Chapter 235

Vivian Dempsey floored the accelerator as the black Mercedes weaved through traffic. Evelyn Carter sat in the backseat, gently holding Natalie Stapleton's icy fingers.

"Natalie bit her lip. "Evelyn, I've been thinking all night... Maybe we should buy gold bars? At least they hold their value."

Evelyn shook her head. "The court would classify precious metals as marital assets."

Natalie twisted her fingers together. "Then... jewelry?"

Vivian glanced at them through the rearview mirror. "Worse idea. Jewelry depreciates fast. That bastard Simon would demand half the original price."

As they passed the luxury mall, Evelyn suddenly tapped the driver's seat. "Pull over."

Vivian slammed the brakes, tires screeching.

"What's wrong?" Natalie asked blankly.

Vivian's eyes lit up. She smacked the steering wheel. "Brilliant!"

Natalie still looked confused. Evelyn explained softly, "Luxury goods. Clothes, bags, shoes—the court can't force division of consumables."

"But..." Natalie hesitated. "Spending all this money on clothes..."

Vivian was already unbuckling her seatbelt. "Silly girl, high-end brands allow returns within seven days. Once the divorce is finalized, we'll return everything."

Understanding dawned in Natalie's eyes.

"Let's go!" Vivian yanked open the car door. "Today, big sister will show you how to spend like royalty!"

The trio took the elevator straight to the top floor. Vivian strode confidently into a luxury boutique and slapped a black card on the counter. "Bring out all your new season pieces!"

Sales associates sprang into action.

Evelyn guided Natalie to the seating area. Noticing her pallor, she gently took her pulse.

"Evelyn," Natalie's voice trembled. "Will the surgery... be very dangerous for the baby?"

Evelyn didn't sugarcoat it. "All surgeries carry risks. But I'll personally oversee your full examination."

Tears splashed onto Natalie's hands. "I'll risk anything to be free of him."

Evelyn squeezed her hand firmly.

"Over here!" Vivian waved a silk scarf nearby. "This limited edition would perfect your dress!"

Natalie wiped her tears and stood with Evelyn's support. As her gaze swept over the dazzling merchandise, she finally smiled genuinely for the first time in days.