A Matrilocal Husband's Counterattack

Chapter 18: This watch is mine

Genting Villa, located at the prime spot of Cloud Summit Mountain in ZH City, rises 900 meters above sea level, capturing the wind and gathering water.
It once had the potential to become the most prestigious residential area in ZH City.

Years ago, Timothy was one of the developers of the villa project. Unfortunately, an unexpected incident caused the project's funding to dry up, halting construction.
Genting Villa ultimately became an abandoned project of unfinished buildings.

Although the Thompson family would never be able to revive the villa in their lifetime, it remained a recurring topic of lamentation.
For Timothy and his family, it symbolized their chance to climb the social ladder and join ZH City's elite.

It was also a thorn in their hearts, representing a dream deferred.

That's why Sophia used it to humiliate Ethan.

After Sophia's remark, the family dispersed, leaving with mocking smiles.
How could Ethan, a live-in son-in-law, possibly achieve what Timothy's entire family couldn't accomplish in a lifetime?

Ethan cooked himself a bowl of noodles, ate his fill, and went to the rooftop garden for some fresh air.

Sophia's disdain for their married life had prompted Ethan to propose a divorce.
It wasn't an act of pride but rather an effort to preserve the Thompson family's reputation.

No matter how much Sophia disliked or belittled him, Ethan didn't want her to face accusations of being ungrateful or ruthless.

But to his dismay, instead of appreciating his intentions, the Thompson family had responded with relentless demands, piling on more humiliation for the sake of their pride.

In the past, just hearing the words "Genting Villa" would have crushed Ethan.
But now, the thought didn't stir even a ripple in his emotions.

"Wait and see. I will rebuild Genting Villa," Ethan murmured, his eyes flickering with determination.

He stayed on the rooftop for an hour before calming himself and heading back downstairs.

While Ethan was eager to finalize the divorce, the initial agreement stipulated that only Sophia could file for an unconditional divorce. Ethan had no legal right to initiate it.

As Ethan finished showering and stepped into the small living room, he overheard Sophia's raised voice from her room:
"Joyce, Carolyn, are we meeting at Sunshine Club tomorrow?"

"No problem, I'll make time to join you."

"But make sure to bring a few handsome guys. I've been working myself to death these past months.
A little eye candy or some fresh faces wouldn't hurt..."

Her flirtatious laughter with her friends reached Ethan's ears clearly, deliberately poking at his nerves.

Noticing Ethan's presence in the living room, Sophia slammed the door shut with a loud bang, cutting off their interaction entirely.

Ethan squinted slightly, feeling an inexplicable annoyance rising within him, but he quickly suppressed it.

That night, though they seemingly avoided confrontation, neither of them had a restful sleep.

Early the next morning, they were startled awake by Linda's loud voice.

Ethan and Sophia hurried to the door to find Timothy and Linda examining the Rolex Ethan had brought home, their expressions filled with curiosity and excitement.

"Wow, whose Rolex is this? Why was it just left by the door?" Linda asked, holding the watch up to inspect it.

"The finish is so shiny—this must be brand new. Whose watch is this?"

Although the Thompson family earned several million a year, Timothy and Linda had always been frugal when it came to consumables.
They spent their money on houses, antiques, savings, and expanding Spring Wind Clinic but rarely indulged in extravagant luxuries.

Even their garage only housed mid-range cars, and Sophia's BMW barely cost 40,000 dollars.

So, seeing a Rolex worth tens of thousands lying casually by the entrance, Linda couldn't hide her excitement.

Ethan hesitated before finally speaking. "Mom, this watch..."

Linda's eyes lit up as she turned to Sophia. "Sophia, did you buy this watch for your dad?"

Sophia gave a bitter smile.
"Mom, a watch like this costs tens of thousands at least. My salary card is with you—if I made such a big purchase, wouldn't you already know?"

"You're right. Aside from giving that useless man 1000 dollars a month, you hardly have any major expenses."
Linda shifted her gaze back to the watch, her excitement undiminished.

"If it wasn't you, and it wasn't us, then it must be from Henry!"

"If Henry bought it for himself, he would've worn it already. There's no need to package it so neatly and leave it by the door."
"It must be a gift for your dad!"

Linda beamed. "Henry is such a good son-in-law."

Timothy's eyes lit up as he slipped the watch onto his wrist, chuckling.
"Wow, it fits perfectly. It really is for me."

Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. He wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

Linda called out toward the second floor, "Henry! Henry! Is this Rolex a gift for your dad?"

A groggy Henry and Flora emerged from their room, yawning.

They had stayed over at the Thompson house after a night of heavy drinking.

Flora rubbed her eyes. "Mom, what watch?"

"What watch?" Linda scolded playfully. "You're trying to surprise us, aren't you?"

"A Rolex, of course!"

Timothy waved his wrist with a satisfied tone. "You didn't need to spend so much. This is a bit extravagant, don't you think?"

"Dozens of thousands—it's a little much."

Despite his feigned scolding, Timothy's face was filled with delight.

Ethan clenched his fists but remained silent, even as Henry glanced at the Rolex with a bewildered expression.
The watch wasn't his doing.

But Henry's eyes darted slyly, and he burst out laughing.
"Ah, I knew you'd figure it out! I was planning to surprise you later, but you caught on too quickly!"

"Dad, this Rolex is a small token of my apology for the birthday mishap."

Flora chimed in, "Yes, Dad. Henry has been feeling guilty since the party. Please accept this gift, or he won't feel at ease."

Linda clapped Timothy on the shoulder. "Old Tang, just accept Henry's heartfelt gesture."

Timothy laughed heartily, flashing the Rolex. "Henry, well done. Well done!"

Ethan's silence broke as he approached the watch.

"What are you doing?! That's Henry's gift!" Linda shrieked.

Ignoring her, Ethan pressed his thumb against the fingerprint scanner.

"Beep. Beep. Beep..." The Rolex came to life.

Timothy was stunned. "How did you activate it?"

"Because," Ethan said coldly, "this watch is mine."

Silence fell over the room.