Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 207

As the car rolled onto The Langford Estate, Leo's hands remained locked on his knees.

He sat incredibly stiff, clutching his backpack to his chest, terrified that if he relaxed even a fraction, everything inside would spill out. The wrought-iron gates slowly swung open, and the familiar courtyard, fountain, and grand corridors slid into the rearview.

Whenever he used to come home, he would eagerly press his face against the glass to watch the koi pond.

He didn't do that today.

Wren noticed, but she didn't say a word.

Telling a kid "don't be afraid" never actually erased the fear. He was far too mature—so mature that he felt he needed an adult's permission just to be terrified.

By the time the car stopped, Lawrence was already waiting at the bottom of the steps.

He wore a casual button-down, the sleeves casually rolled up to his forearms, clearly having waited for them. When the door opened, his eyes darted to Leo first, then immediately landed on the suspiciously small suitcase next to Wren.

It was way too little luggage.

It didn't look like someone moving back; it looked like someone poised to flee at a moment's notice.

Lawrence's gaze lingered on the suitcase for a split second.

The driver reached to grab it, but Wren clamped her hand around the handle first.

"I've got it."

She took Leo's hand and stepped out.

Leo's eyes brightened slightly when he saw his father, but he swiftly suppressed the emotion. He murmured, "Dad."

Lawrence bent down and ruffled his hair.

"You're back?"

Those words sounded far too much like normal family banter.

It was as if the endless arguments, the lawsuit, the mediation, and the blackened house in his son's drawing were nothing more than a fleeting tantrum she had thrown.

Wren didn't respond.

Lawrence looked up at her, his voice dropping an octave. "The room is ready."

"The East Wing Guest Suite?"

He furrowed his brow.

Someone stepped out from behind him—Eleanor.

She was dressed immaculately, not a single hair out of place, but the smile on her face didn't reach her eyes. Seeing the luggage in Wren's hand, she shot Lawrence a look, then turned to her grandson, deliberately softening her tone.

"Leo, you're back? Grandma had the kitchen make your favorite soup."

Leo instinctively shrank back toward Wren.

Wren glanced at it for a millisecond before looking away.

Lawrence followed her gaze, seemingly noticing the mess for the first time. His lips pressed into a thin line.

Those things had never been disorganized before.

Or at least, they were never disorganized enough for him to notice.

Eleanor took a seat and ordered a maid, "Take her things up to the master bedroom."

Wren didn't wait for the maid to move.

"To The East Wing Guest Suite."

The maid's hand froze mid-air as she shot Lawrence an awkward, pleading look.

Lawrence stood behind Wren, remaining completely silent for two long seconds. "Do as she says."

Eleanor's face plummeted. "Lawrence."

"Mom." Lawrence didn't look at her. "Let's not get into this today."

Eleanor was forced to swallow her fury, shooting a freezing glare at Wren.

In her mind, letting Wren back into the house was a monumental favor granted by the Langford family. Since Wren had taken the lifeline, she should have bowed her head and obediently reclaimed her duties like a proper wife.