Her mother-in-law and her husband’s mistress filed for divorce after she gave birth, thinking she was a “nobody,” unaware that she was the true owner of the hospital and the empire that fed them.

“The illusion is over, Elena, so sign the divorce papers and stop pretending this marriage still exists,” Vanessa added with a mocking softness that only deepened the wound.

Elena gathered her remaining strength and reached out to Victor, her fingers barely brushing his sleeve as she struggled to sit up in the bed.

“Victor, please say something, because you promised me everything would be different,” she pleaded while searching his face for any trace of the man she once loved.

Victor slowly pulled his arm away and finally looked at her, but his eyes held nothing except exhaustion and a quiet cowardice that crushed her remaining hope.

“Elena, try to understand our situation because my family’s company is collapsing and we are desperate for investors and powerful connections,” he said in a controlled but distant tone.

“What can you offer us in a moment like this when you have no wealth, no background, and no influence,” he continued while avoiding her tear filled gaze.

“You came from nowhere and you brought nothing with you except your dependence on this family,” he added, his words cutting deeper than anything she had imagined.