Chapter 30 No Scandal +2 Bonus Lyra stared at the message on her screen and hesitated for a moment before responding . Then , her phone started ringing . The contact name " Honey " flashing on the screen made her feel disoriented for a second . The old Maxen never called her first . But somehow , at some point , he'd started not only texting her but calling her too . When did that change happen ? Lyra hesitantly answered the call , her tone distant . " Mr. Hawthorne , did you need something ? " She heard the click of a lighter on the other end . He seemed to be smoking , his voice low and casual . " I told you to come to the parking garage . Didn't you see my message ? " " Ms. Wynn is there with you . If you need something , just ask her . " Lyra was about to hang up when he let out a mocking laugh . " Found yourself a backer in Julian , huh ? Feeling tough now ? " She frowned . " What's that supposed to mean ? " " Exactly what it sounds like . " Maxen was leaning against his car door , the hand holding his cigarette casually flipping a metal lighter . " My patience has limits . " 1/5 22:07 Chapter 30 No Scandal +2 Bonus Lyra didn't say another word and hung up . She made her way to the underground parking garage , where Maxen's handsome , perfectly sculpted face came into view . As always , he looked flawless and untouchable . The same face she'd once adored now filled her with nothing but resentment . Lyra stopped in front of Maxen and got straight to the point , her expression carefully controlled . " You pulled Micah's defense attorney ? Why ? " Maxen crushed his cigarette under his foot and looked up at her . " I told you not to mess with Veronica . " Lyra's heart went cold . She'd expected this answer , but still … " You promised me something , and now you're going back on your word because of Veronica ? Besides , I never went after her first . She's the one who keeps coming for me . " " Let's not talk about her right now . " His eyes darkened as he paused for a moment . " Stay away from Julian . You're my wife , and the Hawthorne family doesn't tolerate any scandals . " Those words hit her like shards of glass piercing straight through her heart . The only things he cared about were the Hawthorne family's reputation and Veronica's image . 2/5 22:07 Chapter 30 No Scandal +2 Bonus Meanwhile , Lyra was expected to follow his " rules " like some obedient puppel . s your Her nose stung as she let out a bitter laugh . " What if it's y scandal ? " Maxen froze , his brow furrowing . " I won't have any . " Right . Lyra felt a cold wave wash over her . She'd already seen the scandal about his illegitimate child , and here he was lying straight to her face . " What about you and Veronica , and her son- " " Lyra . " Maxen cut her off with cold indifference . " Whatever this is , it stays between us . Leave other people out of it . " Leave other people out of it ? He was probably worried that before their divorce was finalized , his precious true love would get labeled as " the other woman " . Lyra slowly unclenched her fists , her voice flat . " Don't worry , Mr. Hawthorne . I won't hold you two up much longer . Let me wish you both a lifetime of happiness in advance . " She turned to leave , but someone suddenly grabbed her arm . When she looked back at Maxen , she wondered if she was imagining things , but his usual unshakeable composure seemed 3/5 22:07 Chapter 30 No Scandal rattled for once . " What you just said- " +2 Bonus " Mr. Hawthorne ! " Felix came running straight toward Maxen and threw his arms around his legs . Maxen seemed to snap back to reality instantly . He let go of Lyra and placed his palm on Felix's head , his eyes full of affection . " What are you doing down here ? " Felix said , " Mom and I were waiting for you forever . We got worried , so I came to find you . " Veronica walked over to Maxen's side and looked at Lyra , her eyes hiding a sharp edge . " Oh , Dr. Sheppard's here too . Where's Mr. Quinn ? Isn't he with you ? " She'd seen every second of Maxen grabbing Lyra's arm just now . The hatred in her eyes was ready to spill over . A man who once loved her desperately had been seduced away by some cheap woman in the blink of an eye . How could she let that happen ? She would never allow Maxen to slip out of her control . Lyra looked at her with a blank expression . " How is that any of your business ? " 4/5 22:07 Chapter 30 No Scandal 9 + 2 Bonus " Dr. Sheppard , I know you're still angry about what happened that day . If you're blaming me for getting you suspended , I can talk to the higher - ups and get you back to the hospital sooner , " Veronica sneered . 5/5 Write your comment