The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 221

Christian stayed quiet for a few seconds before nodding. "Alright. I'll arrange it."

"Also," Lawrence looked at him, "after the wedding, have Lyra move into the estate. A single mother living out there on her own is just inviting more rumors. If we're going to save face, we need to do it thoroughly."

"Move in?" Penelope's head snapped up. "I absolutely forbid it!"

"You don't have a choice," Lawrence said firmly. "This is for the Lancaster family's reputation. Do you want people saying we don't even take care of our own pregnant daughter-in-law?"

Penelope wanted to argue, but met her husband's uncompromising stare. She let out a harsh scoff and turned her head away.

Christian stood up. "I'll contact the Langfords."

"Wait," Lawrence called out. "Are you absolutely certain that child... is yours?"

Christian stiffened slightly. "You saw the paternity report."

"Reports can be faked." Lawrence's gaze was sharp. "Given the Langfords' current financial state, what wouldn't they do to latch onto the Lancasters?"

"Dad." Christian's voice dropped.

Lawrence waved a hand. "Fine, I'm just putting it out there. Since you've claimed it, see it through. But Christian, I'm warning you—Lyra is not as simple as she seems. Keep your guard up."

Christian didn't respond. He merely nodded and walked out of the living room.

Stepping out of the estate doors, the cool autumn breeze hit him, clearing his head slightly.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Lyra's number.

Lyra's apartment, 7:30 PM.

When Lyra picked up the phone, her voice was sickeningly sweet. "Christian?"

"Lyra," he said. "Are you free tomorrow night? Let's have dinner with both families to discuss the wedding."

There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by poorly concealed joy. "Really? Tomorrow night? Where?"

She was actually marrying into the Lancaster family.

Her mother came out of the kitchen, her eyes lighting up at her daughter's expression. "Lyra, what's got you smiling like that?"

"Christian said both families are having dinner tomorrow to discuss the wedding." Lyra laughed. "Lawrence wants to skip the engagement and go straight to the ceremony. And after we're married, Leo and I are moving into the estate."

"Really?!" Mrs. Langford rushed to sit beside her, thrilled. "That's wonderful! Lyra, our family is finally going to bounce back!"

Mr. Langford emerged from the study, relief washing over his face at the news. "The day is finally here. Lyra, you're going to be Mrs. Lancaster now. Remember your status. Don't act like you used to..."

"Dad!" Lyra cut him off. "The past is in the past. I'll be the perfect Mrs. Lancaster."

"Right, right, it's in the past," Mrs. Langford nodded eagerly. "What are you wearing tomorrow? I'll get a new outfit ready for you. We have to show the Lancasters that even though we aren't as wealthy as we used to be, we still have class."

Watching her parents' giddy excitement, Lyra twisted the ring on her finger, a quiet scoff escaping her lips.

In the end, she still got exactly what she wanted.