I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 74

Leaving that final remark hanging in the air, Lyra shot a look to the bodyguards beside her. Under their tight protective formation, she walked away from the courthouse doors with her head held high.

Having missed out on the sensational headline they were hoping for, the reporters immediately shifted their focus to Maxwell.

Dozens of camera lenses zoomed in, perfectly capturing the dark, almost twisted fury contorting his handsome features.

Sitting safely in the backseat of her car, Lyra watched the scene unfold through the window, the smile on her lips growing more pronounced.

More than anything, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

For one, the romantic delusion she'd harbored for years had finally shattered.

For another, she was incredibly thankful she had listened to Eleanor's advice the night before and brought the security detail. Otherwise, that media ambush would have been a nightmare to escape.

Still, it disgusted her that Maxwell would stoop to such cheap, manipulative tactics just to salvage their marriage.

She pulled out her phone and dialed the head of the Lennox PR department, giving only one strict directive.

Track down every single reporter who showed up today and find out exactly who paid them to be there.

She knew this kind of premeditated ambush wouldn't be the last. Maxwell wasn't done.

To him, their marriage might not hold much emotional value, but to the Sterling Group, it was everything.

She ended the call just as the car merged onto the main road, leaving the chaotic scene at the courthouse far behind her.

Interestingly enough, that specific news clip never made it online. Maxwell must have pulled some heavy strings to bury it.

Then there were the Sterling Rivals, who had been eyeing Maxwell's seat as CEO for years. With this scandal blowing up, they were undoubtedly circling like vultures.

Lyra kept her voice soft but unyielding. "Mrs. Sterling, just because I don't say anything doesn't mean I'm blind. Maxwell is going to have to clean up his own messes from now on. The problem doesn't lie with me. I've been incredibly respectful to you—I'm still calling you 'Mrs. Sterling,' after all. But I have no use for being manipulated, nor do I need fake sincerity. All I want now is to live my life in peace."

Lyra let out a weary sigh.

"Let's just leave it at this. Let's not make things any uglier than they already are. I'm sure Maxwell has the capability to secure his position and earn back his losses without needing to rely on our marriage."

She had given them enough grace. Whether they chose to accept it was their problem.

"Mrs. Sterling, if there's nothing else, I need to get back to work."

Today was her very first day returning to the corporate world. It marked the start of her brand-new life, and she refused to let anyone ruin her first impression at the office.