When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Theresa’s panic was palpable as she spun toward Elaine, desperation in her voice. “But they’re your biggest fans too,” she pleaded, her eyes wide with concern.

Elaine felt a painful conflict welling inside her. She didn’t care much for these particular fans, but her career was just taking off. If word spread that she had turned her back on her supporters, no one would stand by her when it really mattered.

“Titus, they…” Elaine began, her voice faltering as she searched for the right words.

Before she could finish, Chiara’s sharp voice pierced the tense air. “Officer, you heard what they said. I’m willing to forgive the others, but the ringleader must be held accountable.”

Elaine’s face darkened with frustration. “These foolish girls have only made things worse,” she thought bitterly, though she kept the words to herself.

“Elaine!” Theresa’s face drained of color as she clutched Elaine’s arm tightly, fear etched across her features.

Chiara could no longer bear to stay in the room with any of them. “Let go of me, Titus. There’s nothing left for us to say,” she declared, her voice cold and final.

This wasn’t just about him stopping her now. The real fracture had happened earlier—when she had made the painful decision to divorce him.

His expression hardened at her words, the hurt and anger flashing in his eyes.

“You may be done talking,” he growled, tightening his grip on her arm, “but I’m not. And you’re not going anywhere without me.”

“Let me go!” Chiara struggled fiercely, her patience exhausted and explanations no longer an option.

Titus’s jaw clenched as he pulled her closer, his intentions clear—he was determined to take her with him.

Heather stepped forward, her face pale but burning with rage. “Let her go. She doesn’t want to go with you.”

Titus fixed her with a cold, dangerous stare. “Think carefully before you challenge me, Ms. Lynch,” he warned, the threat unmistakable in his voice.

Heather’s expression darkened. “Are you threatening me?” she demanded, voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance.

Then, with a sharp crack, Chiara’s palm connected with Titus’s cheek, the force snapping his head to the side.

“Chiara!” Heather gasped, stunned.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension thick enough to choke on.

Paul swallowed hard, his eye twitching as he stared at Chiara’s slowly lowering hand, disbelief etched on his face.

Elaine stared in shock, then exclaimed, “Chiara, what do you think you’re doing?” She immediately stepped toward Titus, ready to intervene.

But Titus’s deep, commanding voice cut through the moment. “Don’t come any closer.”

He ground his jaw, the sting of the slap radiating painfully across his cheek. She had hit him harder than he had expected.

His gaze locked onto Chiara, dark and dangerous. “You’ve got some nerve, hitting me like that.”

“You were willing to ruin a hundred lives just to protect her,” Chiara said, her voice shaking with rage, though she fought back tears fiercely. “What did you expect me to do—just stand by and watch?”

Titus studied her closely, the defiance in her eyes morphing into pure disgust.

A vein throbbed at his temple. “Fine,” he said with a bitter, humorless laugh.

Sensing the escalating anger, Paul stepped forward cautiously. “Mr. Goodman, please, calm down,” he urged.

Chiara met his anger with a cold, challenging smile. “What, are you going to hit me back? Then do it.”

Part of her secretly hoped he would. It would be the perfect justification for divorce, and she wasn’t afraid of the consequences anymore.

Titus laughed again, but this time the sound was chilling, cold enough to freeze the air.

“Don’t worry,” he said smoothly. “I’ll make sure you pay me back later.” Then he turned and extended a hand toward Paul.

Paul understood immediately. After stealing a hesitant glance at Chiara’s pale, strained face, he reluctantly handed over the keys. “Mr. Goodman…”

But Titus didn’t wait for a response. He hoisted the struggling Chiara over his shoulder and carried her out without a glance back.

Heather’s heart pounded wildly as she rushed after them. “Titus, put my sister down!” she shouted, panic breaking through her voice.

Paul stepped in front of her, blocking her path gently. “Please don’t worry, Ms. Lynch,” he said softly. “Mr. Goodman won’t harm her.”

“But he—” Heather started, her voice tight with fear.

“They’re married,” Paul reminded her quietly.

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