Chapter 34 I used to be kind.

The Collins family was in utter turmoil. Ever since Alina married Caleb, everyone in the family had witnessed Mrs. Collins' cold demeanor towards her. It was evident that she disliked Alina, yet she had defended Alina by driving Caleb out when she heard about the child's death caused by Emma's illness. Caleb took Emma away with him.

This incident had caused more discord within the family than any other in recent years. At the hospital, Emma sobbed uncontrollably, appearing deeply aggrieved. The doctor attentively treated Emma's wound, cleaning and dressing it, while Caleb observed coldly.

After the procedure, an EMT respectfully informed Caleb, "Miss Bell's wound is deep and will likely leave a scar."

Emma's cries intensified upon hearing the possibility of scarring. Despite relishing the sight of Caleb and the Collins family in such a miserable state today, the thought of her face being marred deeply troubled her. She dared not contemplate what would happen afterwards. A woman's appearance held great importance, and having witnessed the beautiful women surrounding Caleb, she knew that her relationship with him would not be permanent if her face bore unsightly scars.

As Caleb listened to Emma's wailing, his annoyance grew. He asked in a deep and grim tone, "Is there no way to fix it?"

"The extent of the repair depends on the depth of the scars. Completely removing deep scars is simply impossible," the doctor responded after a moment of thought. "At least, our hospital cannot achieve that."

This illustrated the severity of Mrs. Collins' actions when confronting Emma. The pain of losing her grandson was reflected in Emma's face. Unbeknownst to Caleb, Vanessa harbored an additional reason for hating Emma. She even contemplated killing her, desiring more than just half of her face to be scarred.

Meanwhile, Alina was busy preparing for the Oklens show. She had been personally involved in every exhibition over the past few years. Suddenly, the sound of a car outside broke the silence, followed by Lucy's voice.

"Lady Alina, Mr. Collins has arrived."

Alina furrowed her brow upon hearing this. She put down the pen she had been holding, stood up, and headed towards the door.

"Where is he?"

"Downstairs, and he doesn't look too good."

Alina took a deep breath. "You go down first."

"Okay."

Lucy went downstairs, and Alina stood at the doorway for a moment, hesitating. She then turned back, reentered the room, and retrieved the two agreements before making her way downstairs.

Caleb sat on the sofa. If he had been born in ancient times, countless women would have vied to be his consort. Seeing Alina, he blew a puff of smoke into the air.

Alina walked over to the opposite couch and took a seat. She smoothly placed the file she was holding on the coffee table and pushed it towards him. "It's been quite a headache, hasn't it?" Alina spoke first, her tone laced with a mocking sense of authority.

As her words fell, the man sitting across from her emanated an icy coldness. His heart was truly inscrutable.

In the past few years, Alina believed she had encountered various people and could easily discern their intentions with a single glance. Yet now, it felt as though she had never truly seen him or understood him. She had once thought that even if he didn't love her, he would still fulfill his responsibilities in their marriage. But the harsh reality finally unveiled that this man was ruthless.

"What do you mean?" he asked, extinguishing the cigarette in his hand and placing it in the ashtray.

Alina questioned, "Caleb, do you blame me for being ruthless?"

Throughout these years, no one in the Collins family, except for Grandpa, knew about the necessity of Alina's involvement in Emma's illness. Grandpa had kept the secret until his death, and Alina made it impossible for the Collins family to ever accept Emma while she pursued a divorce.

"You are indeed ruthless," he acknowledged.

His tone remained deep, indicating that their current situation was a significant problem. However, in that moment, his tone carried a hint of levity.

"And how should I have understood you in this matter?" Alina smiled.

"There's no need for you to understand me. What I am doing now is simple. Three years ago, you treated me in a certain way, and even if I don't want you anymore, your first love cannot remain by your side in such an honorable manner."

Alina demonstrated a strong resolve. It was likely the most difficult situation for Emma.

For a woman who had gone to such lengths and expenses to attain something, having all her hopes dashed by someone else was crushing. Emma desperately desired Caleb, and now that Caleb was breaking through and marrying her, what did it matter?

High society was not as simple as it seemed, and the social circle they belonged to was even more complex. Without the approval of the Collins family, Emma could never enter the upper class. She would forever be an invisible mistress-like presence. In due time, she would realize her true position.

"I didn't expect you to be so ruthless," he sneered.

"I used to be genuinely kind," Alina calmly stated this fact.

Yes, there was a time when she truly embodied kindness.

"But you taught me that at certain times, I cannot be too kind, or else I wouldn't even be able to protect myself."

Caleb's expression changed. Alina chuckled softly and pushed the papers toward him.

"Sign it, and I will release her from the current public scrutiny," she offered.

It was the divorce agreement. Upon her return, she had initially wanted to sever ties with him immediately upon discovering that Caleb had not made any efforts to divorce her. However, Grandpa Max had intervened, preventing her from doing so.