THE DISABLED HEIRESS, MY EX-HUSBAND WOULD PAY DEARLY.-Chapter 42

At that moment, upon hearing what Lovi just said, Cora didn’t flinch, not even a little. In fact, a faint smirk began to rise at the corner of her lips. Ten million dollars? That was nothing compared to the kind of mess James could cause if those files ever saw the light of day. Ten million wasn’t just payment—it was a shield, a sword, and a fresh start all at once.

She didn’t hesitate, with calm precision, Cora rose from her seat. She straightened her jacket, let out a quiet breath, and looked straight at Lovi.

"Well," she said, her tone firm but steady, "that’s not a problem."

Her voice was so sharp, it cut through the air like a blade.

"I’ll pay the money every cent. But I’ll only pay after the job is done, and done perfectly. No half measures. I want proof. Evidence that everything is gone, wiped, and no trace of it is left behind. If you can do that..." she paused slightly, giving him a look that made the room feel smaller, "then you’ll have your ten million."

At that moment Lovi raised both hands slightly, nodding in agreement, his smirk never fading. But Cora wasn’t done yet.

She turned to leave, taking a slow step forward. But before she completely turned her back, she stopped just for a moment and looked over her shoulder.

Her eyes met Lovi’s, cold and commanding.

"Just a reminder," she said. "Don’t try to double-cross me. I may not say much after today, but if you think I’ll sit still while you play smart behind my back..."

She let her words hang, heavy and sharp like a guillotine.

"I won’t take it lightly. That’s your last warning."

Then, without another word, she walked out of the private lounge with her head high and her heels tapping with purpose.

Malisa, who had been quietly observing the intense exchange, followed her immediately, smiling to herself. She didn’t say anything at first, but once they stepped outside and the cool breeze of the evening kissed their skin, Malisa couldn’t hold it in.

She jogged up beside Cora, nudging her playfully with her elbow. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

"Now that," she said with a wide grin, "was perfect. I love that tight-grip attitude. You’re fire, girl. I mean it."

Then Cora gave a dry chuckle, her expression softening just a little. "I wasn’t acting, Malisa. I meant every word. I’m tired of these games. I’ve worked too hard to have my name dragged through the mud because of someone like James."

"I know," Malisa said. "And that’s why you’re the only one I trust to actually fight back when it counts."

At that moment Cora turned to say something back maybe even something lighter this time, something to shift the tension but just as she did, she accidentally bumped into someone coming around the corner.

The impact jolted her, and the contents of the small bag she was holding slipped from her hand and scattered slightly.

Before she could even look up, she heard the irritated voice of a man.

"Are you blind? Can’t you see?"

At that moment, Cora’s eyes turned ice-cold the moment she looked up and realized who it was James. Her entire demeanor shifted instantly. That calm confidence she walked out of the lounge with was now replaced with something far more lethal something that made even Malisa take a quick glance at her, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

James, on the other hand, smirked with that same arrogant pride that had once made Cora question why she ever gave him a chance in the first place. His hands slipped into his pockets as he tilted his head and took a slow, smug look at her.

"Well, well," he said with venom disguised in charm. "I didn’t expect to see you here. What’s this now? You’re hopping from one high-end restaurant to another? All in search of rich men, I suppose?"

He chuckled darkly, the smirk never leaving his face.

"Now I get it," he added, stepping closer. "Now I understand the real reason you were in such a rush to divorce me. So you could finally be free to throw yourself at every man who flashes a black card your way."

He raised an eyebrow mockingly.

"Could that be why William Victor started treating me differently? Hmm?" His eyes darkened. "What, did you sleep with him too? Is that why he started giving you favors? That’s why his attitude changed? You think I won’t find out?"

He stepped even closer now, his voice lowering, teeth gritted.

"Well, guess what, Cora. It’s not going to work. I’m going to expose you. Every dirty little secret. Every scandalous thing you’ve done. All the wicked things you’ve done behind closed doors, I’m going to make the world see the real you."

At that moment Cora clenched her jaw, ready to say something anything to shut him down. But before a word left her lips, Malisa’s hand caught her wrist gently.

"Don’t," Malisa whispered calmly but firmly, eyes locked with hers. "He’s not worth it. Look at him. Listen to him. He’s already beneath you. Don’t climb down just to slap a fool."

James scoffed loudly.

"Oh, now the little sidekick talks?" he snapped, now shifting his glare to Malisa. "Who even are you to speak in this matter? You were not even in the picture when I made her what she is. You think your words mean anything?"

He took a step forward again, voice rising.

"How dare you address me like that? Do you have any idea who I am? Do you know the level I’ve reached? The connections I command? I walk into rooms people like you only dream about. And you dare raise your voice at me?"

At that moment, without wasting another breath, Cora’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"James, shut your mouth."

The words were sharp, crisp, and loud enough to turn the heads of a few onlookers nearby. Her tone wasn’t angry it was cold. Dangerous.

"You talk too much," she continued, not giving him a second to respond. "You really do. I never knew you were this pathetic."

Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om