the betrayal

His world had been dark for twenty whole years, and he thought he had become accustomed to the darkness.

If he had never experienced light and warmth, he would have continued living with it.

But after being exposed to such beauty, he no longer wanted to return to the darkness.

If she truly was his savior, this woman—he would have her no matter what.

Elara Sterling, dragging her exhausted body, walked out of the hotel.

As soon as she stepped out, she received a call from Lydia Sterling.

“Elara,” Lydia’s voice came through the phone, soft and gentle, “let’s talk.”

Elara clenched her phone tightly. After a deep breath, she said coldly, “I have nothing to talk to you about.”

“Really?” Lydia chuckled lightly. “What if it involves Victor Ashford? Would you still refuse to talk, Elara?”

Victor Ashford?

Elara’s expression changed instantly. She gritted her teeth. “Lydia, what do you mean?”

Lydia did not answer directly, only laughed softly. “Elara, I’m waiting for you at Radiant Hotel. No show… no breakup.”

When Elara arrived at the restaurant, Lydia was already sitting in the private room waiting.

Her makeup was exquisite, she wore a tight black dress that accentuated her figure, her hair lightly curled. A faint scent of perfume lingered as she raised her hand.

Seeing Elara, she smiled faintly. “You’re here, Elara. Please sit.”

Elara stood by the table, her gaze cold.

Lydia didn’t mind. She calmly took out a check and placed it on the table.

“Elara, here is ten million dollars. I believe it’s enough for you to live worry-free for the rest of your life.”

She lifted her eyes, her expression carrying quiet superiority. “I know Victor’s illness has been a burden, and now you can only take small acting roles. It must be hard.”

“With this money, both you and Victor can live more easily.”

Elara looked at the check, expressionless.

“Let’s be straightforward,” Lydia said, stroking her belly lightly. “Last night, I assume you heard everything. I’m pregnant with Victor’s child, and I intend to give birth to it.”

“Before that, you need to divorce him. Otherwise, my child will be illegitimate.”

“You know Victor is about to take over the Ashford Group. He can’t afford scandals right now. So, I want you to go to the Ashford family and end the engagement yourself.”

Hearing such shameless words, Elara felt strangely calm.

Perhaps she had already exhausted all her anger last night.

Now all she felt was irony.

She smiled faintly. “Lydia, does Victor know about this?”

At that moment, Victor had not looked pleased when he heard about the pregnancy.

Clearly, the child was an accident.

And given the Ashford Group takeover, he would not make things public now.

As expected, Lydia’s expression stiffened. “Elara, stop this. Victor loves me. He hasn’t loved you for a long time. If not for the engagement arranged between families, do you think he would choose you?”

“Is it worth clinging to a man who doesn’t love you?”

Elara’s expression remained calm. “Whatever happens between Victor Ashford and me is none of your business.”

Lydia’s face darkened. “So you refuse to end the engagement voluntarily?”

Elara let out a cold laugh. “If that’s all you wanted to say, I’m not interested.”

She turned to leave.

“Stop!”

Lydia rushed forward and grabbed her arm. “Elara Sterling, how much money do you want to leave him? Ten million isn’t enough? Fifteen million? Don’t be greedy—”

“Slap!”

Elara struck her without hesitation.

A red handprint immediately appeared on Lydia’s face.

Lydia froze in shock. Then she raised her hand to strike back—

But her gaze suddenly caught a familiar figure at the door. Her expression changed instantly. She staggered back, lowering her hand.

Tears welled up as she suddenly cried out, “Elara… I’m sorry. I know I was wrong… I really can’t control my feelings. I love Victor… please forgive me… don’t hurt my baby…”

Her body swayed as if she was about to fall.

“Bang!”

The door was pushed open. A tall figure rushed in.

“Lydia!”

Victor Ashford appeared, rushing straight to her side and holding her tightly.

“Are you okay?”

Lydia leaned weakly into his arms, tears falling. “Victor…”

“I’m so scared… our baby almost…”

Her body trembled as she sobbed. “I know I shouldn’t have come to Elara. I don’t deserve forgiveness… even if she hits me, it’s what I owe her… but the baby is innocent…”

Her face was still marked with the slap, red and swollen.

Victor’s expression darkened as he looked at Elara.

“Elara, Lydia is just over a month pregnant. This is the most unstable period. Do you know what could have happened if she had fallen?”

“I thought you were always kind. How did you become like this?”

Elara’s body swayed slightly as she stared at him in disbelief.

“I’m vicious?”

The man she had loved for years stood there—handsome, composed, and unfamiliar.

They had known each other for ten years.

Ten whole years.

And yet he chose to believe her without hesitation.

In his eyes… she was vicious.

Holding Lydia protectively, Victor looked at her with disappointment.

Elara’s eyes turned cold, filled with mockery and pain.

“Victor… have you forgotten who your fiancée is? And who is the woman in your arms?”

Victor froze for a moment.

A trace of guilt flashed in his eyes, but he still held Lydia tightly.

“I’m sorry, Elara. Lydia is pregnant with my child. I have to take responsibility for her.”