The Postpartum Payback: Divorced, Filthy Rich, and Thriving

Five years after my husbands vasectomy, I found a reservation confirmation for a luxury postpartum recovery retreat on his phone.

The mothers name: Lacey Sterling.

How ironic.

She was my adoptive sister, the fake heiress who had been kicked out of our family years ago.

Seeing he could no longer hide it, Julian Vance laid his cards on the table.

"Lacey won't threaten your position, Serena. Once the baby is born, he will only call you Mom."

"If you agree to this, we can go on as we always have. I'll take you to Aspen for Christmas. If not... then we have no choice but to divorce."

Julian was absolutely certain I couldn't bear to leave him.

But before he could even finish his speech, I had already signed the divorce papers.

In my past life, I refused to let go. I spent my entire life fighting Lacey, got breast cancer from the sheer stress, and didn't even make it to thirty-five.

So in this life, I played along. I secretly slipped long-term contraceptives into Julian's food.

Yet, Lacey still got pregnant.

I almost laughed myself to death.

Julian, you wanted to take me to see the ocean? I hope you like drowning in your own lies.

"I have no objections to the property division. After the mandatory thirty-day waiting period, well finalize the divorce."

I pushed the signed divorce agreement across the table.

Julian froze.

Clearly, he never expected me to walk away so easily.

He stared at my signature on the paper. After a long struggle, he finally spoke.

"Serena, I had no choice."

"When we were young, you said you had a heart condition and couldn't have children. I got a vasectomy for you. Back then, I thought having you was enough. But Im thirty-five now. Men change when they reach this age."

"I am the only son. The Vance family legacy cannot end with me. I want a childa child with my own blood to inherit the empire. Is that so wrong?"

Julian became more excited as he spoke, acting as if he were the real victim here.

I listened quietly, barely holding back a laugh.

Honestly.

If you cheat, you cheat. If you change your mind, just say so. Don't make up a million noble excuses.

Just give me my money. That's all that matters.

But I kept my face blank, letting a look of unbearable heartbreak wash over me. My voice trembled.

"You're not wrong, Julian. Neither of us is."

"Since you want a child, and I can't give you one, I can't force myself to raise another womans baby. I'll let you go. I'll let you, Lacey, and your baby be happy."

I stood up, turned my back to him, and walked to the window. My shoulders shook slightly, making it look like I was crying my eyes out.

"Lets just get divorced, Julian."

I heard his footsteps stop behind me.

Then came the sound of a pen scratching against paper.

Julian signed.

"Serena, Ill transfer another two hundred million dollars to your account as compensation. In my heart, youll always be my wife."

With that, Julian left.

I stared at the snow falling outside the window. A slow smile spread across my face, my eyes completely dry.

I took out my phone and sent a quick text to my private investigator:

[Keep a close eye on Lacey Sterling. Also, dig up every man shes been close to in the last three years, and get the babys hospital records.]

[Double the bonus if you find something juicy.]

I, Serena Sterling, was no saint.

I wasnt about to let this trashy couple off the hook so easily.

I just had to wait.

I would wait until Julian was drunk on the joy of having a "heir," wait until Lacey paraded the baby everywhere, and wait until my former mother-in-law treated this bastard child like royalty.

And then, I would give them a gentle push.

The sound of their fall would be music to my ears.

During the month of our divorce waiting period,

Victoria Vances Instagram was incredibly active.

She used to complain constantly about my inability to have children. She only held back because Julian protected me and because of the Sterling family's influence.

Now that Julian and I were parting ways, and she suddenly had a grandson, she couldn't stop bragging.

Every day, she posted nine-image grids showing off the luxury postpartum suite and the baby.

At first, she tested the waters with subtle gloating:

[Grandmas little angel is here! A healthy eight-pound baby boy. He takes after his mom. Lacey is so strong and amazing!]

Then, she shared a passive-aggressive article titled, "Ten Qualities of a Good Wife."

