When Lysander heard Leonard''s words, his expression froze overpletely.


    His eyes, sharp and cold, fixed on Jade. "Mrs. Suthend, are you really going to force this issue?"


    Jade smiled, picking up the steaming cup of tea M had just poured for her, and took a leisurely sip.


    "Those who y dirty have no right toin," she replied with a calm


    demeanor. "I''m giving you a chance by not having the dress forcibly stripped off you. Think about it. You yed your games and deceived me, parading that dress in front of me as if there''d be no consequences."


    Lysander remained silent.


    He abruptly turned to M, who hadn''t spoken yet. "Is this all because of Giselle? I''ve told you, we''re just friends. Do you really have to make a scene?"


    Jade''s expression darkened, ready to retort, but M spoke first. "Do you even believe what you''re saying?"


    Friendship taken to this extent was quite something.


    "And furthermore, Lysander," M continued, distancing herself from him coldly, "this is a business issue between you and my mentor. Let''s not drag personal matters into it. It''s petty. Besides, do you really think you have the moral high ground here?"


    The shame should be overwhelming.


    tantly cheating, using joint assets to purchase a custom dress worth millions for a mistress, and still talking about personal matters?


    It''s revolting!


    ...


    Unexpectedly, Lysander chuckled at her words. "Is thedy really so upset? I can exin."


    M turned her eyes away in disgust.


    Jade''s voice cut in, icy and firm. "Chairman Montgomery, the situation is clear- this is business. If you insist on dragging in personal issues, I will have you thrown out."


    Lysander''s expression showed a hint of resignation.


    This matter could be resolved easily.


    Jade might have significant influence abroad, but the Montgomery family had been entrenched in Kingsford for generations. They could easily muster enough support to extract him by force, but doing so would irreparably damage their rtionship.


    The Montgomery''s domestic business was rock solid, but Jade''s international connections could cause trouble overseas. It wouldn''t topple their empire, but it would be an unnecessary headache.


    Considering this, Lysander nced over at M.


    He didn''t want to make an even bigger scene. Thinking it over, he smiled and said, "Mrs. Suthend, you''re my elder, so I''ll concede this time. The dress will be returned to you, and you can keep the money as my apology."


    With that, he rose and headed for the door.


    At the entrance, he turned back to M. "When you''re done ying around,e home. Adrian misses you."


    After Lysander left, he made his way downstairs with Leonard.


    A group of men in ck suits were stationed outside a resting room, clearly


    informed by Jade to allow him passage.


    Lysander walked in alone.


    As soon as he entered, Giselle flung herself into his arms, her delicate frame trembling, her voice a shaky whisper.


    "Lysander, I''m so scared."


    Leonard quietly closed the door behind them.


    Lysander sat down on the sofa, holding her close, gently patting her back to calm her. Once her sobs had subsided, he broached the subject.


    Giselle lifted her head, her expression one of disbelief, tears streaming down her face.


    "Lysander, what are you saying? You want me to take off the dress and return it? You already gave it to me!"


    Lysander spoke gently, "There was a misunderstanding. Splendid needs the dress back for some adjustments."


    "Why? I don''t want to!"


    Giselle clung to him, eyes red and voice choked. "You''ve already given it to me. I''m supposed to wear it on stageter. Asking me to take it off now would make me aughingstock!"