Shredded Vows: The Billionaire’s Secret Heir novel Chapter 19

The Gray Ancestral Estate was over a century old.

Sitting quietly in a corner of the bustling capital, it radiated a unique, classical elegance that had only deepened with time.

"Mom, what is this?" The moment he walked through the door, Gideon demanded answers. "You planted a hidden camera where I live? That's illegal."

Sitting on the sofa, Catherine stared at the little black device her son held out, showing absolutely zero remorse.

Wearing a light beige cashmere coat adorned with an emerald brooch, she looked up calmly. "As I recall, you don't even live there." She was still fuming herself; her son had ripped up the divorce agreement, after all.

Hearing this, Gideon locked his glacial glare onto her elegant, aristocratic face. "So all these years, you've been spying on Lydia?!"

His escalating tone sent a shock of panic through her. How dare he challenge her like this?

Didn't he despise that woman?

"You've crossed a serious line!" Gideon shouted, pulling zero punches. "I'll say this one last time. If you ever interfere in our lives again, I will sever my ties with you! What kind of mother actively prays for her son's downfall and begs him to get a divorce every single day?!"

Watching her son storm out without looking back, Catherine felt as though she had been struck by lightning.

She couldn't believe those words had come from her own flesh and blood.

He was willing to cut ties with her over Lydia?

Did spying on Lydia anger him more than if she had been spying on him directly?

Nighttime at a bar.

Under the dim lights, flashing colors and deafening music blended into a chaotic symphony.

Young people on the dance floor lost themselves to the rhythm, twisting their bodies in passionate abandon.

At an open-air cafe by the riverfront, Lydia and Tessa Taylor sat across from each other. With two cups of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and some light snacks, the setting felt incredibly atmospheric.

"I've been so insanely busy lately. Who knew getting married was such a hassle? There's a million things to buy, and I keep forgetting stuff." Tessa's smile was full of bright hope for her future.

Her happiness was infectious, warming Lydia's heart. "If you need any help, just ask. Don't worry about bothering me."

Tessa nodded and asked, "The news lately must be ruining your mood, right? That assistant, Summer, is totally doing it on purpose. Can't she report to him in the office? Does she have to swarm him with documents in public places? She's been photographed a dozen times!"

But Lydia wasn't angry in the slightest. "Gideon just got back from abroad. He has a mountain of work to handle, so he's probably getting reports constantly at the office."

The ambient lighting of the outdoor cafe was warm and inviting. With the rustling shadows of the trees and the evening breeze, it was a perfectly relaxing night.

It had been a long time since the two best friends had hung out. Wearing a chic tweed jacket over a crisp white blouse, Lydia exuded a cool, refined elegance.

Chatting with Tessa, she absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup, a soft smile on her face. "Don't worry about me. I'm going to make sure my life only gets better from here."