The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 135

Preston hesitated slightly. "You want to communicate with Ms. Maxwell directly? Given her personality..."

"I know exactly what her personality is," Christian cut him off. "That's why we have to go through Ryker first. No matter how much of a maverick Lydia is, she has to give her husband some face. Talking over a dinner table is much better than fighting a public relations war through screens. I need to know what 'explosive evidence' she got her hands on, and who handed it to her. At the very least, I need to force her to stay quiet temporarily to give the company room to breathe and maneuver."

"Understood. I will contact Mr. Maxwell's secretary right away." Preston nodded, turning to leave.

Just then, Christian's private phone on the desk abruptly buzzed to life. The screen illuminated, flashing the word 'Father.'

Christian stared at the name, his brow twitching imperceptibly, before waving Preston away.

Catching the cue, Preston immediately bowed and slipped out of the office swiftly and silently, closing the door behind him.

The room descended back into silence, save for the harsh, grating vibration of the phone.

Christian stared at the screen for a few seconds before finally reaching out and swiping to answer.

"Dad," he said, his voice entirely devoid of emotion.

There was no immediate response from the other end, only a heavy, suppressed breathing. Then, Lawrence Lancaster's usually composed and commanding voice exploded like thunder. Even through the speaker, the sheer rage and oppressive weight were palpable.

"Christian! Look at the absolute mess you've made! Now the whole city—no, the whole country—is treating the Lancaster family like a joke! Everyone is watching the glorious Lancaster CEO's romantic escapades!"

Christian held the phone slightly away from his ear, his face remaining blank as he spoke evenly. "It's not what you think. I was set up."

"Set up? I don't care who set you up!" Lawrence's fury had clearly reached its peak, his voice rising another octave. "All I know is that right now, you are the face of the Lancaster Group! Every move you make impacts the company's reputation and stock price! The board of directors practically dragged me in for 'tea' this morning, and every word out of their mouths was laced with mockery! Asking if I was getting a new daughter-in-law, asking if the Lancasters were throwing a wedding! Every single word was a stab to the chest! I have no dignity left!"

With that final word, the line went dead. The dial tone echoed sharply.

Lawrence had hung up.

Christian stayed frozen in his seat, the phone still pressed to his ear, listening to the relentless, cold dial tone.

The afternoon sun sliced through the blinds, casting harsh shadows across his face. His expression remained unreadable, but his jaw was locked tight. His grip on the phone was so fierce his knuckles were white and the veins on the back of his hand strained against his skin.

The office was dead silent.

Only the dial tone mocked him, serving as a bitter soundtrack to the desperate, cornered reality he was now trapped in.