Chapter 82
At that moment, Malisa and Cora were intrigued. Their expressions shifted from suspicion to subtle curiosity, the kind of look anyone would give someone when you know they’re hiding a bigger secret behind their words. Malisa folded her arms, tilting her head, while Cora leaned slightly forward, her eyes locked on Lovie, trying to read him deeper than his calm smile suggested.
Cora was the first to speak.
"Lovi, what exactly are you suggesting? What’s actually going on? You keep circling the matter—just say it clearly. What do you know that we don’t?"
Lovi took a slow breath and gently leaned back into the velvet chair like he was settling into something heavy.
"That... is where I come in," he began, slowly.
There was a short pause as he rubbed his palms together, then laced his fingers. His voice dropped slightly, not secretive, but deliberate.
"Cora, I need you to listen to me carefully. What I’m about to say isn’t from a place of manipulation or mischief. I’ve offended James already by even agreeing to help you, and now I feel like I’m walking on a wire between two skyscrapers. So before I tell you everything, I need you to promise me one thing—just one."
Hearing Lovi word’s Cora frowned. "What is it?"
Lovi’s gaze grew serious.
"Promise me that whatever I’m about to say, you’ll at least hear it with an open mind. Don’t jump to conclusions, and don’t treat me like I’m the enemy. I’m giving you a solution that will protect not just you but me as well."
Malisa was about to say something, but Cora lifted a hand to silence her.
Lovie continued, "Look... I don’t know who’s backing James right now. And believe me, someone powerful is behind him. No matter how ruthless or manipulative he is, James is not this smart on his own. The way things are moving, how he’s recalling shares, how he’s maneuvering legal traps, he has help. Big help."