The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 11

The black Maybach drove into the wrought-iron gates of The Lancaster Estate just as the sky grew dark.

Christian stepped out of the driver's seat and walked around to open the passenger door for Lyra. Today, Lyra wore an ivory knit dress under a light camel trench coat, her long hair pinned up loosely with a few stray strands framing her face, looking elegant yet capable.

She cradled a sleeping Leo in her arms, the little boy's face pressed against her shoulder as he breathed softly.

"Let me," Christian offered, reaching out for the boy.

"It is fine, I have him," Lyra replied with a gentle shake of her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Leo is asleep. Changing hands might wake him."

Christian did not insist. He closed the car door and walked beside her toward the carved double doors of the main house.

Before they even reached the entrance, the doors swung open from the inside.

Penelope wore a dark purple dress, her hair meticulously styled, unable to hide the sheer joy radiating from her face. Her gaze first landed on Christian, then swiftly moved to Lyra, before finally locking onto the child in her arms.

"Lyra!" Penelope rushed forward, her voice trembling with raw excitement. "It really is you! Three years, and you are just as stunning!"

"Penelope," Lyra greeted with a slight bow, her posture flawlessly respectful. "It has been a long time. How have you been?"

"Wonderful! Just wonderful!" Penelope nodded repeatedly, her eyes glued to the child. "And this must be Leo? Oh my, he is so handsome. Those eyes, that little nose..."

She reached out, wanting to touch the boy's cheek.

Lyra subtly shifted her posture, lowering her voice. "Penelope, Leo just fell asleep. Let us not wake him."

"Right, right, sleep is important." Penelope pulled her hand back, her face beaming. "Come in, come in, it is chilly out here."

The group stepped into the grand living room.

Penelope carefully took the boy, cradling him like a priceless treasure, her eyes actually welling with tears. "Three years... I waited three years for a grandson, and finally..."

Her voice choked up, unable to continue.

Lyra smoothly offered her a tissue, speaking in a soothing tone. "Penelope, please do not be sad. Leo can come visit you often from now on."

"Visit often? That is not enough!" Penelope wiped the corners of her eyes, her tone absolute. "Lyra, you and the boy are moving in with Christian. Do not go anywhere else. That house is huge, there is plenty of room. As for Evelyn..."

She paused, her expression turning icy. "I will have Christian deal with her."

"Penelope, that would not be appropriate." Lyra lowered her eyelashes, her voice dropping. "Evelyn is Christian's wife, after all. If Leo and I stay there, people will talk..."

"Talk? Who dares to talk?" Penelope raised her voice. "You and Christian were meant to be together to begin with! If it was not for what happened back then... Hmph, now that you are back with his child, this is destiny! As for Evelyn, she has occupied that spot for three years without even producing an heir. What right does she have to stay?"