Chapter 98

Johnny slammed his hand against the table, the sharp sound cutting through the chaos as he coughed and steadied his voice. "Enough. Liam, have that trending topic removed. Right now."

Liam hesitated, shifting uncomfortably as his gaze flicked toward Jeremy, who watched the scene unfold with an infuriating smirk.

Shoulders tense, Liam muttered, "It's already gone viral-hundreds of thousands of shares. Uncle Jeremy,l can't do this alone. I need your help to take it down."

Jeremy didn't answer. He reclined in his chair, legs crossed, toying with his ring as if the crisis didn't concern him in the slightest. His face was unreadable, eyes sharp and distant.

Janiya cut in, "Jeremy, you could make this disappear with a single call. Every minute it stays up, the Graham name takes another hit."

Johnny turned to Jeremy, knowing he was the only one powerful enough to bury the story. For a moment,the room held its breath.

Jeremy finally raised his cold gaze to meet Johnny's. His words came out measured and deadly. "Back then,you cheated on my mom. The paparazzi caught you red-handed. I remember-you didn't even try to stop the story. You used it-flaunted your mistress, paid for puff pieces about your 'great love.' My mom never recovered. That scandal destroyed her."

The words landed like a blow, and Johnny's face twisted in shame as old wounds split open in front of everyone.

Kayla, watching the exchange, felt a chill snake up her spine. She'd known Johnny had a hand in Jeremy's mother's death, but hearing the sordid details spelled out made her stomach turn.

Driving his wife to an early grave for a mistress? That was beyond heartless.

Janiya stepped up to defend Johnny. "Jeremy, you've got the wrong idea. Dad was overwhelmed back then -he didn't mean to let things get out of hand. What happened to your mom wasn't his fault."

Jeremy's cold stare cut her off, leaving her stiff and silent.

A tense quiet filled the room before Jeremy finally glanced at Kayla. "Regardless, I support Kayla's decision to divorce."

Kayla blinked in surprise, caught off guard that Jeremy would take her side.

Jeremy sipped his coffee, eyes fixed on the cup, pretending his support was nothing noteworthy.

Janiya hurried to smooth things over. "Alright. Tomorrow, they'll go get the divorce settled. Jeremy, can you handle that trending topic now?"

Liam's face went ashen, and he blurted out, "Mom!"

Janiya silenced him with a sharp look.

Burdened with guilt, Johnny turned to Kayla, his tone gentler. "Kayla, I know things with Liam haven't been easy. You two should end this without any more trouble."

Inside, Kayla wanted to leap for joy, but she masked her excitement behind a calm, polite smile for Jeremy.

Jeremy turned away, ice in his eyes,barely acknowledging Kayla's silent thanks.

Afterward, Janiya dragged Liam back to his room and shut the door behind them.

The moment the latch clicked, Liam snapped, hurling anything within reach before turning his fury on Janiya. "You told me not to get divorced; now you're the one forcing me! Mom, what's going on with you?"

Patience wearing thin, Janiya gave his forehead a pointed tap. "Use your head for once. You had no other move today. Jeremy backed Kayla in front of everyone. If you hadn't gone along, Perennia Group would be crawling with reporters by sunrise, and you'd be their next headline. Don't say I never warned you."

Shoulders slumped, Liam sank into the chair, irritation spreading across his face.

Janiya eyed him with a scornfuI tilt of her head. "I told you-if you wanted to keep using Kayla's social circle,you should've stayed away from Tricia. But you couldn't help yourself, could you?" Liam opened his mouth to argue but clamped it shut, knowing he'd fallen for Tricia's charm.

Standing by the window, arms folded and lips twisting into a sly smile, Janiya added, "Kayla isn't walking away from this marriage just yet. The court won't grant it so soon. Anything could happen in that time."

A heavy shadow crossed Liam's face as Janiya's words sank in.

Meanwhile, Kayla stepped out of the house with a lightness in her stride, heart fluttering at the prospect of freedom.

A voice like ice slíced through her giddiness. "You seem pleased. No plans to party tonight?"

She froze, her smile faltering as she turned. "Thank you for helping me."

Jeremy sauntered closer, hands tucked in his pockets, eyes assessing her. "Nicely played. You knew my father's weak spot was his precious reputation. Stir up the press and corner Janiya and Liam into agreeing to the divorce."

Kayla lifted her gaze, feigning wide-eyed innocence. "That's not it. Liam started this mess. I just defended myself."

Truth was, she'd never intended to force Johnny's hand so brutally. But when Liam went after her mother's grave, she couldn't hold back.

Jeremy's voice softened, though his gaze remained sharp. "Getting that story trending wasn't luck. You need connections to pull strings like that. Funny thing is, you're supposed to be friendless here in Trark.Guess you're more resourceful than you let on."

Kayla's pulse quickened. She let out a nervous laugh and shrugged innocently. "I don't know what you mean."

Jeremy's lips curled in a knowing smirk as he turned to his car."Want a ride?"