The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 137

Listening to her mother's undisguised excitement—treating her daughter and this entire scandal as nothing more than leverage and a stepping stone—a violent wave of disgust washed over Lyra like freezing sludge. Her stomach churned. It was always like this. It would always be like this. In her parents' eyes, she and her sister were nothing but commodities waiting to be auctioned off, tools to maintain the family's dignity and claw their way up the social ladder. Her sister Lydia had already crashed and burned. Now, all the 'expectations' and 'heavy burdens' were piled onto her, the 'smarter,' 'more valuable' daughter.

"Mom..." she managed to force out, trying to temper the enthusiasm. "It's not as simple as you think. Christian... he didn't seem too happy. I'm afraid the Lancasters might have other plans."

"Not happy?" Martha scoffed. "Things have already reached this point. The whole world knows. So what if he isn't happy? For families like the Lancasters, saving face is everything! Besides, you have Leo. He's your ultimate trump card! Lyra, do not do anything stupid right now. Do not back down! Public opinion is on your side, and the pressure on the Lancasters is massive. Just play your part perfectly—be the 'victim,' the 'devoted lover,' and wait for them to come begging!"

Martha's voice grew increasingly manic, as if she could already envision her daughter's lavish wedding. "Don't worry, the family fully supports you! Whatever you need, just ask! We can't rely on your sister anymore, so the entire Langford family is counting on you now. You have to seize this!"

"I... I know, Mom." Lyra closed her eyes, squeezing a dry response from her throat. Support? It was just the anticipation of maximizing their return on investment. The entire family counting on her? That crushing 'expectation' felt like an invisible shackle, locking tightly around her body despite the brand-new, luxurious clothes.

Hanging up, Lyra sat motionless on the couch for a long time. The setting sun eventually cast long, dim streaks of light across the carpet through the gap in the curtains. The silk blouse against her skin was incredibly soft, yet it offered zero warmth. Instead, it felt like an exquisite shell, isolating her from the real disgust and terror churning inside her.

She couldn't stay here any longer.

Grabbing her handbag and car keys, she decided to leave. The moment she reached the entryway, her phone rang again. Christian.

She took a deep breath, adjusted her facial expression into one of concern, and answered. "Christian?" she asked, her voice soft and cautious.

"Where are you?" His voice came through, deeper and hoarser than usual, carrying only profound exhaustion and suppressed tension.

"I... I'm still at the apartment." Lyra replied gently, probing carefully. "Christian, the news... you saw it, right? How did this happen? Those reporters..." Her tone dripped with confusion, anxiety, and deep concern for his situation.

The line went silent for two seconds. "I saw it. I'll handle it. Don't worry about it."

His unnatural calm made her chest tighten. "But... the impact on you, and Lancaster Group? Is it bad? I... I'm so sorry..."

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