Shine Like a Star after Divorce

Chapter 4 Uncle Killian's Return

The message wasn't from Oriana—it was from Merrick's grandfather, Harlan Bexley.

Merrick felt a slight pang of disappointment but quickly regained his composure.

Today was the day his uncle, Killian, returned to the country, and Harlan had specifically instructed him to bring Oriana home with him.

Unfortunately, Krystal had just undergone surgery and needed someone to take care of her.

"Is something wrong? Is Oriana upset? You can go back first if you need to," Krystal said softly, putting on an innocent expression as she gently held Merrick's hand.

"It's not about Oriana. Uncle Killian is back, and Grandpa wants me to go home immediately."

Merrick sighed, feeling somewhat helpless. While he could ignore other people's requests, Harlan's words were commands in the Bexley family.

Moreover, with Killian returning this time, Merrick had no choice but to be present. Otherwise, Harlan might grow displeased with him.

Everyone knew that Harlan doted on Killian, but Killian was notoriously rebellious and showed no interest in the family business.

Merrick understood clearly that if he wanted to solidify his position in the family and eventually succeed Harlan, he needed to maintain a good relationship with Killian.

"I'll have Nina take care of you while I'm gone. I won't be away for long, and I'll come back soon to be with you." After reassuring Krystal, Merrick got up and left, sending a message to Oriana as he walked out.

As she watched Merrick's departing figure, a cold and vicious glint flickered in Krystal's eyes.

"Merrick, you'll be mine sooner or later. Oriana doesn't deserve you at all!"

*****

In the evening, after receiving the message, Oriana immediately headed to the Bexley family's Old Mansion.

Although Merrick's uncle's return had nothing to do with her, and she was unwilling to attend this family gathering, it was a direct request from Harlan. Among all the Bexley family members, aside from Nina, Harlan had always treated her the best.

She didn't want to disappoint him.

However, the thought of seeing Merrick made her feel uneasy.

To put an end to this marriage once and for all, she decided to bring the divorce agreement with her, planning to use this opportunity to sever ties with Merrick face-to-face.

She was determined to end this marriage.

Not long after, Merrick also arrived at the entrance of the Old Mansion.

He hadn't expected that after just a day apart, Oriana would seem like a completely different person.

Standing before him was no longer the gentle housewife he once knew, but a poised and stunning professional woman.

Her neatly styled short hair curled slightly, like waves brushed by the sea breeze. The perfectly tailored suit she wore accentuated her graceful figure, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Merrick stared at her, momentarily dazed, but when he spoke, his tone remained laced with mockery.

"Oriana, don't think that dressing up like this will soften my heart. Let me tell you, don't bother—this kind of trick won't work on me!"

In Merrick's mind, Oriana had dressed up so meticulously in an attempt to win him back and stop him from being with Krystal.

Oriana couldn't help but laugh at his words, finding it utterly ridiculous. Merrick's arrogance was truly beyond belief.

Shaking her head, she pulled the divorce agreement from her tote bag and casually tossed it in front of him.

"Since our marriage was never publicly disclosed, sign this divorce agreement, and tomorrow we can finalize the procedures."

Merrick hastily caught the falling document. When he glanced down and saw that it was indeed a divorce agreement, he was so infuriated that he let out a bitter laugh.

"Divorce agreement? So, this is why you went to such lengths to dress up? You think doing all this for me will change my mind? Oriana, I've seen this kind of 'hard-to-get' game plenty of times before!"

His voice turned cold. "Fine, if you want a divorce, I'll grant it. But don't come crying to me later, begging to take it back!"

Just then, the butler approached them and politely said, "Mr. Merrick, Mrs. Oriana, Master Bexley has been waiting for you. Please follow me inside."

Merrick quickly put away the divorce agreement and walked through the door with Oriana. Outwardly, they appeared calm, but beneath the surface, the tension was palpable.

As soon as they entered, Oriana heard the shrill voice of Merrick's mother, Marigold.

"Married for two years, and she hasn't even gotten pregnant yet. It's such a disgrace to our family—she's completely useless."

Nichole immediately chimed in, "Exactly! She's married, but instead of staying home to take care of her husband, she's off working. Probably because she can't have children. She's just way too full of herself."

Oriana cast a cold glance at Nichole, who instantly shrank behind Marigold, feeling guilty.

Nichole couldn't help but recall the slap she received from Oriana earlier that day in the conference room. It was as if the sting on her face hadn't yet faded.

Marigold, displeased, began scolding Oriana loudly.

"What are you glaring at me for? Tell me, what part of what I said isn't true? If you're so capable, then have a son and give me a grandson!"

She showed no courtesy to Oriana. In Marigold's eyes, Oriana was nothing compared to Krystal. If Merrick had married Krystal, she would already have a lovely grandchild by now.

Harlan's expression darkened instantly upon hearing these remarks. Just as he was about to reprimand them, the butler announced loudly, "It's Mr. Killian's car!"

Upon hearing those words, Harlan immediately stood up, leaning on his cane, and walked briskly toward the entrance to greet him.

"Father, I'm back."

Killian's voice was deep and powerful, carrying a unique magnetism.

Harlan stepped forward, patting him on the shoulder, his eyes filled with relief and joy.

"I'm so glad to see you back. Come, let me introduce you to the family." Harlan said, turning toward his eldest grandson.

"This is your brother's son, Merrick, and over there is his wife, Oriana." He then turned back and called out, "Oriana, come over."

Standing absentmindedly in a corner on the side of the room, Oriana was preoccupied with thinking of an excuse to leave. She had already accomplished what she came for and had no desire to stay any longer.

As she pondered her exit, she suddenly heard Harlan call her name, prompting her to reluctantly turn her head and look toward the newcomer.

At that moment, she caught the name in Harlan's introduction—

"This is your uncle, Killian."

Oriana froze instantly, her head snapping up, locking eyes with him.

In that brief moment, it felt as though her heart skipped a beat.