The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 22

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO_ Lucian’s POV

I despised interruptions.

In fact, I didn’t tolerate them.

The executive board knew it. My assistants knew it. Even the investors who funded half the city understood it.

Once a meeting door closed behind me, only a catastrophe justified opening it again.

So when a quiet knock interrupted the discussion, the conference room froze.

My assistant stepped inside, doing her best to maintain composure.

“Sir… I apologize, but this cannot wait.” She said.

I set my pen down slowly.

Around the table, the board members stopped their conversations without instruction.

“What is it?” I asked.

She hesitated, clearly debating whether to speak in front of the board or request a private conversation.

She decided in a second.

“Mrs. Dhark was denied access at Sinclair & Co this morning.”

At first, I didn’t read much meaning into the words. They almost sounded casual.

But the moment the words settled, tension rose in my chest.

My assistant continued carefully. “The incident circulated internally within minutes. Someone leaked it, and now there are already external inquiries and speculation online.” She swallowed. “The narrative forming is that your wife is being prevented from working.”

Silence enveloped the room. For a good moment, no one dared speak.

A hundred thoughts flashed through my mind.

Authority.

Family reputation.

I rose from my seat immediately, and left the room.

The meeting ended without dismissal.

Legal Compliance for Dhark holdings occupied an entire floor. It was quiet, controlled, and designed to

feel untouchable. Just like the “Dhark” name.

1/4

+25 Bonus

Conversations died the moment I stepped out of the elevator.

People shifted their chairs nervously. Others stopped in their tracks. Someone nearly dropped a file.

Good.

Fear meant awareness.

My father had taught me that.

The compliance director hurried toward me, trying but failing to keep his footsteps calm and professional. I could already see the beads of sweat forming on his temple.

“Mr. Dhark, if we had known you were coming-”

I walked past him, cutting him off.

“I want an explanation.” I demanded.

He walked behind me hurriedly as I entered his office. The door shut behind us with a click.

Files were already open on the desk.

Someone had anticipated this. Planned it, even.

I skimmed the report once to be certain.

That’s when I saw my authorization code, staring back at me from the approval line.

“I did not issue this.” I said, lowering my voice, trying not to sound as angry as I felt.

The director blinked, confused.

“We believed we were acting in your best interest.” He spoke defensively.

I looked up slowly.

“Explain.”

“A spouse gaining independent financial access creates multiple risks,” he explained carefully.” Particularly in situations like yours, where… permanence is uncertain.”

There it was.

They believed Claire was temporary. That she was disposable.

I felt my jaw tighten.

“And who suggested this course of action?” I queried.

The director hesitated.

That was enough of an answer.

2/4

AST

+25 Bonus

“Say it.”

“… Ms. Sterling raised concerns regarding reputational vulnerability. She advised restriction until the divorce is finalized, to prevent any scandals or narratives that could be damaging to your image.” 1

Eva!

There are a few things I hate more than people making decisions for me. Around me.

I closed the file, feeling anger rise in my chest.

“You revoked my wife’s clearance,” I said evenly, hoping he I wouldn’t have to spell out how stupid the decision was. “Based on speculation and a suggestion.”

“We were protecting you.”

“No,” I said quietly. “You were overstepping.”

I placed both hands on the desk.

“Reinstate her access.”

The director blinked. “Immediately?”

“Effective now. With my direct approval.”

Silent shock rippled through the office outside as the orders I had given were relayed.

Everyone understood what this meant.

I had just chosen a side – publicly.

And it was not the side I had been expected to choose.

I turned toward the door.

“Sir,” the director spoke quickly. Nervously. “There’s one more development.”

I paused, then turned to him again.

“Mrs. Dhark contacted Margot Sinclair.”

The name shifted everything.

This was no longer internal, neither was it controllable.

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