The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 155

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE EVA’S POV

The flowers arrived faster than even the outrage faded.

White roses, red roses, orchids.

Luxury arrangements large enough to crowd my whole sitting room.

By evening, there were more gifts than table space.

Designer handbags, jewelry, even handwritten letters from celebrities.

And most importantly, brand packages tied with silk ribbons.

The television across the room continued cycling through my face every few minutes.

“We stand with Eva Sterling #cancel Dharkholdings”

“Public Support Surges.”

“Fans Rally Behind Actress Following Abuse Allegations.”

I watched quietly from the couch while my assistant sorted through contracts on the marble dining table

nearby.

“Belle AO officially wants you as the face of their new campaign,” she said informed me. “They’re increasing the offer if you agree to the interview circuit.”

I smiled faintly then. “Of course they are.”

Sympathy sold beautifully… when packaged correctly, that is.

Another notification flashed across the screen.

Women’s organizations, magazine features, charity invitations and streaming interviews.

Goodness, the list was endless.

My assistant glanced up again.

“You will be pleased to know that your engagement metrics have doubled since yesterday.”

I took a slow sip of wine.

On the other side of the city, Lucian Dhark’s empire was collapsing in real time.

And mine?

Mine was growing. Flourishing.

The irony almost amused me.

“The public response is overwhelmingly in your favor,” my assistant continued. “Most people think he’s

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guilty already.”

“Most people?” I sneered. “The whole damn country thinks he’s guilty.” I corrected.

My eyes lifted slowly toward the television again just as another clip appeared.

Claire Moreau was standing outside her apartment building while reporters crowded around her.

One question cut through the noise clearly, making everyone stop.

“Was Lucian Dhark ever abusive toward you?”

Claire looked tired, but composed- annoyingly so.

Then-

“Never,” she answered calmly, then paused. “Not once.”

Everything inside me went still.

My grip tightened around the wine glass.

Claire was becoming incredibly difficult to ignore.

And that irritated me more than I could tolerate.

She was supposed to disappear quietly after the divorce- I had made sure of that.

But now all of a sudden, people were starting to respect her? To trust her words?

God, that infuriated me.

And whether the idiot knew it or not, what she said could possibly help Lucian.

And that was what bothered me the most.

Not just the statement itself, but what it meant.

And Lucian cared about what Claire thought- he always had.

Even when he pretended otherwise.

I muted the television.

“She’s still defending him,” my assistant murmured carefully.

“No,” I corrected smoothly. “She’s defending herself.”

But even as I said it, irritation continued crawling up beneath my skin.

But I knew I had to calm myself.

Claire could wait.

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NEWED AND FETY FIVE TVA POV

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Margot Sinclair couldn’t.

My expression hardened slightly at the thought.

Margot was the real problem now.

Not because she suspected me- people suspected things constantly.

But because now, she had proof.

The infertility report from Dr. Ramon.

That stupid, pathetic man had either betrayed me outright or allowed himself to be manipulated into handing over information he never should have touched again.

Either way, the outcome would remain the same.

I would never forgive betrayal.

So he too, would pay when the time is right.

My assistant noticed the shift in my expression immediately.

“Should I cancel the dinner appearance tomorrow?” she asked cautiously.

“No.”

I answered, rising slowly from the couch and reached for my phone.

“Reschedule it.”

Then I walked toward the windows overlooking the city.

Somewhere out there, Lucian was still trying to salvage what remained of his reputation and his empire, when I had already given him an easy way out.

Perhaps he wasn’t as smart as we all thought after all.

And somewhere else, Margot Sinclair was still alive.

For now.

I dialed the number from memory.

Thankfully, he answered quickly this time.

“Yes?”

My voice remained calm.

“Did you finish it?”

A brief silence.

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