Shredded Vows: The Billionaire’s Secret Heir novel Chapter 58

Panic gnawed at Lydia's insides. Her usual composure cracked, leaving a visible flicker of guilt in her eyes.

Noticing her hesitation, Serena's smirk widened, her voice sickly sweet and deliberately drawn out.

"Oh, Lydia, we're all colleagues here. It's not like it's a taboo subject. We're adults. If you just admit you have a kid, maybe we can even pitch in and help you out when times get tough."

"Then again, do you need me to hire a P.I. to figure out who the baby daddy is? Even if he dumped you, you're still entitled to child support. There's no need for you to struggle like this. Don't let your pride get in the way of a paycheck!"

"Shut your mouth!" Lydia snapped, losing the last of her restraint. "Who the hell do you think you are? Keep talking and I'll sue you for defamation!"

Startled by the sudden outburst, Serena quickly recovered with a brazen laugh. She shrugged nonchalantly. "Why so defensive? Did I strike a nerve? Come on, Lydia, did you really get knocked up without a ring?"

At that exact moment, Gideon and Dave were walking past the design department. The loud argument spilled out through the half-open glass doors.

"Drop the act, Lydia! Just admit—" Serena's voice pitched even higher, but as she glanced toward the entrance, she spotted the imposing figure standing in the doorway. She cut herself off, her face draining of all color.

"Gideon..."

The captivated audience of colleagues all turned their heads, colliding straight with the CEO's icy, predatory gaze.

Lydia's stomach plummeted. Her fingers dug frantically into the hem of her shirt. Oh God, how much had he heard?!

"Good afternoon, Mr. Gray!"

"Mr. Gray."

Snapping out of their trance, the designers scrambled to their feet, bowing respectfully in a chorus of terrified reverence.

Gideon's expression was a frozen wasteland as he stared at the two women still standing in the center of the room. "Screaming at each other on company time. I assume you've both delivered flawless work today?"

Serena, meanwhile, watched Lydia like a hawk. Lydia was spacing out? That meant the kid was definitely real!

How could trash like her even think she was worthy of seducing Gideon?

Toward the end of the day, Lydia received a call from Leona, asking her to swing by Blossom Arch Road to pick up a crucial document. Leona gave her an address and the contact info for a Mr. Leon Lawson.

Soft lighting and the rich aroma of roasted espresso spilled out from the cafes lining the street. Golden leaves spiraled through the air, settling in front of the glass storefronts.

Pedestrians strolled by, soaking in the crisp autumn evening with relaxed smiles.

"But why? Mr. Lawson, I've been doing a wonderful job at your home. I come in and clean once a week, and you always tell me how thorough I am. You even give me tips. Why are you suddenly... letting me go? Did I do something wrong?"

"Mom!" Lydia cried out, spotting the middle-aged woman being shooed out of the doorway. She rushed over.