Chapter 25 Eager to Cheat A tall man leaned against the car , cigarette hanging from his lips . White smoke blurred his face , but his deep eyes locked onto the man's jacket draped over Lyra's shoulders . His expression was unreadable . Julian glanced at Lyra instinctively , then looked toward Maxen . " Mr. Hawthorne , are you waiting for someone ? " Waiting for someone ? Veronica had left the hospital ages ago . Who else would he be waiting for ? Could it be her ? The thought seemed so ridiculous that Lyra almost laughed at herself for even thinking it . Maxen tilted his head back and exhaled a cloud of smoke . He dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his foot , then fixed Julian with a cold stare . " Mr. Quinn , you sure like sticking your nose where it doesn't belong . " ור Those words hit Lyra like a punch to the chest . Her lips went pale . So tonight's whole setup with Veronica - he really was behind it ? The realization made her blood run cold , and her hands and feet went numb . 1/5 22:04 Chapter 25 Eager to Cheat +2 Bonus Julian noticed something was off with Lyra and narrowed his eyes , turning to look at Maxen . " Just want to help someone . How is that a problem ? " Maxen's brows furrowed in irritation . Julian was about to say more when Lyra suddenly grabbed his arm , her voice weak and shaky . " Julian , could you please take me home ? " She's trembling ? Julian glanced at Maxen but didn't say anything else , agreeing to Lyra's request . Just as they were about to leave , Maxen's cold voice cut through the air . " Lyra . " Lyra froze . He never called her by name in public - he was always careful to keep their relationship secret . So what was he doing now ? She didn't turn around and started to take a step forward . Behind her , his voice grew darker . " Didn't you hear me calling you ? " Lyra's bandaged palm was clenched so tightly that blood began seeping through the gauze again . 2/5 22:04 Chapter 25 Eager to Cheat +2 Bonus She pushed down the pain in her chest and turned to look at him with numb eyes . " Mr. Hawthorne , what do you want ? " " Come here . " Lyra looked confused , completely lost about what was happening . " Don't make me say it twice . " Maxen clearly had no patience left . Lyra bit her lip and took a deep breath before turning to Julian . " Julian , I'm sorry , I have to … " " I know , " Julian said , noticing her difficult situation . He smiled gently and lowered his voice so only they could hear . " Call me if you need anything . You still have my number , right ? " Lyra nodded . She watched him get in his car and drive away , then dragged her heavy feet toward Maxen . Maxen glanced up at her . " So you're that eager to cheat on me ? " His cold eyes froze on the swelling at the corner of her mouth , and he frowned . " What happened ? " Lyra let out a harsh laugh , her eyes turning red . Her voice came out hoarse . " What happened ? Shouldn't you know better than I do , Mr. Hawthorne ? " 3/5 22:05 Chapter 25 Eager to Cheat +2 Bonus Maxen could hear the sarcasm in her voice , and displeasure flashed in his eyes . The jacket she was wearing - another man's jacket - was especially irritating to look at . He reached out and yanked it off . What he saw underneath made him freeze completely . The mess that had been hidden under the jacket was now visible , and his face went cold . " Who did this ? " Look at him . He's such a good actor . Lyra felt her nose sting as tears threatened to spill from her eyes . She pulled out the crumpled document from her bag and threw it at him hard . " Isn't this your little scheme with Veronica ? You tricked me into going to that dinner just so those guys could humiliate me . " Maxen glanced at the papers on the floor and frowned . All of Lyra's pent - up hurt finally exploded . Her voice shook with anger and pain . " Maxen , if you hate me so much , you can divorce me anytime . Why did you have to let other people insult me like that ? " Maxen stayed silent , just staring at her . CW Lyra turned to leave , afraid she'd suffocate if she stayed another second . 4/5 22:05 Chapter 25 Eager to Cheat +2 Bonus " Walk away , Lyra , and I'll pull your brother's defense lawyer , " Maxen said . Write your comment Air Gifts 5/5