In a high-end café in Kingsford, Mila sat across from Conrad on the second floor. Between them were two steaming cups of coffee, the delicate aroma lingering in the air. It had been a rare occurrence for Mila to have a private conversation with her father-in-law since her marriage. Conrad, who had always looked down on her humble origins, didn’t particularly like her. However, due to her mother-in-law’s fondness for Mila, Conrad had never been openly hostile, choosing instead to treat her with a cold indifference.
Now, he had unexpectedly reached out to meet her, which was quite surprising. Coincidentally, Mila had been wanting to talk to him as well.
She remained silent, curious to hear what had prompted this meeting. Conrad, never one to mince words, took a sip of his coffee and got straight to the point.
I’ve heard rumors that you’ve hired a lawyer and are filing for divorce from Lysander?
Mila wasn’t surprised that Conrad was aware of this. Unlike her mother-in-law, who was often shielded due to her poor health, Conrad was still very much in the loop, despite no longer running the family business.
Seeing that their agendas aligned, Mila decided to be direct as well. Yes, I want to divorce Lysander, and I hope you can help convince him.
Conrad looked at her, his middle-aged eyes still sharp, carrying the natural authority of a man who once held great power. Mila’s expression was resolute, showing no sign of wavering.
He studied his daughter-in-law, sensing a change in her demeanor. Slowly, he spoke, What happened between you and Lysander? Surely there must be something worth discussing before letting it go to court.
Father, I’m serious, Mila replied, retrieving a paper bag from her purse. She pulled out a stack of photographs and spread them on the table before Conrad. They depicted Lysander and Giselle in various public settings, clearly too close for comfort. Some were taken recently, others were older.
By laying bare the ugliness of her marriage in front of her father-in-law, Mila left nothing concealed.
Conrad examined the photos of the intimate interactions between the two, his expression betraying no reaction. After a moment, he glanced back at Mila, whose face remained equally emotionless.
The Harvey and Montgomery families have been close for many years. We’ve watched Giselle grow up. There’s nothing wrong with Lysander looking out for her, though he may have overstepped some boundaries. I’ll talk to him privately. The fact that he doesn’t want to divorce you indicates he acknowledges you as his wife.
Besides, with your mother-in-law and me around, you will always be Mrs. Montgomery. Lysander will eventually come to his senses.
If she found out about this…
Conrad frowned.
Mila, you must remember how this marriage came to be.
It was you who resorted to drastic measures. If Felicity hadn’t insisted, even your pregnancy wouldn’t have gained you entry into the Montgomery family.
Now that you’ve benefited, you want to leave and disregard your mother-in-law’s goodwill? Do you want to break her heart?
You’re well aware of her fragile health and how much she has improved in recent years. If she learns about you dragging this divorce through court, are you trying to kill her with anger, repaying kindness with betrayal?