She commented:

[Thank god Lacey is fertile, or the Vance bloodline would have ended! I shudder just thinking about it.]

In the end, she stopped hiding it entirely and posted:

[Lacey is a million times better than that useless ex-wife. I hope Lacey recovers quickly so she can give us a granddaughter next!]

It was hilarious to watch.

But I played the heartbroken victim for a whole month, milking Julians guilt for all it was worth.

When the divorce was finalized, I walked away with two billion dollars in cash and five luxury properties in prime downtown locations.

At first, I didn't really understand what two billion dollars meant.

Until my wealth manager told me that the daily interest alone was about a hundred and sixty thousand dollars.

That meant no matter how late I slept in and nothing I spent each day, a hundred and sixty thousand more dollars would be waiting for me the next morning.

How exhausting.

Too much money is truly a burden.

Holding the divorce certificate, I looked up at Julian.

For the sake of the two billion, I gave him a sweet, polite smile.

"Mr. Vance, I wish you and Lacey a lifetime of happiness."

"Take care of yourself."

Julian seemed choked up by the formal "Mr. Vance." He instinctively reached out to grab my wrist.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say more.

"Julian!"

Lacey's voice suddenly cut in.

She stepped quickly out of a luxury van parked by the curb. To mark her territory, she wrapped her arm around Julian's right in front of me.

Her eyes swept over the divorce papers in my hand, and she could barely contain her smug grin.

"I'm still recovering, and I shouldn't be out in the wind. But on such an important day, how could I not be by your side? Serena, you don't mind that I took him, do you?"

"Even though our parents kicked me out of the Sterling house back then, you'll always be my only sister in my heart."

"Julian and I are going to host our wedding and the baby's party together. You absolutely must come!"

I sneered inwardly.

Lacey hadn't even cleaned up her own mess yet, and here she was, trying to flex on me.

Thinking about the dirt my private investigator had sent me a few days ago, I decided to give the happy couple an early wedding present.

I grabbed Lacey's hand, my eyes turning red with fake emotion.

"How could I blame you, my sweet sister?"

"I heard that after you left the Sterling family, you worked at 'The Velvet Room.' Hosting clients and pouring drinks... that must have been so hard. You almost got into major trouble... luckily, that old client, Mr. Marcus Kane, had a change of heart and got you a job at the luxury boutique counter."

"And that's how you met Julian."

Julians face turned instantly dark the moment he heard "The Velvet Room."

That was a highly exclusive, shady VIP lounge.

With Lacey's looks, she certainly wasn't working there as a cashier.

He yanked his arm out of Lacey's grip and turned on her.

"You worked at The Velvet Room?"

Seeing Julian snap,

I quickly covered my mouth, looking shocked and regretful.

"Lacey... you didn't tell Julian about that?"

Lacey panicked.

It had been almost ten years. The owner of The Velvet Room had changed.

How could I possibly know about this?

Lacey reached out again to grab Julians arm, but he pushed her away in disgust.

"I... I didn't! No!"

"Julian, don't listen to her! She's trying to ruin me!"

I listened to her accusations, shook my head, and looked at her like she was a misbehaving child.

"Lacey, you don't understand. Julian hates being lied to more than anything."

"Besides, some secrets can't be kept forever. People in our circle used to see you at The Velvet Room back then. When Julian bumps into them in the future, it's going to be so... awkward."

I didn't finish the sentence. I just sighed, turned, and walked away.

Sure enough, before I even reached my car, I heard Julians roaring voice behind me:

"A cashier? My ass!"

"Lacey, don't you dare play me for a fool. We both know what kind of place that is. You better tell me the truth right now!"

"Or when I find out myself, I'll make your life a living hell!"

Before Julian could even investigate, the scandal had already spread like wildfire through our social circle.

Since Victoria Vance had been so passive-aggressive on Instagram,

My parents, under my suggestion, didn't miss the chance to kick them while they were down.

What started as whispers behind the Vance family's backs quickly became public gossip.

