From His Invisible Wife to the World's Icon novel Chapter 176

The moment she pulled the door open, Lydia felt a sharp, piercing gaze drill into her back, as if trying to see right through her.

It was Frederick.

Her footsteps faltered. At that exact moment, the window of the black van slowly rolled down, revealing Xavier's handsome face. His detached gaze met hers.

She couldn't keep him waiting. She hoisted her suitcase and stepped outside.

Just then, Charles marched over and shoved the phone into her hands.

Hearing her mother's voice, she pressed the phone to her ear.

"Lydia, Mom knows how to read people. Frederick would never do something like this."

"He protected you when you were kids, and he saved your life when you grew up. He's been nothing but good to us."

"You have to help him."

"Lydia, don't do something you'll regret for the rest of your life."

A sudden fit of violent coughing echoed through the speaker.

Her heart twisted. She bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. She didn't want to cave, but she had no choice. "Mom, just focus on resting. Don't worry about us. I know what to do."

"Good. As long as you and Frederick are okay, Mom won't worry."

Hanging up, Lydia met Xavier's cold eyes. A deep sense of helplessness washed over her. She turned her fierce gaze to Charles. "In ten days, you must give me the divorce certificate, whether this case is resolved or not."

In ten days, she was supposed to leave for Silicon Valley with the research institute. She needed to sever all ties with Frederick by then.

She kept her voice extremely low, not wanting the outsiders in the villa to hear.

Hearing her terms, a flash of annoyance crossed Charles' eyes, but he quickly masked it. "I can give you a written agreement. But for the next ten days, you have to play your part perfectly beside Frederick."

He glanced toward the interview host.

She heard the host say, "Now, let's invite Mrs. Foster to share her love story with Mr. Foster."

At the host's request, Frederick walked toward her.

The moment he took her hand, she saw a storm of unfathomable dark clouds gather in Xavier's cold eyes.

The window rolled up, and the black van sped away.

Her heart trembled. She had a sinking feeling that Xavier was furious.

With a desolate look in her eyes, Lydia followed Frederick back to the center of the living room, forcing herself to play the perfect, elegant wife.

Frederick noticed her pale face and dull eyes.

Lydia skimmed it quickly and signed her name.

"Lydia, Frederick..." Charles started to say something.

Refusing to hear another word, Lydia cut him off. "I'll cooperate for the next ten days. I expect you to keep your promise."

Charles' face turned livid, but he said nothing more.

Back in the master bedroom on the third floor, she sat on the sofa, staring at the gowns Gable had brought in.

"It's a masquerade ball, ma'am! How fun."

"It's just a shame Ms. Sutton already picked through the prettiest dresses. What would you like to wear, ma'am?" Gable sorted through the racks.

Lydia didn't care. "Pick whatever you think looks good."

She took her phone out to the balcony. Remembering the furious look in Xavier's eyes before he left, she felt awful. Begging for his help and then ditching him was incredibly out of line. She wanted to apologize and dialed his number.

"We're sorry, the number you have dialed is no longer in service. Please check the number and try again."

Listening to the automated recording, Lydia's heart plummeted.

He had blocked her.