Ellis stared at Easton in surprise. He was taking her side? Bree was equally shocked. This was not how she had expected things to go. Easton standing up for Ellis? She had assumed he wouldn't care. As both women looked at him, Easton pulled out his phone and made a call, his tone carrying an air of command. "I'm at the police station." Realizing the situation was turning against her, Bree immediately changed her tune. "Mr. Easton, what I said earlier about not settling—I misspoke! Please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, I swear..." "My lawyer will be here in thirty minutes. If you have anything to say, say it to him." Easton put his phone away and shot a glance at Maya. "You're supposed to be a lawyer from a top firm, yet you couldn't even handle something this small? Your skills need work." His tone was dripping with mockery, his expression equally contemptuous. Maya twitched but had no way to argue back.Easton didn't follow the police's usual way of handling things. Instead, he used a perfectly legal alternative—bringing in his lawyers. With their swift negotiation, Maya and Ellis were able to leave the station without further issue. Cindy wanted a full explanation from her daughter, so she linked arms with Maya as they walked together. Ellis followed behind them, a little envious that Maya had family to support her. Cindy had attended Ellis and Easton's wedding. Even though she had only met Easton once, she still recognized him. When she and Maya reached the roadside, she turned back to Ellis. "We're taking a taxi home. We won't be going with you. Be careful with those scratches on your face. Stick to light foods, and don't use any skincare or makeup for now—otherwise, you might scar." "No, Mom, Ellis should come with us!" Maya wasn't comfortable letting Ellis go home alone. "It's not on the way," Cindy replied, confused. Maya had moved out for work, but tonight Cindy was insisting she stay at home. Their house was in a remote area, while Ellis lived in a wealthy district. Their destinations didn't match up, plus Ellis' husband was right there. Ellis understood what Cindy meant and said, "Ma'am, Maya, you two go ahead. I'll get a cab myself." Cindy looked surprised. "Didn't your husband drive here?" Ellis glanced sideways at the man walking next to her. Under the moonlight, his expression was still one of impatience. She didn't answer Cindy's question. Instead, she simply smiled and pulled out her phone to order a ride. Maya wanted to say more, but Cindy pulled her away. The street was empty once their taxi left. Ellis focused on her phone, checking how far the nearest driver was. She didn't pay any attention to Easton. Technically, he had helped her tonight. But she didn't feel grateful.She hadn't asked for his help—he had done it on his own. That meant she didn't owe him anything. Hopefully, the universe would do her a favor and keep her from running into him again before their divorce was finalized. She remained still, not approaching him, not speaking to him. It was such a stark contrast to before that it gave him an unusual sense of peace. Easton had no intention of acknowledging her—until his driver pulled up in front of him. Before getting in, he gave her a cold glance. "You're not even going to say thank you?" Ellis acted as if she hadn't heard him. Her silence made Easton frown. Ellis used to be easy to read. Her biggest joys in life had been clinging to him and spending money. This time, however, her silent treatment had lasted longer than he expected. Even though he had wanted her tantrum to last, he didn't like her lack of manners. "If I hadn't bailed you out, you wouldn't have been able to leave. Just look at yourself—pathetic." Thinking she was embarrassing herself was one thing. Being told she was embarrassing was another. Ellis had heard Easton say this before, but this time, she felt nothing. Maybe she had gotten used to it. She used to think he simply had a sharp tongue, but now she realized—he was just an asshole. Why should she waste her breath arguing with a man like him? It wasn't like she was going to bite back just because he bit her first. She lifted her head, meeting his condescending gaze. "Me being pathetic is my problem. How does it affect you? If you hadn't come, I would've stayed overnight at the station and left in the morning. Who the hell do you think you are to lecture me?" "Ellis Harper!" He rarely called her by her full name, but when he did, it was a clear sign of displeasure.Ellis wanted to return the favor, but "Easton" was only two syllables—it didn't have the same weight. Instead, she deliberately replied, "You! If you really think I'm so embarrassing and ruining your reputation, then hurry up and sign the divorce papers my lawyer sent you. Let's end this marriage already." From the moment they met, Ellis' way of addressing him had changed several times. At first, it had been his cousin. Then, it had been "Easton." After that, it was "husband." And now, for the first time, she had called him nothing at all. Just "you."