Chapter 165 Falling Out Part II

Chapter 165 Falling Out Part II
Lucas POV

Both Natalie and I froze, our attention snapping to the screen.

"...not long ago announced his wife's identity at Pinnacle Group's annual gala, CEO Mr. Johnson has revealed that the divorce was not his decision, but rather coercion from the Johnson family using Pinnacle Group shares as leverage. Here's our detailed report..."

"Hey, let me up," Natalie complained beneath me, her earlier panic replaced by curiosity.

I suddenly remembered I was still pinning her down and quickly released my grip, pulling her to her feet. Our earlier struggle and resentment had completely evaporated as we both focused intently on the news.

The report continued with the complete story: Sarah's car accident had left her unable to conceive, leading her to adopt a daughter. Later, she was discovered to have had a child out of wedlock, a five-year-old illegitimate daughter she brought home. Both her infertility and the illegitimate child angered the Johnsons, who viewed Sarah's chaotic private life with suspicion and believed she was deliberately bringing unrelated individuals into the family to compete for inheritance.

Just as the conflict between the families reached its peak, a more dramatic turn occurred. Kidnappers abducted both the adopted daughter and the illegitimate child, demanding ransom. Although Sarah successfully pleaded for the Johnson family's forgiveness and located the kidnapped girls, she arrived too late. Only the illegitimate daughter survived, while the adopted daughter died despite medical efforts. Even more explosive was the hospital's discovery that the illegitimate daughter shared no blood relation with Sarah, while the adopted daughter had been her biological child all along.

The Johnsons considered Sarah a disgrace and were completely disappointed in her. They sent the unrelated child back to her original family, and combined with Sarah's inability to conceive, they divorced the CEO from Sarah. Now, Sarah was a destitute woman with nothing. The CEO reportedly still had feelings for Sarah, but the Johnson family forbade him from approaching her again.

The news promised continued coverage of developing details.

"See that?" Natalie said, pointing at the screen as she adjusted her dress. "Those test results being problematic wasn't my doing. They did their own testing at the hospital."

I pondered this revelation. "That would explain what Michael told Noah. Sarah's daughter was indeed found. That was Lily."

Natalie shot me a sharp look. "So maybe next time you won't be so quick to pin me down."

I had the decency to look ashamed. "The plan failing made me lose it. But seeing this..." I looked back at the television. "You're right. This worked out even better than we hoped."

"Damn right it did!" Natalie smoothed down her hair, her anger gradually shifting to satisfaction. "Our whole plan worked like a charm. We didn't just break up Sarah and Michael. We actually got rid of Lily, too. Talk about hitting two targets with one shot!" She danced around with excitement. "And get this. Carmen's locked up, and the lawyer who went to see her is already out of the country. Sarah's people, the Johnsons... nobody suspects a thing. We're totally home free!"

I acknowledged that my goal was accomplished, but... "We've separated Sarah and Michael, sure, but the news says Michael still has feelings for Sarah. You haven't won him over yet."

Natalie waved dismissively. "I have my methods. Don't worry about that." She turned the question back on me. "What's your plan for handling Sarah?"

I shrugged. "Let her live with the pain of losing her child and die alone. That's sufficient."

Natalie's eyes lit up with malicious intent. "I want to humiliate her. What do you think?"

"Go ahead," I replied casually. "Just don't kill her. She is still my daughter, after all."

"Well, I'll make sure she lives to see the day I get together with Michael." Natalie headed for the door, then turned back with ice in her eyes. "And Lucas? Don't ever call me again. We're done here."

As I watched her departing figure, a cunning smile spread across my face. This Natalie was far too unstable. She'd secretly investigated my identity, humiliated my dead son, and who knew what other chaos she might cause?

I had to eliminate her, too. If Natalie ever acted recklessly and got caught by the Johnsons, she'd inevitably expose me. Fortunately, I already possessed damning evidence against her.

My mind drifted back to when I was visiting Sarah's enemies. I'd gone to see Celeste, Sarah's former colleague, who revealed crucial information: Sarah had been in a car accident orchestrated by Heather and her boyfriend Caleb.

Strangely enough, Natalie had never mentioned this to me. There was no way she wouldn't have known about something this significant. Then, when I casually asked Natalie if Sarah had any other enemies, she said that was all. But I detected something suspicious in her evasive behavior, so I secretly met with Heather and Caleb.

At first, they stuck to their story about orchestrating the accident themselves. But I did some digging - Heather's medical bills, Caleb's unpaid loans. A little financial pressure mixed with some well-placed threats about what could happen if they didn't cooperate, and they finally cracked.

They revealed a shocking secret: the car accident had actually been Natalie's scheme. They were merely scapegoats.

With this evidence, I could expose Natalie to Sarah at the appropriate moment. Sarah would finally learn that Natalie was the one who caused her car accident. The rage and betrayal she'd feel would be enough to destroy Natalie completely. Sarah might even take matters into her own hands。 After all, what woman wouldn't want revenge against the person who stole her ability to have children? Only then could I make a clean escape.

As for Sarah and Michael's future? With the Johnson family in the picture, reconciliation seemed impossible.

Poor Sarah. You're destined for a lonely end.