Chapter 79 Helena's Plan

As Cressida turned to leave, Gideon's face softened into the mask of a kind father. "Cressida, I know these past three years have been hard on you. But now that things have come to this, we have to think ahead. Your divorce from Luther is bound to stir gossip. That kind of talk won't be good for Natasha's reputation." Cressida's footsteps halted. She listened quietly without turning around. "What I mean is," he continued slowly, "tomorrow, find a chance to clear things up publicly. Say the divorce was your idea. That it had nothing to do with anyone else. That you and Luther just weren't compatible. That's best for everyone." The silence in the living room was suffocating. Natasha's head hung low as she nervously fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. Helena held her breath, waiting for Cressida's response. This was their true goal tonight. For Cressida to take the fall and wash Natasha's image clean with her own sacrifice. Only if she shouldered all the blame could Natasha walk in