APTER 037 ADRIAN'S POV The media had been buzzing ever since the photo of Olivia and Julian hugging had surfaced . They wanted answers , and I was more than ready to give them exactly what they needed to hear . I could have easily taken the photo down and buried it before it caused any damage , but I didn't . I left it there on purpose . The photo was a weapon , one I intended to use to my advantage . I kept my face neutral , taking a moment to let the silence stretch before answering . " To be honest , I felt disappointed that my wife would even think of doing something like this , " I said , letting my voice drop slightly , just enough to make it sound like I was deeply hurt . A man betrayed . The murmurs among the reporters grew louder . The cameras zoomed in , capturing every flicker of my expression . I wasn't just speaking to them - I was speaking to the entire world . " So , are you saying she might be having an affair with the man in the photo ? " another reporter pressed . I sighed , running a hand through my hair as if I were struggling to come to terms with it myself . " I don't know ," I admitted . " I thought I knew my wife , but it's clear that I don't . It might just be a hug , but it still feels like a betrayal . And no one knows if this is just the beginning or if there's more ." A wave of chatter spread through the crowd . Some reporters nodded knowingly , their minds already spinning narratives far worse than what was actually implying . Good . That was exactly what I wanted . " Yesterday , the WXSI stock ( Westwood Industries ) dropped by 20 % . Can you explain why ? " another reporter asked . I let out another calculated sigh . " Well , you see , it all comes back to what my wife did , " I said . " After the photo went public , some of my investors became skeptical . They started pulling their funds out , which caused the WXSI to drop massively . This isn't just about personal matters anymore - it's affecting my company , my employees , the people who rely on me . " The shift in tone was immediate . Successfully unlocked ! ' t just looking at a betrayed husband anymore - they were loo ut a pocoman who had been wronged , someone who was now forced to make difficult decisions . ப " And what do you intend to do about all of this ? " another reporter asked . CHAPTER 037 I exhaled sharply , then straightened my shoulders . " Well , I noticed that we were growing distant . There was a crack in our marriage , and that photo only confirmed my suspicions , " I said , pausing just long enough to build suspense . " I have to do what's best for my company , my employees , and myself . So I'll do the only thing I can . " Another pause . I could see the anticipation in their eyes . " I'm letting her go . I don't think we can carry on with this marriage any longer . " The moment the words left my mouth , a wave of gasps rippled through the reporters . The questions started pouring in , their voices rising over one another . " Are you filing for divorce ? " " Does Olivia know ? " " Is there any chance of reconciliation ? " I ignored them . My security team stepped in , making way for me to pass through the crowd . I kept my face impassive as I walked into the building , but inside , I was smirking . They had taken the bait . By the time I reached the elevators , I allowed myself a small , satisfied smile . The entire world now believed I was heartbroken and ready to end my marriage . But in reality , I was just getting started . Olivia wasn't going anywhere . Not until I was done with her and her family . When I entered my office , James was already waiting for me . " Good morning , " he greeted me as I removed my trench coat and hung it on the rack . " James , I hope you slept well ," I said , pouring myself a glass of whiskey . " Yes , I did , " he replied . " But Adrian , we need to talk . " " yes we have a lot to talk about , has the problem with the investors been taken care of ? " 1 asked while pouring myself a glass of whiskey . " Yes their being handled , but that's not the main topic ," James said . I glanced at him , raising a brow " And what is ? " I asked , " What you said outside ," he said . I took a sip of my drink and leaned against my desk . " You told the media you're done with Olivia . Are you actually planning to divorce her ? " James asked , watching me carefully . I rolled my eyes . James was a good man , but he didn't know the full picture . He didn't know what the Graysons did . He didn't know that this was personal , and I didn't want 2/3 CHAPTER 037 him to know because if he did he would probably tell me to " I know things look rough , but that doesn't mean you should just end your marriage . You two should at least try talking things out ," James said . 1 scoffed . " Look , James , Olivia betrayed me , " I said , swirling the whiskey in my glass . " And I can't forgive that . There's no fixing our marriage . " My phone buzzed , and when I checked the screen , I saw a message from Mrs. Grayson - Olivia's mother . Figures . They must have seen the news . I opened the message . We need to come over and speak with you and Olivia . I smirked . They were already panicking . Good . I typed out a quick reply : Sure . I'll be expecting you this week , ma'am . Then I put my phone away . They wanted a conversation ? Fine . I was more than happy to entertain them . After all , I wasn't just aiming to break Olivia - I was aiming to destroy the entire Grayson family from the inside . DORA'S POV Sitting in front of my makeup mirror , I carefully applied a fresh coat of mascara to my lashes . My reflection stared back at me , flawless as ever . I hadn't gone over to Adrian's place since our special night , but that didn't mean I hadn ' t thought about it . About him . I tried reaching out a few days ago , but he didn't answer . And I understood why . He was still dealing with his mom's death . But that was a few days ago . I had given him enough space . Now , it was time for me to go over there and remind him exactly where his attention should be . 3/3