I Chose Me Over My Marriage novel Chapter 88

"Lyra!"

Lyra stopped in her tracks, turning to face Maxwell with eyes devoid of any warmth.

"I thought you weren't interested in talking. Why bother chasing after me?"

Maxwell's face looked just as panicked and pale as the security guard's had a moment ago.

Before he could even open his mouth, Lyra cut him off.

"We're both adults here. Don't you think these childish games are a little pathetic?"

Maxwell knew perfectly well he had crossed a massive line. He opened his mouth a few times, but no words came out.

The employees passing through the lobby were all slowing down, their eyes darting eagerly between the two of them.

Lyra had absolutely no desire to become the center of another viral trending topic.

"If we're going to talk, we go to your office right now. Otherwise, I'm leaving, and I promise you I won't stop this time."

"Fine."

Maxwell agreed instantly, without a second of hesitation.

To Lyra, it was obvious he was terrified of his own trap blowing up in his face.

After all, a devastating PR stunt only worked the first time. If she proved he was lying, no one would ever believe a word he said again.

Up in the CEO's office.

Lyra and Maxwell sat on opposite ends of the leather sofa.

A heavy, suffocating silence stretched between them.

It wasn't until Leo Thorne walked in carrying a tray of tea that the unbearable tension finally broke.

He poured a cup for Lyra, maintaining the exact same polite, deferential smile he had always given her.

"Ms. Lennox, this is your favorite blend. It's my first time brewing it, so I hope it's to your liking."

"Whatever. This isn't exactly new behavior for you. I didn't want to bring any of this up before because I was simply too exhausted to care. But since this is the last time we'll ever speak, I need to make one thing perfectly clear. I have never, ever betrayed you."

Even her decision to stop loving him was simply the result of years of crushing disappointment finally breaking her.

"Now, explain yourself. Did you manufacture this massive PR nightmare just to deflect the public's rage onto me?"

She paused, her eyes narrowing as she continued.

"Or maybe..."

A razor-sharp sneer curled her lips.

"The Sterling Group is in such catastrophic danger right now, you're willing to drag the entire Lennox family down just to distract the public."

Having his darkest motives ripped open and exposed, Maxwell suddenly let out a bizarre, strained laugh.

"It's actually much simpler than that. I have one single demand. If you agree to it, everything goes away. I will personally clear your name online and ensure your reputation remains spotless."