Chapter 3 — Mother-in-law Slaps Me, I Make The Whole Family Pay

I used all my expertise and relationships to help him build the company's core framework, design the first explosive product, and help him raise round after round of capital. Working day and night on drawings, making plans, staying up until dawn is normal. What about reality? The legal entity of the company is Co Vi. The major shareholders... are Co Vi and his mother — Truong Thuy Hoa. In the name of... Not having a single share. Every month I receive... just a few thousand yuan that he "transfers living expenses" to, as if a favor. I once hinted at the issue of shares. But every time he found enough excuses to cover it up.

"Van Van, we are husband and wife, isn't what's mine also yours? Why do we need to be so clear?"

"The company is still in the early stages, the complex share structure will affect capital raising. Once it is stable, I will immediately transfer the shares to you."

Time after time… I choose to believe. I used to think that as long as there is love... I can overcome everything. Now that I think about it— I was sadly wrong. This is not love. This was a carefully calculated erosion that lasted three years. Eroding my career. My value. And my whole life. I looked at the evidence before me— Things that were enough to prove that I was the true soul of “Bright Tail Technology”— My fingertips turned cold. At that moment, the phone screen lit up again. Co Vi's last message.

"Van Van, go home. Tomorrow there is a presentation with the important investor of the 'Khai Minh' project, only you know that plan. Don't be angry anymore... consider it a request from me."

For the project, I stayed awake for three months, pouring all my effort. I turn off the screen. Then burst out laughing. Laugh until tears flow. He never cared... whether my cheek still hurt or not. I don't care... how broken my heart is. What he cares about— Always only his company. His future. His presentation. He is truly "good". Early the next morning, the doorbell rang. My mother looked through cat eyes, her face immediately darkened.

“Co Wei is here.”

Sure enough... he still came. His arms were full of gifts, all expensive supplements and imported fruits, and his condescension was clearly visible. My mother opened the door. But he stood right there, not letting him in.

“What did you come for?”

Her voice was cold as ice.

“Auntie, I came to pick up Van Van... I'm sorry by the way.” Co Vi tried to force a pleasing smile. “Yesterday was my fault, I couldn't stop you... don't be angry anymore.”

“My daughter doesn't want to see you.”

My mother spoke briefly.

“Auntie, let me talk to Van Van for a few words.”

His patience began to run out, his voice became more urgent.

"Van Van, I'm wrong! You go home with me first. I'll finish the presentation tomorrow, okay? That's the passion between the two of us! Once we're done, you can do whatever you want, I'll listen!"

He stood outside the door loudly, still trying to use the words "our heart" to pull me back. I walked out of the bedroom and stood behind my mother. Then he raised his hand to open the door. Seeing me, Co Vi's eyes immediately lit up, as if he had found a lifeline.

"Van Van! I agreed to meet you!"

I looked at him. There are light dark circles under the eyes, and the hair is a bit messy... it really looks haggard. But in that haggardness— There was not the slightest bit of guilt. Just worry… and calculate. The face that once made me tremble... now only remains with a blindingly fake look. I opened my mouth, my voice was calm, each word clear.

"The first."

“That's your passion, not mine.”

“Since I worked like a horse and a horse for you, and you only saw me as free labor… then it was only yours.”

Co Vi's face immediately stiffened. Maybe he didn't expect... A patient wife like me... would speak so bluntly. I continue.

“If you want me to help you… that's fine.”

There was a ray of hope in his eyes. I looked straight at him. Slightly curl your lips.

“Let's discuss wages.”

“What?” Co Vi was stunned, as if he had just heard a myth. "Wages? Lam Van, we are husband and wife!"

"Since your mother slapped me, and you stood there watching and ignoring me... we are no longer husband and wife." I looked straight into his eyes, every word clear. “Now, there is only cooperation between us.”

Co Vi's face changed continuously, white, then red, then pale again.

“You… how much do you want?” He asked through gritted teeth.

“Consulting fee for this presentation, fifty thousand.” I held up five fingers. “Pay first, do later.”

“Fifty thousand?!” He pops up. "Lam Van, are you crazy? Did you steal money?"

“Compared to the value I created for Sang Vi Technology over the past three years, fifty thousand is just a small number.” I said lightly. "And this is just the fee this time. We still have to divorce, and the assets also need to be divided clearly. The current value of the company... at least half is mine."

“I'm dreaming!” Co Vi completely revealed his true form and spoke harshly. "The company belongs to me alone, it has nothing to do with you! Lam Van, don't get in your way!"

“What belongs to me, I will take it back myself.” I replied, my eyes cold.

Having finished speaking, I slammed the door. Outside, there was immediately the sound of banging on the door and angry cursing. My mother leaned against the wall, looking at me. There was sadness in her eyes... but more than pride.

“My daughter… is finally awake.”

In the afternoon, Truong Thuy Hoa's phone call came. As soon as I picked up the phone, curses poured out like a waterfall.

"Lam Van, you're the type that eats porridge and rocks! My family raised you for so many years, now you've grown up and want to come back and divide the property? I tell you, don't!"

"A greedy woman like you, in the past, she was really blind to let my son marry her! Now she wants a divorce? After the divorce, don't expect to get a dime!"

I calmly turned on the speakerphone. Her high-pitched voice echoed throughout the living room. My mother's face became colder and colder. Waiting until the other party was tired of scolding and panting, my mother picked up the phone and said exactly one sentence.

“It seems... I have to find a really good divorce lawyer.”

Having finished speaking, she hung up the phone. Then immediately make another call.

"Hello, lawyer Vuong? I'm Tuong Lam. I have a case I want you to handle. Yes, divorce, related to company shares and intellectual property rights... the other party probably won't be easy to deal with."

Seeing my mother so decisive, the last bit of hesitation in my heart disappeared. This battle... must be fought. And must win.