Chapter 24 Chapter 24 1.6 Million Dollars
Peyton's cheeks were marked by tearsShe knew deep down that she and Nolan could never go back. Nolan had betrayed her and harmed the Schmitt family, who owed Nolan his sister's life. The scores between them were unsettledIt was a total messThe more they struggled, the tighter the bindings became, suffocating them and leading to their demise. Nolan cupped her cheek, his thumb gently wiping away the tear stains on her face. "Peytie, hate meI betrayed youI killed our babyThere's no going back." Peyton sensed Nolan's waveringHis rare tenderness was like a sapling sprouting from an iceberg. But soon it was shattered by a storm. Nolan left the disheveled room, leaving Peyton behind. Peyton knew it was their farewell. There was no turning back. When Peyton emerged from the room, Olivia was nowhere to be foundOlivia thought they were just quarreling, so she had been attempting to make peace between the two. In Olivia's eyes, Peyton was Nolan's one and only wife
But Olivia was unaware that she had made a big mistake.
Peyton mocked herselfIn the past, she didn't feel lonely because of Olivia's presenceWhen Olivia left, Peyton realized the house and life itself were meaningless and boring.
Outside, it was already darkOlivia had prepared some soupPeyton poured it into a bowl.
Steam rose, casting a glow on her face.
Peyton's expression was calm as ate.
She had found a way to break free from the exhausting fightIt drained them both physically and mentally.
"Nolan, I will repay what my father owes you," Peyton thought.
Peyton decided to stop the chemotherapy and enjoy the remaining days of her life.
She could feel the pain and inner conflict of NolanAs long as she was gone, he wouldn't have to live with constant conflict and hatred.
It turned out that with her death, Nolan would have a better lifeThe only cost was her life.
Nolan would have a lover and a baby that he had always wanted.
He would still be the legend of Aelford City.
Everything would be fine without Peyton.
It would be perfect.
When Peyton had figured it all out, she felt relieved.
That night, Nolan didn't return
The Dalton's mansion was in dead silence.
For the first time in many days, Peyton woke up early and left her room.
Days of rest and recovery had greatly improved her spiritsOlivia took credit for thatPeyton looked healthier with her care.
Perhaps the chemotherapy worked, Peyton hadn't had any discomfort in her stomach recently.
She changed her clothesJust as Peyton was about to open the door, she saw Lucian standing outside with a stern expression.
Lucian said respectfully, "MsSchmitt."
Peyton revealed a warm smile. "Good morning."
Lucian was surprisedIn the past two years since Peyton's relationship with Nolan turned sour, she had been in hysteria or despairLucian hadn't seen her smile for a long time.
Seeing her smile, Lucian hated to break it to PeytonBut Peyton took the initiative. "Just say it."
"MrDalton asked me to take you to Courthouse."
Peyton wasn't surprisedIn the past, she could fool herself with excusesNow, there were no more excuses, only reality.
A reality that she and Nolan had to face.
Nolan was ready to give up on her completely.
But she had made her decision
Peyton smiled gently at Lucian. "I'm sorryPlease tell him that I've changed my mind."
Lucian just couldn't wrap his head around itFirst, Nolan was determined to get a divorceThen it was Peyton who wanted to leaveNow that Nolan finally agreed, Peyton ate her words.
Were they playing some children's game?
Did they think getting a divorce was not a big deal?
Jayson would've probably started complaining if he had heard itBut Lucian still wore his poker face. "I'm sorry, madamIt is beyond my authorityPlease come with me."
"I don't want to give you a hard timeLet's go." Peyton had expected itShe wrapped herself in a scarf before following Jayson out of the house.
Every time they were about to get a divorce, something unexpected would happenSurprisingly, this time it went wellEven the snowstorm had ceasedThe sun shone brightly.
After the snow had melted, the temperature remained as frigid as everDroplets of melted snow on the treetops drip down the branches.
Nolan was already waiting when Peyton arrived.
There was no one else in the hall but him
Nolan sat with his legs folded, his eyes half-closed, and his fingers rubbing his templesHe looked tired.
There was still a faint smell of alcohol lingering around him.
He didn't drink muchBut now he couldn't do without it.
Nolan was tired, yet sleep evaded him.
Unexpectedly, small hands landed on his faceThe touch and the scent of the hand cream were familiar.
He opened his eyes and whispered, "You are here."
"Yeah."
Neither of them spokeIt felt like time had reversed backIn the past, Peyton would give him a massage when he was tired.
After a while, Peyton had soring handsHer body was weakened by the chemotherapyShe couldn't lift her hands for too long.
Nolan took out pieces of paper from the document bag and pushed them toward Peyton. "I've revised the divorce agreementIf you have no issue with it, sign it."
Peyton scanned itIn the previous divorce agreement she had drafted, there was only one clause, 1.6 million dollars in compensation.
This new divorce agreement was much more generous
It included a staggering amount of 100 million dollars, several villas, cars, and real estate properties.
She couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "You are indeed very generous."
Nolan didn't look at her but rather glanced at his wristwatch. "You deserve it."
Peyton wondered what had been going through his mind the previous nightIt was clear that he intended to cut the ties with her completely.
Labeling Nolan as heartless would be a lieHe was more affectionate than anyone elseYet, saying him faithful would fall short, as he was cold-hearted.
Peyton took a pen and crossed out those clauses. "Thanks for going through the troubleI told you I only want 1.6 million dollarsYou've paid me 800 thousand dollars alreadyThere's still 800 thousand to go."
Nolan frowned in annoyance as he looked at her.
"Peyton, don't be ungrateful."
Peyton, however, kept her smile as she stared at him. "I'm used to living a lavish lifeThese past two years, though tiring, have been fulfilling
Besides, we don't have children to raiseGiving me so much money would be inappropriate."
Nolan was about to say something when Peyton suddenly leaned over the table and moved closer to him.
"1.6 million dollars and one more condition."
His dark pupils reflected her figure and gentle smileNolan raised an eyebrow and asked, "What condition?"
The corner of Peyton's mouth curled up into a captivating smileHer sweet voice spread into Nolan's ear. "Nolan, I want you to be with me for three months."