Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 124

The words hit Lucius like a physical blow, sending a violent ache through his chest. His heart hammered wildly against his ribs.

Yes, it was his fault. If he had just stood by Madeline's side from the very beginning. If he had just drawn a hard line with Liliana.

Madeline would never have ended up like this.

But even knowing that, he absolutely refused to surrender his right to care for her. He couldn't let her go.

Because he was acutely aware that Silas had an ulterior motive. "These were Madeline's choices, and you have zero right to interfere. I am her husband. You claiming she chose the wrong man—isn't that just a bitter confession that you've always wished she chose you? You've stayed single all these years. Have you been lusting after my wife this entire time? If you think you can use her recovery to fulfill your twisted fantasies, you're dead wrong. I will never allow it."

Hearing this, Madeline could no longer suppress her fury.

Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, "You're the twisted one, Lucius! You are the most despicable man alive!"

Tears rapidly spilled over Lucius's lashes.

In the past, Madeline had always supported him unconditionally. Even when he treated her with cold indifference, her love had remained steadfast. But now, forced to choose between him and Silas, she was clearly siding with the other man.

Every single word felt like a jagged blade carving into Lucius's heart.

But that pain only hardened his resolve. He could not let go.

He was standing at the edge of a cliff. If he let go now and missed the chance to nurse Madeline back to health, he would lose her forever.

She had demanded a divorce and legally separated from him, yet as long as Lucius refused to sign the papers, ending the marriage was a legal nightmare. The Whitman family possessed a terrifying amount of wealth and political influence—enough to crush her effortlessly.

And as long as they remained legally married, Lucius held the ultimate power to control her life.

She had no one else. Her grandmother was dead. If Lucius flexed his rights as her husband and sole guardian, she would be completely trapped.

Medical regulations clearly stated that highly specialized surgical procedures required both the patient's consent and a family member's signature.

Without Lucius's approval, Silas couldn't take her anywhere.

Madeline didn't want to delay her treatment any longer; the fear of permanent paralysis was eating her alive. She locked eyes with Lucius and demanded, "You promised to take me to Dr. Dyson. Can you actually deliver on that?"