"Did you hear? The new girl Julian brought home used to be a hostess at The Velvet Room. Everyone knows what goes on there."

"Exactly. No wonder the Sterling family agreed to the divorce so quickly. They were disgusted. Men really will eat trash just because it's outside their house."

"I heard some guy named Marcus Kane used to keep her. He was the one who got her the retail job where she snagged Julian.

There are probably other guys too. Julian is basically wearing a giant neon green sign on his head."

Victoria Vance clearly had no idea about Lacey's past.

She was probably furious. Word was that if the baby didn't need breastfeeding, she would have kicked Lacey out of the house on the spot.

Julians situation was even more embarrassing.

Victoria could hide at home, but Julian had to show his face at work every day.

Some arrogant rival even went up to Julian to mock him face-to-face:

"Julian, man, women are like shoes. Only your feet know if they fit. Some shoes look brand new, but you never know how many guys have already worn them."

The man laughed sleazily.

Julians veins looked ready to pop, but because of the other mans powerful family, he could only slam the door and leave.

Behind him, the room erupted into loud, mocking laughter.

The grand wedding Lacey had bragged about was completely canceled. Instead, all I got was a late, low-key invitation for a simple baby shower.

It looked like the Vance family was holding off on giving Lacey a legal ring.

Seeing me stare at the invitation, Sebastian Cole leaned in.

"What's got you so focused?"

My thoughts were pulled back. I looked up and stroked his face, replying casually, "Nothing. Are you done with classes?"

I had "picked up" Sebastian at a VIP lounge.

Maybe women just have a natural savior complex.

At the time, I was supposed to be "grieving" my divorce, but in reality, I was having the time of my life with my girls at a private club.

When I went out for some air, I stumbled upon a drunk, fat businessman grabbing Sebastian outside my private suite, trying to force himself on him.

Maybe it was because I had had a few drinks.

My body moved faster than my brain.

I threw my limited-edition Herms clutch straight at the back of the businessman's head.

"Ow! Who the hell"

The man groaned, holding his head as he spun around furiously.

But when he saw it was me, the anger on his face froze. It shifted from rage to shock, and finally to a flattering, awkward smile.

"Miss Sterling?"

"My bad, my bad! I didn't know he was yours, I swear..."

"Get lost!"

The man didn't dare argue. He bowed and scrambled away.

I looked Sebastian up and down. He had a clean, artistic vibe, long hair, and looked almost delicate from behind.

But he was a fresh face. Definitely not a regular at the club.

"First day on the job?"

He stood in the shadows.

Looking embarrassed, he nodded stiffly.

"How old are you?" I asked, my voice calm.

"Twenty-one."

"A student?"

"Fine Arts, junior year."

"Why are you here?"

Sebastian bit his lip, hesitating before speaking. "I needed money. Someone told me I could make quick cash here. I didn't expect..."

I raised an eyebrow, understanding immediately. He had probably been tricked into coming here.

Clean, beautiful, and extremely pleasing to the eye.

My heart stirred.

Julian had his little plaything, so why couldn't I, Serena Sterling, have some eye candy of my own?

"Ten million dollars. Stay with me for a year."

"I'll give you an apartment, a car, and money. Just be good, look pretty, and don't cause trouble."

"Got it?"

Sebastian held his breath.

The color drained from his face and then rushed back. Finally, he seemed to accept his fate.

"Got it."

And that was how I "adopted" Sebastian Cole.

Sebastian rubbed his soft hair against my palm. "Yeah, classes are done."

"No classes for the next two days. I can stay with you."

I smiled.

"Good. There's a gala tomorrow night. Come with me."

To save face, the Vance family made this gala incredibly grand.

They invited everyone who was anyone in the city.

When I arrived with Sebastian, Julian was at the entrance greeting guests.

His eyes widened when he saw me.

When we were married, I always dressed in modest, elegant pastel tones. Now that I was divorced, I wore a fitted, silk red dress that hugged my curves, making me look bold and dangerous.

