Chapter 204

"I want a divorce."

"Wh-What?" Laura gasped, staring at Richard in utter shock.

Richard shook the doctor's hand off his arm and glared at her. "A woman who thrives on deception doesn’t deserve to be my wife, let alone step foot in the Vanderbilt estate." Without another word, he strode out of the hospital room, leaving Laura frozen in place.

"Richard, wait!" Laura scrambled off the bed, but her legs buckled beneath her, sending her crashing to the floor. No matter how desperately she sobbed, he didn’t turn back. She could only kneel there, weeping into her hands. The doctor, watching the scene unfold, couldn’t help but pity her.

"Please, madam, let me help you up." The doctor assisted her back onto the bed, but Laura suddenly clutched his arm. "Doctor, who brought me here?"

"A passerby found you unconscious after an alleged assault and rushed you here. But they left immediately, only instructing us to contact your husband."

Laura’s hands trembled as realization struck.

Someone set me up.

Once the doctor left, Laura’s fury erupted. She swept everything off the bedside table, sending glass shattering across the floor. It felt like an invisible web had been spun around her, trapping her without warning. The suffocating truth made her chest tighten.

The door creaked open again.

This time, Evelyn and Oliver stepped inside. "Laura," Evelyn said, her voice smooth as silk, "how does it feel to be on the receiving end of your own schemes?"

Laura’s face twisted with rage. "You!"

A cold smile played on Evelyn’s lips. "Karma’s a cruel mistress, isn’t it? If you could do it to me, why shouldn’t I return the favor?"

Laura lunged at her. "You little witch—!"

Oliver moved swiftly, pinning her down before she could lay a finger on Evelyn. He had promised Nathan he wouldn’t let his wife get hurt.

Forced onto her knees, Laura seethed with humiliation. "Evelyn Vanderbilt, do you think your father will believe you once I tell him the truth?"

Evelyn crouched down, meeting her gaze. "Do you really think he’d take your word over mine?"

Laura let out a bitter laugh. "You’re no saint either. Does he even know the real you? I’ll make sure he finds out!"

Evelyn’s expression remained unreadable. "Have you seen the photos yet?"

Laura’s bravado faltered.

Evelyn continued, voice low. "If those photos reached my father, do you think he’d still trust you?"

Laura’s breath hitched. She stared into Evelyn’s eyes—cold, calculating, like a serpent poised to strike. Panic clawed at her throat. "What… What do you want?"

Her defiance crumbled. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she grabbed Evelyn’s sleeve. "Zoe, please… I know I was wrong. Forgive me. Don’t show him those photos. Richard is all I have left. I can’t lose him!"

Her desperate pleas might have moved anyone else.

But Evelyn had seen through her act long ago. Even if she showed mercy now, Laura would never extend the same to her.

Evelyn had kindness to spare—just not for Laura and Vivian.

"You only beg when you’re cornered," Evelyn said coolly. "But where was your remorse when you plotted against me? Weren’t you thrilled when your plan worked?"

Laura’s voice cracked. "Zoe, I swear, it won’t happen again! I’ll do anything—just don’t make me divorce him!"