CHAPTER SIXTY NINE – THE COMPANY MAVERICK

"And what, pray tell, does a low-born wretch like you intend to do about it?" she practically purred, each icy syllable dripping venom and quiet menace. "Accept reality for once in your sordid life – you are a stain upon this family's prestigious legacy, a dalliance that should have been brutally exorcised long ago!" Kayla opened her mouth, fully prepared to unleash the torrent of rage and hurt that had been steadily building from months of Barbara's relentless cruelty. But Lance's hand fell upon her arm, startling her with its trembling intensity. "Don't, my love," he said in a strained tone barely above a whisper. "She's not worth debasing yourself over...not when I have all the ammunition I need to end this farce once and for all." Kayla's brow furrowed quizzically as Lance straightened, visibly composing himself as he turned to face his mother. "This...this is going to destroy everything," Kayla had choked out as she showed the damning article to Lance, fresh tears of anguis