The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 96

"Should we do something about it?" Madeline asked, looking at her. "Like, repackage the same leak and hand it to outlets that aren't afraid of trouble, or to places where the Langfords' reach doesn't extend?"

Evelyn shook her head, a very faint, yet profoundly perceptive smile curving her lips. "No need. Sometimes, instead of constantly trying to push down a floating gourd, it's better to just leave it submerged for a while."

She set down her teacup, her gaze drifting toward the blurry city lights outside the window as she calmly analyzed the situation. "Lydia took a major fall this time. While her parents will undoubtedly force her to take the blame for everything to keep Lyra 'clean,' Lydia is spoiled, selfish, and incredibly impulsive. Under the immense pressure of a police investigation, and once she realizes she's been completely discarded as a sacrificial pawn... do you really think she won't harbor any resentment? She was already jealous of the favoritism Lyra received. Now that disaster has struck, her parents didn't hesitate to sacrifice her to protect her sister, probably demanding she look at the 'bigger picture'... Once that seed of betrayal is planted, it will inevitably sprout."

Madeline looked thoughtful. "You're saying... it's only a matter of time before the sisters turn on each other?"

"Isn't it more entertaining to watch them tear each other apart?" Evelyn retracted her gaze and looked back at Madeline. "Lyra spending all that money to suppress the news might look like she solved the immediate crisis, but all it did was expose her absolute panic and her biggest weakness. More importantly, do you really think those media outlets are satisfied after being paid off? Now that they've tasted blood, do you think they'll pass up the chance to extort her again the next time another explosive scoop drops? Besides, paper can never cover a fire. The harder she tries to bury it now, the more devastating the backlash will be when the truth finally explodes. All we need to do is patiently wait, and... give it a gentle push at the exact right moment."

She paused for a second before adding, "As for Lydia, tell that 'helpful' legal aid contact you set up to start 'accidentally' letting her know a few things she deserves to hear. For instance, how her sister painted her as an uncontrollable troublemaker who nearly ruined the whole family in front of their parents, and... how the Langford family is currently burning through all their resources solely to save Lyra's future and reputation."

A flash of understanding and deep admiration crossed Madeline's eyes. Evelyn's move didn't just perfectly predict the Langfords' reaction; she had effectively planted a ticking time bomb inside their own camp. She didn't even need to dirty her own hands; by cleverly manipulating their inherent internal conflicts, she could effortlessly reap the rewards. This level of cold, calculated precision sent a slight chill down the spine of even a seasoned lawyer like Madeline, but mostly, it brought her a profound sense of relief. With a mindset like this, Evelyn would never easily fall victim to anyone again.

"Understood," Madeline said, closing her laptop. "I'll make the arrangements for Lydia. Also, there's one more thing..." She hesitated slightly. "My people noticed that Lyra took a solo trip to The Willow Club this afternoon."

Evelyn's hand, which was holding her teacup, paused almost imperceptibly. "The Willow Club?" It was the city's premier elite private club, famous for its extreme confidentiality and high-end services. It was also the preferred hub for certain illicit transactions.

"Yeah. She stayed for less than an hour and left in a huge hurry," Madeline said, watching her carefully. "Do you want me to look into who she met, or... what she picked up?"

Evelyn remained silent for a moment. For Lyra to risk going to a place like that at a time like this, it definitely wasn't for a simple spa day. Given her current desperation and her frantic need to turn the tables...

"You can look into it, but don't force it. Stay safe," Evelyn finally replied. "If my guess is right... she might be out there looking for a 'stronger cure' for her problems." Her voice was quiet, laced with a chillingly accurate insight.

"A cure?" Madeline frowned.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify