The Philanthropist's Wife Takes A Stand

Our daughter was diagnosed with a genetic illness. To save her, my husband founded a charity in her name.

To raise the funds, he pushed himself to the brink—working three hundred days straight, surviving on three hours of sleep a night. His relentless drive moved countless people. The media hailed him as "Father of the Year."

Everyone congratulated me on having such a devoted partner.

Then came the day he rallied the entire nation, securing pledges for millions in donations to fund our daughter's cure. At the gala, with over ten million dollars moments from being transferred, I suddenly hit the pause button.

"And now, we'll take a brief intermission for a signing," I announced.

The room erupted. They shouted at me, called me selfish, a monster.

My husband stared at me, utterly stunned. "Have you lost your mind? Children around the world are waiting on this money to survive! What in God's name are you talking about?"

I lifted my gaze to meet his. "A divorce agreement."

"Jessica Wheeler! Don't test everyone's patience with your ignorance!

"You can throw your tantrums any other time, but not now! The fundraiser starts in twenty minutes. Are you really willing to let ten million dollars go down the drain? Could you possibly take that kind of responsibility?"

My husband, Aaron McKinzie, jabbed a finger toward my face as he shouted.

The crystal chandeliers overhead were blinding. In an instant, the warm, elegant atmosphere of the charity gala froze into icy condemnation.

"How could Mrs. McKinzie be so childish? Picking a moment like this to make a scene?"

"Mr. McKinzie is working to change the fate of countless children. How can she stand in his way?"

"What marital issue can't be dealt with in private? Even if she won't support her husband's work, she shouldn't use other children's lives as leverage!"

The whispers pierced me like needles, cementing my reputation as a woman causing trouble for no reason.

But I ignored them all. Nothing was left in me now but a do-or-die resolve.

"If we don't sign the divorce papers today, I'll destroy this activation remote."

I flicked my wrist in a feigned motion. The crowd gasped in horror, and sharp screams erupted around us.

"Don't—!"

A parent of one of the sick children suddenly dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.

"Mrs. McKinzie, I'm begging you—please save my child. This is her only chance to live!"

He slammed his forehead against the floor, again and again, until blood seeped from his brow.

Seeing this, several other parents followed suit, kneeling down together.

Watching their bowed figures, my heart felt as if it were being sliced apart. Every breath hurt.

But the moisture in my eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by something far colder—hatred.

Aaron shoved me hard.

"Jessica, are you satisfied now? Seeing all these people on their knees before you? Give me the remote. Now!"

I staggered backward, my lower back slamming into the hard edge of the sound