Chapter 1579:
Lyla’s face twisted, anger tightening her features. But the moment she met Wesley’s expression, her mask faltered, panic seeping through the cracks of her fury. The uneasy blend of malice and fear made her look grotesque—almost ridiculous.
In front of Elena, Lyla had long since abandoned any pretense. But in front of Wesley, she still clung desperately to her carefully painted image of innocence—a delicate, wronged woman struggling against a cruel fate. Even though every scheme she’d used to entice him had collapsed in humiliating fashion, her refusal to give up—her relentless persistence—was something even Elena couldn’t help but regard with disbelief.
Forcing her lips into a strained smile that trembled like a cracked mask, Lyla smoothed her hair with a shaking hand.
“Wesley, why are you here? You must have misheard me. I wasn’t insulting anyone—I was only pitying you. You adore Elena, and yet she’s involved with another man.”
Her hand shot out, a finger stabbing toward the Phoenix Wood in the auctioneer’s grasp, her expression brimming with what she believed was damning proof.
“If you think I’m lying, look for yourself! That man handed Elena this treasure—and not only this. He promised her anything she sets her eyes on. Tell me, if there weren’t an affair, why would he lavish her with gifts like that? Wesley, can’t you see? Elena is betraying you.”
Growing bolder with every word, Lyla leaned closer, her fingers darting as if to seize his sleeve. But the chill in Wesley’s eyes stopped her hand midair, forcing her to pull back in embarrassment.
Even so, she was certain of one thing: a man like Wesley—with his power, his prestige—would never forgive infidelity.
For weeks, Lyla had been racking her brain, searching for the perfect chance to edge closer to Wesley. Who could have predicted Elena herself would deliver the opportunity on a silver platter? To have Wesley and still get involved with another man—it was pure foolishness.
Lyla’s gaze clung to Wesley’s face, starving for a flicker of disgust or rage—anything that might sever his bond with Elena.
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘁 gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⫽𝖼𝗈𝗺
Meanwhile, the auctioneer pressed his lips together, fighting laughter so hard his cheeks had turned crimson. How could Lyla be this dim? The auction house belonged to Wesley. The Phoenix Wood was Wesley’s gift to Elena. By accusing Elena of seducing the owner of the auction house, Lyla was, in truth, calling Wesley the scoundrel—to his face.
In all his years, the auctioneer had never seen anyone dare insult Wesley so openly. He could hardly believe Lyla’s reckless ignorance. He found himself anticipating the moment the truth would hit—when Lyla would be struck speechless.
The spectators who already knew the owner’s identity were barely containing their glee, eager for Lyla’s humiliation. Since dating Elena, Wesley’s temper had softened, and it had emboldened fools like Lyla to cause a scene. But the people of Klathe hadn’t forgotten his infamous reputation—a shadow so fearsome it still loomed.
“An affair?” Wesley echoed softly. An amused spark flickered in his eyes as he picked up the Phoenix Wood with careless grace.
Lyla nodded, her eagerness unrestrained.
.
.
.