Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Anna’s POV:

“She doesn’t have the credentials to lead a project of this caliber.”

“Wright family funding must be behind Anderson getting the project

“Jade’s personal life compromised her scientific integrity.”

The whispers followed me through EcoMarine Group all

yłek.

I kept my head down, focusing on saving the coral reef restoration project fade had entrusted to me before her sudden departure.

The academic circles were buzzing with speculation, but I couldn’t reveal the truth about her cancer diagnosis. I’d promised her.

My inbox had been flooded with messages. Some supportive: [Jade’s research methods are revolutionary, and we hope Anna Anderson Wright continues this important work.]

Most weren’t as kind. One prominent marine biologist wrote: [The Massachusetts Bay restoration requires experienced leadership.

not nepotism.] That one stung.

This morning, Caroline called me at my Back Bay apartment, her voice unusually gentle.

“Anna, I’ve been monitoring some concerning online discussions about your project,” she said. “The research community can be quite ruthless.”

I sat at my kitchen counter, surprised by her concern. My relationship with Blake’s stepmother had always been cordial but distant.

“I’m handling it,” I assured her, though the sleepless nights said otherwise.

“As a precaution, I’ve arranged for two security personnel from Wright Group to accompany you. After that incident in the lab

last week…”

–

My mind flashed back to that day when Lucas’s colleague had cornered me, demanding information about Jade. Blake had been unreachable, too busy attending Claire’s dance performance to even return my calls.

“Thanks, Caroline. Have them meet me at EcoMarine. I’m heading there now to continue processing Jade’s data.”

“Just be careful, Anna,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of guilt.

At the lab, I spent the day analyzing coral samples and updating Henry on our progress. The encrypted file containing Jade’s medical notes weighed on my conscience.

How could I explain to everyone, especially her husband Lucas, that her supposed “affair was actually a cover for her cancer

treatments?

“The preliminary results are promising,” I told Henry, pointing to the latest data. “Jade’s methodology could restore significant portions of Massachusetts Bay within two years.”

Henry adjusted his glasses, nodding. “Excellent work. I knew you were the right person for this project, regardless of what others might say.”

By evening, exhaustion had settled deep in my bones. The lab was quiet except for the hum of equipment.

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Chapter 77

I locked Jade’s samples in the Temperature–controlled safe and packed up. The Wright security detail was waiting in the lobby, but I told them I’d meet them at my car. I needed a moment alone.

The cool air felt good as I walk through the parking lot. That’s when I heard footsteps behind me.

Anna Anderson!”

I turned to find Lucas rushing toward me from behind a parked car, his eyes wild with grief. In his hands was Jade’s precious sample case containing irreplaceable coral specimens.

“You know something, don’t you?” His voice broke. “Tell me who she been seeing!”

My heart raced. “Lucas, pleagown-”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” He shook the sample case threatening to smash it. “These were her life’s work, and she threw it all away! For what? For who?”

“Put that down.” Blake’s voice,,cold and commanding, cut through the tension. I hadn’t even seen him approach.

Lucas spun around. “Who are you? This doesn’t concern you.“.

“It does when you’re threatening my wife.” Blake stepped between us, his tall frame blocking Lucas from my view.

“Lucas, I honestly don’t know anything,” I said, trying to peer around Blake. The lie felt like acid in my throat.

“Bullshit!”

I’ll help add more descriptive elements to this scene while keeping it natural and authentic to American English. Here’s an expanded

version:

Blake moved forward, smoothly removing the sample case from Lucas’s grasp. The security personnel emerged from a black SUV, their movements quick and practiced as they restrained Lucas.

“Lucas, this isn’t helping anyone,” I said, trying to sound calm despite my racing heart. “If you want to talk, we can schedule a proper meeting.”

“You’re all covering for someone,” Lucas spat as the guards led him away. His face flushed with anger, eyes wild. “This isn’t over.”

Blake handed me the sample case, his expression unreadable. “You okay?” His voice was low, concerned but controlled.

I nodded, adjusting my grip on the case. My fingers were trembling slightly.

“How did you know I was here?” I asked, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Caroline mentioned she’d arranged security.” Blake checked his platinum Patek Philippe watch, a nervous habit I’d noticed years ago. “Thought I’d check on you myself.”

In Blake’s luxury car, the leather seats cool against my skin, silence hung between us until he finally spoke. The familiar scent of his cologne filled the space.

“This coral project is becoming too volatile, Anna. Wright Foundation could fund any research you want instead.” His fingers tapped against the steering wheel. “Something less… controversial.”

“I can’t abandon this project, Blake. Jade’s data represents years of work, crucial for the entire Bay’s ecosystem. I’ve dealt with unreasonable people like this before. At least I know I can call the cops if it gets out of hand.”

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Chapter 77

Blake’s jaw tightened. “So before, when situations like this happened, Michael would protect you?”

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