Julian didn't expect me to show up. He walked over, his eyes filled with admiration and excitement.

He was a completely different person from the cold man who had demanded a divorce.

I sneered inside. Men are always like this. They don't value you when they have you, but they crave you the moment you leave.

"Serena, I didn't think you'd actually come."

"You look beautiful tonight. I..."

Before he could finish, Sebastian took a step forward, wrapping his arm intimately around my waist.

Julian froze, looking between us.

"And this is...?"

I smiled, introducing him warmly.

"My boyfriend, Sebastian Cole."

Julians face instantly twisted.

"Boyfriend?" he hissed, his voice cracking. "Serena, we barely got divorced, and you already have a boyfriend? Isn't that a bit much?!"

Looking at his furious face, I found it hilarious.

I knew what he wanted. He wanted to see his ex-wife miserable, lonely, and pining after him forever.

Keep dreaming!

I replied smoothly, showing no mercy. "Yes, Mr. Vance. We did just get divorced..."

"But you already have a whole baby."

Julian was rendered speechless, his face turning pale.

Not far away, Victoria Vance noticed the commotion. She hurried over, cradling the baby.

She fake-smiled at me.

"Serena, you're here."

"Perfect. Let Grandmas little angel see our... oh, I guess you're Aunt Serena now!"

As she spoke, she tilted the baby toward me on purpose.

She was trying to make me jealous.

She sighed dramatically. "A woman is only complete when she has a child."

"Our family is blessed to get a healthy baby boy on the first try. Unlike some people who will never know what it feels like to be a mother. How sad. Don't you think so, Serena?"

Before I could reply, Lacey walked over from the VIP lounge.

Before she could even get close, Victoria glared at her.

"What are you doing out here?" Victoria muttered under her breath. "Stop embarrassing us and get back to the lounge."

Lacey went pale.

But she pressed on, clearly trying to win points with her mother-in-law. She immediately targeted me.

"Personally, I think divorced women should have some self-respect. Dragging around some young, broke guy who just wants to live off your money... how embarrassing."

"Once you get old and your money is gone, you won't even have a child to care for you."

"These young boys run faster than anyone."

I listened quietly, not angry at all, just annoyed by the noise. But Sebastian, next to me, tightened his grip, looking ready to defend me.

I squeezed his wrist, telling him to stay calm.

I didn't waste my breath on them.

Instead, I sighed and acted weak. "Whatever. Let's not ruin the night. Isn't it time for the toast?"

Seeing me back down, Victoria looked satisfied. She nodded at Lacey and didn't tell her to go back anymore, even letting her hold the baby on stage.

Julian, seemingly regaining his pride from Lacey's words, straightened his posture and walked past me.

He led his mother, Lacey, and the baby onto the stage.

Julian stood before the microphone. The lights dimmed, the giant screen lit up, and all eyes in the room turned to him.

He cast a smug, confident glance at me.

"Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate this wonderful milestone for the Vance family."

"The birth of my son is a true blessing. I wanted to share this joy with everyone. Next, let us"

According to the schedule, the moment Julian finished speaking,

Upbeat music should have started playing, and the giant screen behind them should have shown a heartwarming video of their family of three.

But there was no music.

Instead, a loud screech of static echoed through the speakers, and the screen flickered to life.

It was a secretly recorded video.

In a dimly lit hotel room, Marcus Kane was holding Lacey tight, whispering suggestively, "Oh, my little angel. You finally came. I missed you so much!"

"How is it going? Did those idiots at the Vance house find out anything?"

Lacey in the video laughed smugly. "Don't worry. The old lady just found out I used to work at The Velvet Room, so she immediately took the baby for a DNA test. Lucky for us, you were smart enough to bribe the private clinic."

Lacey waved a paper report in Marcuss face, laughing hysterically.

"Now, it's black and white. The paper says the baby is Julian's."

"That idiot Julian will spend his whole life raising your kid, and he'll never even know!"