The Broken-hearted She And The Icy He (Lily and John) novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192 The Price of Exposure

Chapter 192 The Price of Exposure

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Before John could speak again, Elsa’s hoarse, tear–laced voice cut through the room.

“John, Simon… when my mom called me, she really sounded awful. I didn’t know she was faking it–L swear I didn’t. I would never stoop so low as to frame someone. I don’t approve of what she did at all. But… she’s still my mom. I can’t just abandon her.”

Her voice trembled as tears streamed down her face.

“IKLily posts that video online, my mom’s reputation will be completely ruined. She’ll go to prison. She’s done so much for me over the years. I can’t bear to see her publicly humiliated… I don’t want to lose her to some online witch hunt. Please… can you help me? Don’t let Lily post that video.”

After pleading with John and Simon, she turned toward James.

His face–aristocratic and cold–was strikingly handsome. She had seen him before, but every time, it still made her heart skip.

Such an outstanding man… and Lily had actually been married to him?

How could someone like Lily possibly deserve that?

Out loud, she still called him “cousin” like Simon did, forcing down the bitterness and fury burning in her chest. Her voice shifted, soft and dignified, with just a hint of delicate grievance.

“My mom isn’t a bad person… she was even Madam Nancy’s classmate in college. She just made a terrible mistake this time. Please… can you help her? Don’t let Lily post that video online.”

James glanced down, and his eyes landed on the gold–threaded pendant Elsa wore today.

He’d once heard–unintentionally–that it was a keepsake left behind by Lily’s parents.

He had no romantic feelings for Lily. He didn’t like physical contact with her either.

But what he loathed even more… was a mistress who thought she could take whatever she wanted.

And Lily, to her credit, had cooperated with him throughout the divorce. He had promised to protect her before they officially parted ways–and he wouldn’t break that promise just to appease a petty interloper.

His tone was flat and merciless.

“That pendant around your neck belonged to Lily’s parents. Give it back.”

Elsa instinctively grasped the pendant hanging over her chest.

It was beautiful–exquisite even. She loved it.

She didn’t think Lily deserved such a treasure. She never had.

But what she feared more than losing the pendant was the fallout if Wendy’s crimes became public. James‘ words seemed to imply that if she returned the necklace, he might stop Lily from posting the video.

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Chapter 192 The Price of Exposure

So, swallowing her resentment, she unclasped the pendant and handed it back to Lily.

She lifted her teary, almond–shaped eyes and spoke with wounded dignity.

“I returned the pendant to Lily. So… will you make sure she doesn’t post the video online?”

“When did I ever say that giving the pendant back would stop the video from being posted?”

James‘ eyes were cold, his voice like ice.

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“That pendant belongs to Lily. It should’ve been returned to her a long time ago. Ivan, post the video.”

Elsa’s face went pale in an instant.

Years ago, Simon had brought her to a family dinner at the Luke estate. Back then, James wasn’t in a vegetative state yet.

He had treated everyone coldly–but not her. He had actually smiled and thanked her for saving Simon.

She had always believed there was something between them–a quiet bond.

And now? He was turning on her. For Lily.

For a woman he didn’t even want.

She couldn’t believe it.

If that video went online, what would the world say?

Even if she explained she had nothing to do with the plan, people would still tear her apart. The internet would never let her off easy. She was the daughter of a criminal, and that alone would be enough to destroy her.

She couldn’t let this happen.

She remembered how, back in the recording studio, Ivan had taken Lily’s side during their argument. She knew he wouldn’t lift a finger for her now.

With no one else to turn to, she looked back at John and Simon, eyes filled with tears.

“John, Simon, please… I’m begging you. The internet is vicious. If that video goes public, not just my mom, but I’ll be dragged into it too. People will harass me, insult me. Please… don’t let this happen…”

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