Shredded Vows: The Billionaire’s Secret Heir novel Chapter 48

The woman on the sofa looked out at the courtyard just as the car door opened and her mother-in-law stepped out.

Lydia glanced at the wall clock. It was time for work; she was definitely going to be late. Just as she picked up her phone to text Leona Lockwood, her mother-in-law walked through the door.

Catherine Gray was dressed in an effortlessly luxurious ivory gown, subtly detailed with exquisite embroidery that screamed old money.

She brought a chilling breeze with her as her icy gaze immediately locked onto her daughter-in-law.

"Good morning, Mrs. Gray," the staff greeted her respectfully.

Lydia also stood up from the sofa. "Good morning, Catherine," she said softly, maintaining a humble demeanor.

Catherine marched right up and slapped her hard across the face. "You shameless tramp!" The force of the blow snapped Lydia's head to the side.

The sharp crack echoed through the room. The terrified staff froze in absolute silence.

Lydia saw stars, but she quickly steadied herself and bravely met the woman's gaze. "Catherine..."

"How dare you try to seduce Jeffrey?!" Catherine was seething. "Do you have any idea who the Jenson family is?!"

Lydia knew that whatever she said right now would be utterly useless, so she chose to remain silent.

Catherine's voice grew even harsher.

"The Jensons are a military-industrial dynasty! They are the invisible backbone of our national security! Every single one of them is a titan in defense tech! They operate with absolute ruthlessness. Did you really think someone like you could taint them?! Even if you hadn't married Gideon, Jeffrey wouldn't have touched you with a ten-foot pole!"

"So you also believe I went there to seduce him?" Lydia suddenly felt that the middle-aged woman standing before her was incredibly foolish.

"I don't care if you did or not! The fact that the media dragged your name through the mud means you are at fault! You brought shame to the Jenson family! You caused trouble for Jeffrey! Do you honestly think a quick PR sweep can erase the public's memory?!"

"..." Lydia didn't have the energy to argue.

It was true; yesterday's outrageous articles had definitely caused trouble for Jeffrey, and he was completely innocent.

He couldn't stop thinking about Larson's words:

"When lovers part ways, the vicious words they hurl become daggers in the other person's heart. And sometimes, those daggers cut both ways."

"I don't know what love is. It has a thousand different definitions. But the very fact that you're asking me that question proves that you love her."

Not far behind him, Summer walked in. Noticing Dave's hesitant expression, she approached him and whispered, "Give the files to me. I'll handle it."

Looking immensely relieved, Dave handed her the entire stack.

As Summer walked out, she glanced back at the broad shoulders silhouetted against the window. She couldn't help but worry. Was Lydia the reason he was so upset?

Dumped one day, immediately looking for the next sugar daddy the next. What a shameless tramp!

But this was the absolute first time she had ever seen the CEO this distraught over a woman.