Chapter 05

Beep beep!

Adrian’s phone rang just as he was heading toward the operation room. He pulled it out and checked the caller—Lyra, his ex-wife. They had broken up that very morning.

Adrian sighed, hesitating for a moment before answering.

“Hello?” came the voice from the other end.

“What do you need?” Adrian replied sharply, his expression indifferent.

Lyra was stunned by his tone. The Adrian she once knew used to speak softly, almost like a man afraid of confrontation. But now, his voice carried strength—like someone ready to shut her out.

“I just wanted to check on you...” she finally said after a pause.

Adrian gave a knowing smile. “I’m doing well. Thanks for checking,” he replied, his tone final and dismissive.

“Adrian... I don’t know where you found that necklace from the Xanders Museum, but I must warn you—the real owner won’t let it go. That necklace is one of the most treasured possessions in the Xanders Corporation. It was made exclusively for the elite.”

So she really believes I can’t afford something like the Ebon Star Necklace? Adrian thought.

“If you turn yourself in now, maybe I can help minimize your punishment,” Lyra added. “As the Lanes Group Leader, I still have some influence. They’d show respect if I spoke for you.”

“Believe whatever you want, Lyra. I didn’t steal anything from anyone,” Adrian said smoothly.

A shiver of disbelief ran through Lyra. His confident voice left her uneasy. She had known Adrian for three years. He wasn’t a liar—at least, she never thought so. But now, she struggled to believe that the same man she just dumped could possess something that countless wealthy men in Vereluxe City had failed to acquire. The Ebon Star was a luxury only reserved for the elite, and yet, it was in the hands of a man she had always seen as poor and worthless.

“And if that’s why you’re calling, I’m busy with work,” he said his tone cold.

"justt know that when you get caught i might not be able to save you if you can't listen to me now." she quickly added as if she was taking pity on him.

Adrian sigh as he hung the call wiithout another word.

Lyra lowered her phone, sitting back in her office chair.

What’s going on with Adrian? she wondered.

The morning’s memories came flooding back—Adrian signing the divorce papers, calmly rejecting the million-dollar cheque she offered. Something about it all felt… off.

Just as her thoughts began to spiral, her phone rang.

Her face lit up when she saw the caller ID.

“Hello, Damian,” she said in a composed voice.

“My dear, you’ve finally divorced that freeloader who never deserved a woman like you,” Damian said with his usual smooth charm. He was known for his sweet tongue, the kind that could seduce any woman, and his wealth that gave him the boldness to look down on anyone he pleased.

Lyra smiled brightly. “Yes... It’s over now. When you return to the country, we can start fresh,” she said with a gentle, almost flirtatious tone.

“Of course, baby. I want you to make a wish—I want to show you how much you mean to me, And i'd grant it to you.” Damian said, confident and proud.

Lyra hesitated. “I’m just not sure what to ask for yet…”

“Come on, don’t be shy. You know my family—the Kades—are wealthy beyond comparison. Don’t ever compare me to that poor man you left. I can get you anything you want,” he reassured her.

“No, no. I was just trying to think of something. You’ve already done a lot for me, even in just the few months we’ve been talking. I’m really grateful for that…”

Damian cut her off. “Please. You know I love you and would do anything for you. That small money I gave you? It's nnothing. And since we'd be together in two weeks, you have every right to ask me for anything my queen.”

After a pause, Lyra finally spoke. “There’s a project I’ve had in mind... It’s the Everlight Estate Orphanage”

“Oh? Is that all you want, my princess?” Damian asked playfully. To Lyra’s surprise, he didn’t even flinch at the request.

The Everlight Estate has become a highly coveted property in the bustlig heart of the city, rumors said the land held a hidden fortune and prosperity would be to anyone who lays hands on it to claim.

“Yes. And the auction for the property is this evening,” she replied.

Lyra had long dreamed of acquiring the Everlight Orphanage. It was a strategic move that could strengthen her company’s future. But financial troubles forced her to abandon the plan—until now. With Damian in the picture, she felt a surge of hope.

“Consider it done, baby,” he said proudly.

“Really?” Lyra’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Yes, dear. Just show up at the auction. Watch how I buy the entire property for you. I only need to make one call.”

even when he's not here he really can still pull such a big move. Lyra thought as smiles filled her face she felt she had just took the right turn of her life by considering Damian. His prestigious family was indeed the kind of shot she needed to fulfill her dream of being one of  the youngest CEO in Vereluxe city.

As the call ended, Lyra sighed in relief.

Just then, Benedict and John walked into her office. Before John could say a word, Lyra stood up and said, “Everyone, get ready. We’re attending the Everlight Estate auction tonight.”

“What? Sister, are we really buying the orphanage?” Benedict’s face lit up with excitement.

Lyra nodded. “Yes,” she said firmly.

“Um... Lyra, don’t you think it’s risky to take a loan just to secure Everlight—” John began, but Lyra cut him off.

“Who said anything about a loan?” she replied with a knowing smile, walking past them and heading for the exit.

John’s heart twisted like a rollercoaster.

He had always been fiercely loyal to Lyra, even though his family's status far exceeded that of the Lanes. Still, his obsession with winning her heart at any cost wouldn’t let him back down. He was determined to keep playing his cards—patiently, strategically—until she finally fell into his hands.

What did she mean? John wondered. Is she meeting someone else who’s planning to help her buy the orphanage property?

He had done everything within his power to help her—but even the Walters family didn’t carry enough weight to make a move like that happen.

Now, it felt like someone was challenging him directly. A crooked smile tugged at his lips, half amusement, half threat.