Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

When Lysander heard Leonard's words, his expression froze over completely.

His eyes, sharp and cold, fixed on Jade. "Mrs. Sutherland, are you really going to force this issue?"

Jade smiled, picking up the steaming cup of tea Mila had just poured for her, and took a leisurely sip.

"Those who play dirty have no right to complain," she replied with a calmnoveldrama

demeanor. "I'm giving you a chance by not having the dress forcibly stripped off you. Think about it. You played your games and deceived me, parading that dress in front of me as if there'd be no consequences."

Lysander remained silent.

He abruptly turned to Mila, who hadn't spoken yet. "Is this all because of Giselle? I've told you, we're just friends. Do you really have to make a scene?"

Jade's expression darkened, ready to retort, but Mila spoke first. "Do you even believe what you're saying?"

Friendship taken to this extent was quite something.

"And furthermore, Lysander," Mila continued, distancing herself from him coldly, "this is a business issue between you and my mentor. Let's not drag personal matters into it. It's petty. Besides, do you really think you have the moral high ground here?"

The shame should be overwhelming.

Blatantly cheating, using joint assets to purchase a custom dress worth millions for a mistress, and still talking about personal matters?

It's revolting!

...

Unexpectedly, Lysander chuckled at her words. "Is the lady really so upset? I can explain."

Mila turned her eyes away in disgust.

Jade's voice cut in, icy and firm. "Chairman Montgomery, the situation is clear- this is business. If you insist on dragging in personal issues, I will have you thrown out."

Lysander's expression showed a hint of resignation.

This matter could be resolved easily.

Jade might have significant influence abroad, but the Montgomery family had been entrenched in Kingsford for generations. They could easily muster enough support to extract him by force, but doing so would irreparably damage their relationship.

The Montgomery's domestic business was rock solid, but Jade's international connections could cause trouble overseas. It wouldn't topple their empire, but it would be an unnecessary headache.

Considering this, Lysander glanced over at Mila.

He didn't want to make an even bigger scene. Thinking it over, he smiled and said, "Mrs. Sutherland, you're my elder, so I'll concede this time. The dress will be returned to you, and you can keep the money as my apology."

With that, he rose and headed for the door.

At the entrance, he turned back to Mila. "When you're done playing around, come home. Adrian misses you."

After Lysander left, he made his way downstairs with Leonard.

A group of men in black suits were stationed outside a resting room, clearly

informed by Jade to allow him passage.

Lysander walked in alone.

As soon as he entered, Giselle flung herself into his arms, her delicate frame trembling, her voice a shaky whisper.

"Lysander, I'm so scared."

Leonard quietly closed the door behind them.

Lysander sat down on the sofa, holding her close, gently patting her back to calm her. Once her sobs had subsided, he broached the subject.

Giselle lifted her head, her expression one of disbelief, tears streaming down her face.

"Lysander, what are you saying? You want me to take off the dress and return it? You already gave it to me!"

Lysander spoke gently, "There was a misunderstanding. Splendid needs the dress back for some adjustments."

"Why? I don't want to!"

Giselle clung to him, eyes red and voice choked. "You've already given it to me. I'm supposed to wear it on stage later. Asking me to take it off now would make me a laughingstock!"