Lyra looked at Fred, watching him put on the same pitiful, caring act he always used.
Before, she might have believed him.
Now, she didn't.
She hadn't received the full investigation report yet, but her instincts had already started to shift. Compared to Fred's carefully crafted image, Lucien's past behavior suddenly made more sense.
Lucien had always been blunt. If he didn't like someone, he showed it. He never pretended.
Fred, on the other hand, hid behind a mask.
That was why Lucien looked like the villain, while Fred appeared kind and righteous.
After a moment, Lyra finally spoke, her tone flat.
"He's fine. As for dinner, I'll ask him."
She didn't even look at him.
"Anything else?"
Fred's expression stiffened for a split second.
Something was off.
She had never treated him this coldly before.
He clenched his jaw slightly.
That idiot must have said something.
Why didn't he just die?
Then everything would have been mine.
He forced those thoughts down and lowered his head slightly.
"Nothing, Madam. I'll take my leave."
He turned to go, but not before glancing back at her once… twice… hoping for some reaction.
There was none.
She didn't even look up.
His chest tightened with frustration.
He left.
Outside, employees quickly gathered around him, anxious to know Lyra's mood.
Fred sighed softly, putting on his usual gentle expression.
"I think she's just stressed," he said. "My brother just woke up, and she has to take care of him."
He smiled faintly.
"It's not easy. But now that he's awake, things should improve. I just hope he starts understanding his responsibilities… and doesn't act recklessly anymore."
His words were carefully chosen.
Subtle.
Polite.
And poisonous.
The employees exchanged looks, immediately sympathizing with Lyra.
"So the CEO is suffering because of her husband…"
"I heard he's always been useless."
"Honestly, Manager Fred suits her more."
Fred lowered his gaze, hiding the smirk forming at the corner of his lips.
Too easy.
He excused himself and walked away, leaving the rumors to grow on their own.
…
Inside the office, Lyra called Ruth in.
Ruth stood straight in front of her.
"Did you find anything?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Ruth hesitated for a second before continuing.
"Master's past… is not what people think."
Lyra's gaze sharpened slightly.
"His father cheated on his mother not long after their marriage. After his mother passed away, he brought his mistress—and her son, Mr. Fred—into the house."
Lyra's expression darkened.
"After that, his father changed. He became harsh toward Master. There were even instances of verbal and physical abuse. Meanwhile, he favored Mr. Fred."
Ruth paused.
"That's why Master's grandfather took him away and sent him abroad."
Lyra said nothing, but her fingers slowly tightened on the desk.
"And when they learned about your marriage," Ruth continued carefully, "they tried to stop it."
Lyra frowned. "Why?"
Ruth lowered her voice slightly.
"They wanted Mr. Fred to marry you instead."
Silence.
"I also found out… he has feelings for you."
Lyra's eyes turned cold.
So that was it.
All this time, she had been watching from the surface, never digging deeper. She had taken everything at face value—Lucien's attitude, Fred's kindness, the rumors…
She had never questioned any of it.
"Do you have anything about the suicide incident?" she asked.
"Not yet, ma'am. It's still under investigation."
Lyra nodded slightly. "You can go."
Ruth bowed and left quietly.
The room fell silent.
Lyra leaned back in her chair and pressed her fingers to her temples.
"I was blind," she muttered.
All this time, she had blamed Lucien—called him rude, unreasonable, difficult.
But she had never asked why.
Never tried to understand.
And while she stood there judging him, others had been manipulating everything behind her back.
Her eyes slowly hardened.
"I won't let this go."