Chapter 216

Annie's POV

"When a man marries a woman," Howard began, his voice maintaining that familiar calm and restraint I knew well, yet each word powerful,"it should be because he truly loves her. He wants to live with her and create a beautiful future together."

He paused. his gaze sweeping over Philip and Betty: "Not because she has a gentle personality, is accommodating to everyone, and won't cause him any trouble. I hope you understand this."

I watched Philip's expression grow increasingly gloomy with each of Howard's words. The discomfort and frustration in his eyes were almost visible. He understood better than anyone that Howard's understanding and respect for me was precisely what he had never given me.

"That sounds very noble," Philip sneered, his voice full of mockery,"but can you guarantee you're not with Annie because of her good temperament? Don't pretend you're more virtuous than me."

"I won't deny that Annie's character is indeed admirable," Howard's voice was deep and firm; I could feel that inviolable aura emanating from him,"but what I want most is for her to feel comfortable and respected when she's with me. Not constantly troubed by those around her, living each day in pain and self-doubt."

He paused momentarily, his gaze piercing through Philip:"You're already divorced, Annie has nothing to do with you, yet people connected to you still cause her trouble, trying to hurt her. Imagine what it was like during your marriage? Her life must have been much more difficult than it is now.1

I looked at Howard's straight back, a warmth flooding through my heart.He didn't even need to raise his voice, yet every word was like a sharp sword,precisely hitting its mark.

"Philip," Howard continued, his voice calm but unyielding, "From your actions. I don't see that you ever truly cared about Annie. So despite your claims of loving her, I believe you never really did. You just enjoyed the convenience of having her by your side, because with her there, no one would criticize you. That kind of life was comfortable for you."

His words were like a mirror, mercilessly reflecting Philip's true face:"After all. Annie intercepted all problems, bearing everything alone, while you never truly saw or acknowledged her sacrifices. I don't think she should be treated that way."

I felt my eyes moisten. For the first time in years, someone had clearly seen and articulated my situation.

After speaking, Howard reached back with his hand, without turning to look at me.

In that moment, my heart skipped a beat. He was inviting me to stand beside him, not hiding behind him. This small gesture conveyed his trust and equality-he wasn't protecting a weak person, but supporting an equal partner.

I froze for half a second, then reached out to take his warm hand,standing beside him. That feeling of being treated as an equal filled me with unprecedented strength.

Betty seemed still immersed in the shock of the numbers, not fully understanding the shift in dynamics, She blinked in confusion, then gently tugged on Philip's sleeve, trying to regain control of the conversation.

"Don't you want Annie to pay you back?"Her voice suddenly became anxious, "Or are you afraid Howard will discover that besides living expenses, you spent a lot of money on Annie every month?"

"Mother!" Philip's voice was filled with disbelief, clearly not expecting his own mother to be so uncooperative, even becoming an obstacle to him."Do you really need to see this?"

I could see a flash of desperation cross his face.

"Fine!" He finally yielded, his tone full of defeat.

He quickly took out his phone, roughly pulling up all financial transactions with me, almost throwing the phone at Betty. "Here! See for yourself!"

Betty's eyes suddenly lit up, as if discovering a lifeline. "Isn't this jewelry worth hundreds of thousands?" Her voice was filled with triumphant joy.

Philip frustratedly rubbed his forehead, like a child forced to reveal a secret."That was for Sarah." he almost gritted out the name.

I couldn't help but want to laugh. Sarah's name always slipped so easily from his lips, while in the last two years of our marriage,he rarely even spoke to me.

"And here are clothes worth over a hundred thousand!" Betty exclaimed,unwilling to give up. I could almost see the last glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes-she couldn't accept that her son might truly beso stingy.

Philip's expression grew even darker, like a cloud looming over his handsome face. "Those were also for Sarah."

Betty instantly deflated, like a punctured balloon. She mechanically

continued scrolling through the screen, her gaze hollow. I knew what she was seeing-those records clearly showed that almost all items valued over five hundred dollars were purchased for Sarah. And for me, apart from that pitiful three thousand dollar monthly allowance, there were hardly any decent gifts.

Finally,she stopped asking about specific items, just held up the phone,her voice nearly a whisper: "Is this for Sarah too?"

Philip nodded woodenly, like a resigned prisoner.

The calculations showed that across all platforms and transfers,besides the living allowance, Philip had spent just over ten thousand dollars on me throughout our entire relationship-a laughable figure compared to the hundreds of thousands he had spent on Sarah.

Betty fell completely silent, the arrogance on her face replaced by shock and confusion. She opened her mouth, looked at Philip, then at me, and finally could only helplessly shake her head. I knew what she was thinking-all words were stuck in her throat, unable to come out or be swallowed.

Looking at the scene before me, I suddenly felt a strange calmness. This wasn't the pleasure of revenge, but the relief of finally putting down a heavy burden.

After the calculations were complete, I spoke again, my voice soft yet firm:"From the money I spent on your son, subtract what he spent on me. The remaining amount-" I paused, seeing their expectant expressions, "doesn't need to be transferred to my account."

I turned to Howard, smiling slightly, then continued: "Just donate it in my name to a charity supporting single-parent families. I don't need this

money, but perhaps it can help those who truly need assistance."