okay? Chester brightened up instantly.
Then I want two extra burgers! Alright, no problem.
Rebecca cast a tender look at Christian.
Chris, is there anything special youd like to eat? Christian finally snapped out of his thoughts.
No.
As soon as Rebecca stepped outside, she called her assistant and had them arrange for food delivery.
By the time she returned, Christian was already in the study, sorting through documents for a major undersea tunnel project.
After a brief pause, she decided to make herself useful.
She ground fresh coffee, then knocked on the study door.
Inside, Christian found himself unable to focus.
The words on the page blurred together, refusing to register.
He rubbed his temples and instinctively reached for his coffee cup.
Only to grasp at empty air.
Ha.
So Hannahs really holding out this time.
Three full hours and not a single call.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
He smirked.
So shes finally given in.
Three days? I overestimated her.
Come in! Without looking up, he spoke coolly.
As I said before, if you apologize, I… Chris.
The voice wasnt Hannahs.
His brows furrowed as he lifted his gaze.
Rebecca walked in, setting a cup of coffee beside him.
You must be tired.
Ive learned massage techniques.
Do you want me to help you relax? Christian stayed silent.
He picked up the coffee, took a sip, and his expression instantly darkened.
What is this? It tastes nothing like what Im used to.
Just then, Chesters voice rang out.
Ms.
Rebecca, dinners ready! Rebecca smiled.
Chris, lets eat together.
Christian hadnt eaten anything since his business trip, aside from going to pick up Hannah earlier.
Hunger gnawed at him.
Alright.
The table was laden with dishes, and Chesters eyes gleamed with excitement.

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It was all his favorite food.
His little face flushed with anticipation, but remembering the table manners Hannah had instilled in him, he waited for his parents before starting.
Rebecca, however, simply patted his shoulder.
Go ahead, eat up! Taking her cue, Chester ran off to wash his hands.
When he returned, he eagerly took a big bite of his burger.
Bleh! Pfft! He spat it all out instantly.
This tastes awful! The meat is so dry! A childs patience was thin to begin with, and in frustration, he flung the burger straight into the trash and burst into tears.
Christians expression darkened.
Chester! Scolded, Chester wailed even louder.
But its really bad! If you dont believe me, try it! Christian rarely involved himself in disciplining the child and was at a loss for what to do.
To set an example, he took a bite of the food himself.
He nearly spit it out.
But years of self-restraint forced him to swallow it.
Seeing his dad eat, Chester hesitated, then cautiously took another bite.
Bleh! Pfft! He burst into tears again.
Its terrible! Im not eating this! With that, he sobbed his way upstairs.
Rebeccas face turned pale.
The food tasted fine to her.
These were way better than the working meals she usually had on set. Did this kid have a problem with his taste buds? Christian set down his fork.
Ill go check on him.
Rebecca immediately stood up.
Ill come with you.
No need.
Upstairs, he could still hear Chesters muffled sobs through the bedroom door.
He pushed it open and saw the boy curled up on the bed, crying uncontrollably.
Stop crying! You ate just fine when I was away on business.
Chesters wails grew even louder, his whole body trembling.
But the food at home never tasted like this before! Christian pinched the bridge of his nose.
He understood.
When traveling, he could tolerate mediocre meals, but at home, he expected a certain standard.
Still, he refused to indulge the boy.
Stop crying, or youll go to bed hungry.
But Chester kept sobbing, inconsolable.
Christian felt a surge of irritation.
He had never realized how noisy this child could be.
He had no idea how to comfort him.
In the past, when Chester refused to eat, Hannah had always calmed him down with just a few words.
The thought of her only made his mood worse.
Finally, he snapped.
Cry all you want! Come find me when youre done! With that, he slammed the door and stormed back to his study.
He had no appetite for dinner anymore.
Even after a long while, Chesters cries still echoed from upstairs.
Frustrated, Christian grabbed his phone and, for the first time, called Hannah.
She picked up almost immediately.
Without hesitation, he said, If you want to come back… Mr.
Ford, are you calling to discuss the divorce? Should I send you my lawyers contact information? Christian let out a cold chuckle.
I paid for every dress, every piece of jewelry you own.
If we divorce, you wont take a single thing with you.
He paused, his voice laced with cruel certainty.
Without me, you wont survive.
Hannahs tone remained calm, devoid of anger.
Mr.
Ford, thats not something you need to worry about.
If its not about the divorce, dont contact me again.
I wouldnt want Ms.
Rebecca misunderstood.
Then she hung up.
Christian stared at his phone, stunned.
She had never once dared to hang up on him.
Fine.
Very well.
… At Skycity Ville, Hannah had just submitted her resume when Christians call ruined her mood.
She had once been a rising star at a world-class university, collecting certificates and trophies with ease.
With her privileged background, her future had been bright.
But after giving birth, Chesters frail health had worried Christian.
He had begged her to quit her job to care for their son, even handing over a black card with no spending limit.
Seeing Chester weak and frail, she had ultimately given in and sacrificed her career.
All these years, she had thought that even if love had faded, her sacrifices would still be respected.
Yet to Christian, she was nothing more than a caged songbird, a fragile vine, useless, incapable of living without him.
She let out a bitter laugh.
How could I have been so blind? Lost in thought, she barely noticed Ethan approaching with a glass of water.
Mommy, have some water.
Ill massage your arm.
Hannah snapped back to reality, her heart melting at his thoughtfulness.
Not all children took their moms efforts for granted.
Just then, her phone rang again.
Assuming it was Christian, she almost ignored it, until she saw the number.
I saw your resume, an HR representative said warmly.
Can you come in for an interview tomorrow at eight? Hannah almost thought she was hearing things.
Her hands trembled as she fought back tears.
Yes! Absolutely! Ill be there on time.