Chapter 17 — My Husband Brought His Ex Home

The moment the three syllables of Blossom's name fell from the air, the bald man’s expression darkened entirely. The woman standing behind him spat out a harsh curse.

I always said this mess was going to blow up sooner or later.

Hane seemed oblivious to their words. He clutched the bank statement, his hands trembling violently.

My father told me the money was going toward paying off the construction debts.

He told me the family’s financial struggles were only temporary.

He never told me Blossom had taken one million two hundred thousand.

I looked at him, feeling not a single shred of sympathy in my heart. The agony he felt now was not because he had hurt or betrayed me, but because he had finally realized that the pure, radiant moonlight he had fought so desperately to protect viewed him as nothing more than a stepping stone. The police officers stepped forward.

Would you all please accompany us to the station to clarify this matter?

The bald man immediately threw his hands up.

Officers, we are merely collecting a legitimate debt.

Attorney Forest spoke with chilling indifference: Legitimate debt collectors do not threaten to break doors down and seize properties.

Nor do they use an invalid mortgage agreement to coerce a homeowner into handing over their deed.

I forwarded the video footage I had just captured along with the phone call recordings directly to the police. The bald man’s complexion turned even more repulsive. He glared daggers at me.

Fine. You are a cold-blooded woman, Ms. Xu.

I met his gaze with absolute calm.

I simply happen to understand how to involve the authorities better than you do.

No sooner had those words left my lips than several homeowners lingering outside the property management office began whispering among themselves. One of them finally recognized me.

Isn’t that the young woman from the eighteenth floor?

There was such a terrible commotion at her place last night. Could it be that her in-laws tried to use her apartment as collateral for a debt?

Good heavens, isn’t the ownership deed entirely in her name?

Her husband’s family is utterly shameless.

Those voices felt like countless sharp needles piercing straight into Hane’s spine. He kept his head bowed, unable to utter a single syllable in his own defense. My father, however, stood tall and proud. He remained right beside me, immovable like a solid wall. I suddenly felt that the utter wretchedness of the previous night had not been in vain. At the very least, from this moment onward, everyone knew that the apartment belonged to an Xu, not a Han. Upon arriving at the police station, the entire truth was laid completely bare. When old man Han was led out and saw the creditors waiting there as well, his face instantly turned an ashen grey. The bald man lashed out the moment he laid eyes on him.

Old Han, didn’t you assure me that your daughter-in-law had already signed the papers?

Didn’t you promise me that you had absolute control over that apartment?

And now your lawyer claims the mortgage is entirely void. Are you playing games with me?

Han’s eyes darted frantically around the room.

I never claimed I had absolute control.

The bald man slammed his fist onto the table.

Absolute rubbish!

You told me your son lived inside that home, and that your daughter-in-law would inevitably be manipulated.

You even claimed that women are easily intimidated and that a good scare would be enough to make her hand over the title deed on a silver platter.

My father was shaking with suppressed rage.

Han, is this it?

Is this how you calculated and plotted against my daughter from the very beginning?

Han did not dare to meet my father’s eyes. Hearing the commotion from the adjoining room, Pearl burst through the doorway.

Stop ganging up on him! Do not press him like this.

We were not the only ones who spent that money.

She finished, whipping her head around to glare directly at Hane.

Hane, say something!

When your father borrowed that money, wasn't it all for your future?

Hane slowly raised his head.

For my future?

Transferring one million two hundred thousand to Blossom was for my future too?

Pearl’s expression froze instantly.

That was because poor Blossom had no choice.

Blossom was drowning in debt and being driven to the edge of ruin by her creditors.

We simply could not stand by and watch something terrible happen to her.

Hane’s eyes were bloodshot and terrifying to behold.

Is that why you forced me to bring her into my home with our marriage still fresh?

Is that why you made me register her fingerprints on the smart lock?

Is that why you made me lie to Your-Ha and pretend I was working overtime?

Mother, what on earth do the two of you take me for?

Pearl began to wail loudly.

I only did it because I wanted what was best for you!

You and Blossom have been close since childhood.

She is far more sensible than Your-Ha, and infinitely more gentle.

If Your-Ha hadn’t constantly lorded her property over us, would you ever have been forced to live such a miserable, stifling life?

Hearing this, I finally let out a cold laugh.

So my refusal to hand over my home means I was lording it over you.

Pearl turned her vicious glare upon me.

Of course you were lording it over us!

What kind of married woman clings so selfishly to her own apartment, guarding it like a dragon atop its hoard?

If you truly loved Hane, you would have added his name to the title deed long ago.

If his name had been on it from the start, we wouldn't be in this mess today!

My father stepped forward, his voice freezing cold.

You finally let your true colors show.

The lot of you had your eyes fixed on the apartment I bought for my daughter right from the very beginning.

Pearl opened her mouth to hurl more insults, but an officer cut her off sharply.

This is a police station.

Mind your attitude and watch your tongue.

Attorney Forest leaned in and whispered to me: This part is crucial.

She has officially admitted to coveting this property over an extended period.

I gave a silent nod. The recording application on my phone had been running continuously. From last night until this very moment, every single malicious word they uttered was paving the way for my clean break. Just then, another officer walked in carrying a fresh stack of documents.

Blossom has arrived.

Every pair of eyes in the room turned uniformly toward the entrance. When Blossom was led inside, she had changed into a different outfit. The fragile, pathetic vulnerability she wore like a mask last night had vanished entirely, leaving only raw, naked panic lurking in the depths of her eyes.