I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 132

Aria nodded, and as she looked down, she spotted the manila folder in Maxwell's hand. She froze for a moment, recalling the scene she had just witnessed, and a sudden realization washed over her.

"Max, Jade is... well, I've known her for a while now. She plays for both teams, and she's ruthless. You really need to be careful around her."

The worry in her eyes was practically overflowing.

"Instead of worrying about me, you should spend that energy looking out for yourself. My business has nothing to do with you, and it's not your place to dictate what I choose to do."

With that, Maxwell turned to walk away, but Aria abruptly grabbed his wrist.

"Max, you said it yourself—we're in the same boat now. You can talk to me if something's bothering you. If we work together, we'll be stronger than if you try to handle this all alone."

As she spoke, she seemed to realize how deeply Maxwell despised her presence right now, and she quietly took a step back, giving him some space.

"I know you're furious that I lied to you, but everything I did was because I loved you too much. You can see my devotion. No matter what happens, I will always stand firmly by your side."

Maxwell aggressively shook off her hand. "Your 'devotion' is the most laughable thing in this entire world."

If he had known this day would come, he never would have walked this path.

Maxwell's shove carried a surprising amount of force. Caught off guard, Aria stumbled, her balance failing as she tipped uncontrollably backward.

She hit the ground hard, forced to watch helplessly as Maxwell walked away without a backward glance.

Gasping for air, she lay there for a long time, completely stunned.

Her assistant happened to return just in time to witness the fall. Rushing over, she frantically helped Aria sit up, asking in a panic, "Aria, are you okay?"

She didn't know the full story and was only reading the heavily skewed narratives spun by gossip bloggers.

According to the rumors, Aria had insisted on filming a grueling underwater scene despite being unwell, and immediately afterward, she had endured several real slaps for a consecutive take. She had supposedly visited the hospital to get checked out, tried to push through and return to set, but ultimately collapsed.

Setting aside everything else, if she were just a clueless bystander, it would be incredibly easy to get swept up in the narrative these bloggers were selling.

But what the actual truth was, Lyra had no idea.

She had far more important things to focus on today and had zero interest in verifying the rumors.

Quincy Sawyer pushed open the door and walked in, carrying a stack of documents. He strode directly to her desk and placed them neatly in front of her.

"VP Lennox, I need your signature on this file. Right after, there's a virtual meeting with the branch office that requires your immediate attention. Tonight is the charity gala, and you'll be attending alongside Mr. Lennox. Once these tasks are handled, you'll need to leave around three o'clock to get your hair, makeup, and wardrobe sorted."