On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 155

Lance quickly wrapped up his call with Aaron and turned his attention to Catherine, who was panting and struggling to catch her breath. He stood up and steadied her as she stumbled.

“The media,” she gasped, her face flushed. “I don’t know who leaked it, but there’s a story going around that Jessica was cheating on you with two men, and that they got into a violent brawl over her at a club. It’s everywhere. The backlash is huge. I don’t think this is something you can control.”

She gripped his arm tightly. “Lance, this is serious. This isn’t like the other times she’s caused trouble. If you don’t cut ties with her now, this scandal could destroy you.”

A public scandal involving the wife of a CEO could be catastrophic for a publicly traded company, especially one as newly listed as the Smith Group.

Lance let go of Catherine, his expression a mask of conflicting emotions, and sank onto the sofa. His phone buzzed. It was Aaron again.

“Mr. Smith, it’s bad,” Aaron said. “The story about Mrs. Smith has broken. The shareholders are calling me nonstop, demanding an explanation.”

Lance rubbed his temples wearily. “How bad is it?”

“It’s the number one trending topic, and it’s still climbing. I think someone paid to boost it. The priority right now is damage control.”

Lance grunted. Aaron had been with him since college, his most trusted right-hand man for eight years.

“What’s your take on it?” Lance asked, his voice hoarse.

Aaron took a deep breath. “Mrs. Smith gave you a divorce agreement, right? Sign it. Backdate it to a few days ago. At least that way, it will look like you were already in the process of separating. It will be better for the company, and it will lessen the public’s condemnation of her. At least it won’t be adultery.”

Catherine sat down beside Lance, her touch gentle as she brushed a hand against his furrowed brow. “I agree with Aaron. You can remarry her later. Right now, the most important thing is to protect the company’s stock and calm the investors.”

“You should go home,” he said, his voice flat.

“Lance, how can I leave you when you’re like this?” she whispered.

“I said, go home,” he repeated, a cold edge to his voice.

Catherine slowly withdrew her hand, her eyes welling with tears. Lance didn’t seem to notice. She stood up.