The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN_ Lucian’s POV

The house had learned to move around Eva.

I noticed it in small details-how the staff adjusted their schedule, how voices softened when she passed, how Camilla always had to take permission from her, unlike before.

But order had been restored.

That was what mattered.

I sat behind my desk, reviewing documents, including a draft for a press release that mentioned family stability without once using the word ‘marriage.’

Everything was clean.

Except one thing:

The unsigned divorce agreement.

Obviously, Claire was stalling.

Eva opened the door of my study without knocking- a new habit of hers. She was dressed in silk today, looking soft and pale.

“I spoke to Camilla,” she said gently. “Some of Claire’s things are still in the east wing. She won’t move

them.”

I realized Eva was laying a complaint. As usual.

I didn’t look up. “This is her house too, for now.”

Eva crossed the room slowly. “That’s the problem,” she said. “It shouldn’t be.”

I closed the folder and finally looked up at her. “Say what you mean.”

She stopped in front of my desk, then leaned forward.

“The papers haven’t been signed.” She stated. “Every day she stays here makes things messier. Soon, the press will start printing stories that could damage my career, calling me a mistress!”

I heaved a frustrated sigh, rubbing my fingers against my temple. “I understand your point, Eva. But Claire’s entitled to time.”

Eva tilted her head. “Is she?”

I finally looked at her.

Her expression was calm, but there was calculation beneath it. Not desperation, and definitely not fear.

“I’m trying to keep stress low,” she continued. “For the baby. But living like this-under the same roof, with a woman who hates my existence, is exhausting.”

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NGTON FOCiany’s POV

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Again, I exhaled slowly.

“Claire isn’t reckless enough to cause you any harm, or even cause a scandal.”

Eva didn’t react to that.

“I know,” she said softly. “But what matters right now is perception, not intention. And perception alone could ruin my public image. Unlike Claire, I have something to lose.”

I rose from my seat and walked to the window. The estate looked immaculate from up here. Orderly and

controlled.

That’s when I remembered a principle my father had drilled into me.

A legacy didn’t survive on sentiment or emotion. It survived on control.

“How long are you going to let this linger?” Eva asked from behind me.

I thought of the board’s voices. Of the investors who would pull out if they perceived that the Dhark legacy was threatened.

“Summon her.” I said.

Eva nodded and walked away. She didn’t smile. But she didn’t need to- she was already victorious.

Claire arrived a few minutes later.

She stood inside the study, hands folded in front of her.

She looked so small… so quiet. Not dangerous_ and that was exactly why she was a problem.

“You wanted to see me?” she asked.

I gestured to the chair across my desk. “Sit.”

“You still haven’t signed.” I said immediately she sat.

“Not yet.” She replied quietly.

“Why?”

Claire paused, then inhaled deeply. She looked like she would break any moment. Like it was taking her all her might to hold it together.

“I’m waiting,” she said finally. “For things to fall into place.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one I have.” Her voice shook slightly as she spoke.

I leaned back into my seat, staring at her. Wondering how I could get my point across clearly. “This uncertainty is no longer acceptable.”

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Her lips parted. “Lucian-”

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“I’ve been patient,” I continued evenly. “But this situation has gone on long enough. Eva needs stability and the company needs clarity.”

That’s when I noticed Eva standing by the door. She walked into the room and took her place by my side, her hand resting against the arm of my chair.

Claire glanced at her, then back at me. “So that’s it?”

“Yes.” I said sternly. “You have until the end of the week to sign the papers.”

“And if I don’t?”

Her tone wasn’t defiant. It was tired.

“If you don’t,” I said, “my lawyers will proceed without your cooperation. You’ll be formally removed from the estate, and any remaining protections you were privileged to have as my wife will cease immediately.” 1

I watched the color drain from her face. Her lips parted, but she said nothing.

“That includes financial considerations,” I added. “And discretion.”

Silence fell heavy between us.

Eva spoke then, softly. “This doesn’t have to be difficult, Claire.”

Claire didn’t look at her.

“I didn’t ask for this.” She said. “I didn’t ask to be replaced.”

Eva inhaled sharply. “I didn’t ask for my career to be put in danger either.”

Claire finally turned to Eva, fury blasting from her golden-brown eyes.

“If you hadn’t sabotaged my job opportunity, none of this would be happening!” she accused.

Eva blinked, then let out a soft laugh.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She answered calmly.

Claire’s jaw tightened. “Sinclair & Co.”

“Oh,” Eva scoffed. “That.”

She turned to me, almost amused. “Did you know she applied there?”

I didn’t reply.

Eva looked back at Claire. “You honestly think I have the power to interfere with Margot Sinclair’s firm?” She smirked. “That’s flattering.”

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“It’s not flattering that it cost me my future.”Claire shot back.

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Eva pouted mockingly, like she was making fun of a child. “Or maybe they simply didn’t think you were a good fit.”

“That’s a lie.” Claire retorted. “I made it to the final stage. I was told they’d be in touch.”

Eva tilted her head. “And they were in touch, weren’t they?”

Claire glared at Eva, her hands forming fists on the table. “You did something.”

“You’re accusing me of professional sabotage now?” Eva asked, trying her best to sound offended.

But I knew better than anyone, how good Eva was at faking emotions.

“She’s completely delusional.” Eva added, turning to me. “I think she’s looking for someone to blame.”

I met Claire’s gaze then.

“Sinclair & Co is a very competitive firm,” I stated. “It isn’t surprising they passed on your application.”

I was honest. Claire has barely any experience. She was in over her head to apply at a renowned law firm

like Sinclair&co.

Claire’s eyes widened. “You don’t believe me.”

“I believe,” I said, “that you aimed too high.”

The words sat between us for a moment, heavy and irreversible.

Claire stared at me like I’d struck her.

“I have a law degree,” she said quietly.

“And no professional experience,” I countered. “No recent work history, and a public scandal attached to

your name.”

“This isn’t personal.” I added. “I’m giving you a professional opinion.”

Claire let out a breath that sounded dangerously close to a laugh.

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