She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 197

When Lyra arrived at the hospital, Kayla was already there. Delilah was chatting with her, but paused when she saw Lyra rushing in. "Lyra, I was just telling Kayla... I think I'd like to stay at The Willow Creek Retreat for a while."

Lyra shook her head instantly. "No way."

It was playing out exactly like her past life. Delilah's health had improved just enough for her to voluntarily transfer to the retreat. Not long after, Tabitha had shown up to run her mouth and push Delilah over the edge.

Lyra was absolutely determined not to let that happen again.

"The house is full of your father's memory. I just can't handle it yet. Sweetheart, please give me a little time," Delilah pleaded, gently grasping Lyra's hands. "Kayla already agreed. I'm hoping you'll let me have a change of scenery for a bit..."

Delilah simply couldn't accept the sudden loss of her husband.

Her hair seemed to have turned completely gray overnight, and the sight broke Lyra's heart. Even though it terrified her to see history repeating itself so perfectly, she couldn't bear to go against her mother's wishes.

"Fine, but I'm hiring two burly bodyguards disguised as nurses to stay by your side 24/7."

Lyra insisted. "And you have to promise me you won't see Tabitha. Don't speak a single word to her if she shows up."

Delilah smiled and agreed.

Kayla offered a warm, gentle smile. "Mom, I'll come visit you every day."

Delilah patted Kayla's hand affectionately. "Knowing you and Lyra have each other's backs at home brings me peace of mind. Don't worry about me. I'll be back before you know it..."

Lyra wasted no time. She made a few calls to hire two imposing caretakers while the hospital coordinated with The Willow Creek Retreat. Soon, Delilah was settled into her new environment.

Right then, Lucas called, demanding she come meet him. A sliver of unease wormed its way into Lyra's chest; he wouldn't reach out for no reason. Before she could demand an explanation, he texted her an address.

It was located in one of Seaborne City's most exclusive, ultra-private gated communities. One glance at the location was enough to remind her of Rowan's multi-million dollar mega-mansion.

The voice over the line had been chillingly calm, offering only one sentence.

Lyra held her ground. "And if I don't?"

"Forget it." Jasmine sighed, looking utterly bored. Lucas had sworn Lyra was coming to beg for forgiveness, which was the only reason she had bothered to wait. But Lyra's stubborn, unyielding attitude was something she was thoroughly sick of seeing.

"Just go, Lyra."

Elara immediately bristled. "Jasmine, you can't just let her walk away! She threw a drink in your face in front of everyone! How can you swallow an insult like that? She has to apologize!"

Lucas closed the distance in a single stride, his hand clamping down on Lyra's wrist like a vise, squeezing so hard he nearly crushed her bones. He leaned in, dropping his voice to a dangerous whisper.

"Lyra, do you really have to be so vicious toward Jasmine? What did I tell you last time? I warned you not to clash with her, and you just blew me off, didn't you?"

He paused, casting a chilling glance toward the back of the courtyard.