SWNOVELS Chapter 574: Instigating Divorce
Terrence saw "kindness" in Selene; perhaps she could provide evidence, like the location of the Celestial Alliance's headquarters. But now, with Selene missing, the task became more challenging. Terrence and Meredith had agreed on their plan: they would first push for Julian and Stella to divorce.
As Julian visited the hospital, Terrence took the opportunity to suggest, "Dad, if you and Mom don't love each other anymore, just divorce." Julian's expression exploded, "Son, I came to get your advice on how to win back your mother, and here you are, egging me on to divorce." "What about you and Aubrey?" Terrence prodded deliberately, "Did you sleep with her? Did Mom see?"
Julian explained, "No, we didn't sleep together, we just... just..." He faltered.
Julian sighed heavily, "Even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn't clear my name."
"Dad, I'm a man too. Mom is getting older, and your disdain isn't surprising. But a true man owns up to his actions. You betrayed Mom, and you should pay the price. You can't have it both ways," Terrence said. "Aubrey blowing this up could also damage Sterling Corporation."
"Terrence," Julian said, his name uttered in frustration, "all you care about is the company. Don't you care if I live or die? I really didn't betray your mother. You have to believe me."
"How can I believe you?" Terrence replied blankly, continuing to feign ignorance as he sat on the sofa. "Meredith just told me, she saw the surveillance footage. You and Aubrey entered the room together. Dad, be a man and take responsibility."
Julian was left speechless.
Meanwhile, Meredith approached Stella differently. Understanding that women often say they want a divorce when they really do not, Meredith did not directly encourage Stella to divorce. Instead, she used reverse psychology, praising Julian, "Mom, don't be too upset. A couple for a day is attached for a hundred days. Dad knows he was wrong, don't divorce him."
Predictably, this approach made Stella even more determined. "Divorce, it has to be a divorce, Meredith. How can you defend him? A man who cheats does it not just once but countless times. We must not condone it."
Meredith pushed further, "Mom, maybe Dad really realizes his mistake. He was just bewitched. You are his true wife. Wildflowers are just that-wildflowers. Dad was just looking for something new, but he'll return to the family in the end." Meredith struggled to keep a straight face, her conscience pricked by her words.
The more Meredith tried to dissuade her from divorcing, the angrier Stella got. She accused Meredith of not supporting her, growing furious, "He likes wildflowers, let him go after them. I don't want a man who's been with someone else. Tell him, we're divorcing tomorrow."
Meredith added fuel to the fire, "Mom, think it over, don't act on impulse."
"I've thought it through enough, go and tell him," Stella stood up to dismiss her, "Don't try to persuade me anymore, deliver the message. I won't regret it."
"Mom, Mom..." Meredith was chased out, the door slamming shut.
Seeing Stella so agitated, Meredith felt reassured; her goal was achieved. With the fire burning, the divorce would hopefully proceed quickly.
After "advising" Stella, Meredith returned to Ravenwood to find Julian disheveled from the hospital visit, saying, "Dad, I just saw Mom. She wants you to go for the divorce tomorrow."
"Really divorcing?" Julian's head buzzed, "What got into your mom, can't she give me one chance, just this once she sentences me to death."
"Mom said, cheating is either none or countless times," Meredith exaggerated. "She also said you've been spineless all your life, no achievements, relying on elders when young, and now on your son. You didn't even decide on your own marriage, and you're so timid about divorce. She's despised you all her life."
What does it mean to hit where it hurts?
Tailor your words to the personality you're dealing with.
Meredith provoked Julian, knowing everyone desires respect and dignity, especially from their spouse. Julian's pride flared up, "Divorce, then. Tomorrow. Does Stella really think I wouldn't dare? I'll do just as she said tomorrow."