The Wife He Threw Away 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 21 - 챕터 30

Monday morning came crisp and bright. I woke before the alarm, and for a moment, I didn’t remember where I was. The ceilings above me were too high, the sheets were too soft. Then my memory started settling in — the marriage, the scandals… my first day at Sinclair & Co. The last thought steadied me instantly. It gave me the motivation I needed to get out of bed. Today mattered. Not because of Lucian, not because of the Dhark family, but because it was mine. The first thing I had chosen for myself since I became Lucian’s wife. “Routine is power,” Margot had said. I would not let them rewrite my entire image. I dressed carefully— not extravagant, but professional. Capable. Someone who couldn’t be dismissed at a glance. When I stepped into the hallway, the house was already awake. But something was off. It wasn’t obvious at first— but nothing here really ever was. I noticed conversations soften as I passed. Staff straightened subtly, flashing polite, rehearsed

I had imagined returning to Sinclair & Co under different circumstances. Confident. Prepared. An employed woman. I never imagined that I would be walking in, carrying the weight of the wreckage of a marriage that seemed to break further with each passing day. The building still felt as professional and polished as it had, the first time I stepped foot in it. No one stared openly or even obviously, but I could feel gazes linger a second too long. News traveled fast in places like this. The receptionist greeted me immediately and escorted me upstairs without questions. Margot must have given instructions. My heels sounded louder than usual against the marble floors as I walked towards Margot’s office. Sinclair&co had a way of making me feel very aware of myself — of who I had become publicly. Not Claire the top graduate. Not Claire the promising lawyer. Claire the scandal. Margot Sinclair stood near the window. The sunlight streamed in, framing her like a portrait. S

It was almost as if the mansion was pretending nothing had happened. People lingered in corners, engaging in soft conversations long after the last guest should have left. Polite, artificial laughter drifted through the halls as actresses gathered their handbags and exchanged compliments that meant nothing. I noticed it immediately_ the tension. The way conversations paused when I passed. The way two maids stopped speaking altogether as I walked into the corridor. I had hosted countless gatherings in this house. Scandals, negotiations and celebrations alike — they had all occurred in these rooms without leaving a mark. Tonight felt different. Despite the guests’ attempts to gossip discreetly, I still heard small fragments of their conversation. “…the bracelet…” “…such an awkward scene…” “…Mrs. Dhark didn’t even argue…” That was exactly what made me feel uneasy. Claire hadn’t defended herself. I replayed the moment in my head, over and over again.

Eva didn’t belong in this space of ringing phones and hurried footsteps_ that was clear as day.I kept my voice even when I acknowledged her. “Eva.”Several employees glanced up briefly before returning to their work. No one lingered. No one even whispered.The lack of an audience seemed to unsettle her more than anything else.“I thought we should speak privately,” she started. “After last night.”“I’m working.” I retorted. The words came naturally, because they were true. Eva looked around the office with judging eyes. “Yes… I can see that.”There was something dismissive beneath her false politeness. Like she didn’t think this— my work— was important enough. “I was concerned,” she continued. “Leaving the house so abruptly sends the wrong message. People are already talking.”Here we go again. Eva was trying to pull me back with the pressure that reputation mattered more than truth. But it wouldn’t work anymore. Because I was done letting myself be manipulated. “I imagine th

The office felt quieter than before, even though nothing had changed. Outside the glass walls of Margot’s office, Sinclair & Co. moved with its usual rhythm. But inside the room, everything had changed. The file rested in my hands, feeling heavier than it actually was. Margot watched me carefully. Several minutes passed, but she did not rush me. When she finally spoke, her voice was gentle but firm. “I’m not asking for an answer today,” she said. “You’ve already been through enough battles that weren’t yours to fight.” I closed the file slowly. “And if I choose to walk away?” “Then you walk away,” she replied simply. “And I will still help you walk away cleanly.” The honesty in her voice made the choice harder. Because revenge sounded powerful, while peace sounded safe. And indeed, I was tired of fighting the battle Eva had brought into my home. I nodded once and placed the file back on Margot’s desk. “I need time to decide.” I concluded. Margot a