Billionaire Ex-wife: I Can't Live Without You
Chapter 1949

“I will uncover Nala’s true origins.

Should you interfere, don’t fault me for discarding any remnants of our familial bond in my pursuit of justice,” Lucinda declared, sounding determined.

With that, she turned to leave.

“Lucinda… Lucinda, please, hear me out.

”

Graham, clutching at his knees, attempted to rise and follow her.

The pain in his legs forced a momentary halt, his voice rasping with desperation, a far cry from the confident Mr.

Simmons he once was.

Lucinda, albeit reluctantly, paused and faced him with an icy gaze.

“I’ll entertain your explanation just this once.

”

Now was his moment to make a compelling case.

From a distance, Graham regarded her, the aloof beauty of her face stark against the gravity of the moment, as he weighed his words carefully.

“Father and I were once Valerie’s silent guardians.

With father gone and my suspension, she’s left vulnerable, easily within your grasp.

However, Nala’s situation is markedly different.

Danilo’s backing as the Earl of Zephyria brings the weight of the aristocracy with him.

Pursuing Nala’s origins too fervently could provoke Danilo, risking the Simmons Group’s stability.

My concern is for your safety; I dread the thought of you facing their wrath over unsubstantiated claims.

”

His concern was genuine, rooted in a desire to protect Lucinda from potential harm.

Lucinda, however, stood unyielding, her posture radiating defiance.

“Fear of offense has never deterred me.

Despite acting with integrity in the past, attempts on my life were routine, and even my own brother has conspired in silence against me.

What more is there to fear?”

Her strength was her shield, her resolve to confront adversaries head-on, undiminished by the treachery of kin.

Their gazes locked, hers scornful, his frustrated with realization of the chasm between them.

Graham’s throat felt tight with unspoken words, leaving him with no choice but to bow his head in resignation, absorbing Lucinda’s scathing recount of past transgressions.

“If you truly seek forgiveness and understanding, prove it through your actions and answer my inquiries.

Identify Nala’s true nature without delay, rather than persuading me to release her.

You’re well aware of my resolve; I’ll not rest until I have my answers.

”

With those final words, Lucinda exited the ancestral temple, not once glancing back.

Outside, Gilbert and two bodyguards stood vigilant, ensuring the conversation remained undisturbed.

As Lucinda emerged, they greeted her with deference.

Her gaze drifted to the clouds above as she issued a command, “Fetch a whip.

By Mr.

Simmons’ own decree, he is to receive twenty Lashes every afternoon, no exceptions.

”

Gilbert and bodyguards exchanged a glance, taken aback by the directive.

“My orders are questioned?” Lucinda’s frown signaled her displeasure.

“Understood, Miss Simmons,” they responded in unison.

The expansive Peace Mountain, where Lucinda spent her childhood joyfully horseback riding, housed a small stable at its base, courtesy of Atticus’ fondness for her hobby.