The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 553

553 Confronting Cruel Accusations

Claudia’s eyes blazed with anger as she unleashed her fury on Weston, her voice climbing to a sharp edge. “You honestly believe Laura still smells like lilies? She’s filthy! One day she’s just an ordinary girl, the next she’s a company owner—who knows what shady deals built that fortune? Weston, I’m trying to save you. A woman like her isn’t worth your love!”

Despite the raw sting of the bruised ring still burning against her throat, Claudia felt an odd flicker of hope ignite within her chest.

If she could make Weston despise Laura, maybe, just maybe, the Rowe family could slip free from the tightening noose around their necks.

After all, he had declared war on her family only because he loved Laura. Take away the love, and perhaps the war would end.

The small crowd gathered around, initially drawn by the drama, now stared at Laura with eyes wide in stunned disbelief.

Quinn stepped forward, her brow furrowed in determination. “You’re talking nonsense,” she snapped sharply. “Laura never let that monster win.”

When the assault had occurred, Quinn had been buried under a mountain of coursework at the National Defense University, often locked away for weeks in grueling field training.

Throughout every call, Laura’s voice had remained calm and collected, never hinting at the storm raging beneath the surface.

It wasn’t until the case went to court and Sylas was sentenced that Quinn truly understood the nightmare Laura had endured.

Later, she confronted her friend, the question spilling out before she could hold it back. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you face all of that alone?”

Laura had only smiled softly. “I was afraid you’d get so angry you’d land him in the hospital—and that would have ruined your career. Besides, it’s over now. I handled it.”

Recalling that brave, quiet smile, Quinn felt a deep, aching sympathy. But hearing Claudia’s vicious slander sparked that sympathy into a fierce blaze of anger behind her eyes.

Claudia let out a harsh, mocking laugh, curling her lip in disdain. “Of course you’d defend your friend,” she sneered.

Weston’s voice cut through the tension, low and steady. “Claudia Rowe, the court records clearly state it was attempted rape. If it had been completed, do you really think that man would be free after just a few years? And as for your slander today, I can sue you immediately. How many years in prison do you want to risk?”

All the color drained from Claudia’s face; she looked as if the floor had vanished beneath her feet.

She stammered, clutching her throat as if to steady herself. “So what if it was only attempted? Who knows how far he got? Are you seriously going to love a woman like that?”

Shaking, she clutched her injured wrist to her chest and fled, her shoes scraping sharply against the polished marble floor.

“Are you okay? Maybe you should call it a day and get some rest,” Quinn said gently, stepping forward with concern etched on her face.

“I’m fine. Not a scratch on me, so resting would be pointless,” Laura replied firmly. “Besides, an important meeting is about to start. The real question is—what are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to have your prenatal checkup today?”

“Checkup’s done,” Quinn said with a light shrug. “I thought I’d stick around and sit in on the meeting with you. Didn’t expect to walk into that mess at the door.”

Still, she felt a strange gratitude for being there; at least she had stood by Laura when the storm hit.

“All right, I’d better head upstairs and finish pulling the presentation together before the meeting begins. Thanks for stepping in today.”

“We’re friends,” Quinn said with a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to thank me.”

“Laura!” Weston called out, his voice rough with regret. “Today, I—”