The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 23

At 10:00 AM, inside the Lancaster Estate's living room.

Victor and Martha Langford sat stiffly on the long sofa, looking visibly uncomfortable. Penelope sat opposite them, a perfectly tailored mask of apology on her face—though the apology stemmed entirely from her heartache for Lyra, rather than any guilt toward Evelyn.

"Victor, Martha, we are truly so sorry," Penelope began, her voice thoroughly gentle. "What happened back then... the Lancasters wronged Lyra."

Victor sighed heavily and shook his head. "Please, don't say that, Penelope. Lyra was just too stubborn. Once she found out Christian was getting married, she took off to Paris without a second thought. She didn't even consult us."

Martha's eyes were rimmed with red. She dabbed at the corners with a handkerchief. "That girl... for three whole years, she didn't call home once. Victor and I didn't even know if she was dead or alive..."

The statement was slightly exaggerated, but Penelope bought it completely. She reached out and squeezed Martha's hand. "Martha, don't be sad. Lyra is back now, isn't she? And she's brought you a wonderful grandson."

At the mention of her grandson, Martha's tears flowed even harder. "Yes, she's back. But my heart... it just aches. How did a young woman manage all alone in a foreign country? Who took care of her when she was pregnant? Who helped her when the baby came?"

Victor patted his wife's shoulder and offered Penelope a bitter smile. "Forgive us, Penelope. These past three years... Martha has truly suffered."

Penelope nodded in deep understanding, her sympathy for Lyra intensifying. What an incredibly thoughtful girl, choosing to suffer in silence abroad just so she wouldn't disrupt Christian's marriage.

Barnaby, the head butler, carried in a tray of tea. Just as he set the cups down and turned to leave, Penelope called out to him, "Barnaby, Evelyn is joining us for lunch. Have the kitchen prepare a few extra dishes."

"Right away, ma'am," Barnaby replied, bowing out of the room.

Victor exchanged a quick glance with his wife. Catching his meaning, Martha let out a heavy sigh. "Penelope, Evelyn... she hasn't had it easy either. These past three years, in the Lancaster family..."

"What did she have to struggle with?" Penelope's tone instantly iced over. "She enjoyed the absolute best in food, clothing, and lifestyle. Christian might not have been invested in her, but she got all the prestige a wife could ask for. Unlike Lyra, suffering all alone out there..."

She didn't finish the thought, but the implication was crystal clear—Evelyn had stolen Lyra's rightful place, living in the lap of luxury for three years, while Lyra endured endless hardship.

A suffocating, awkward tension settled over the living room.

Lydia took the opportunity to sidle up to him, tilting her face up with a bright smile. "Christian, did you drive her over here? Are you tired? Let me pour you some tea."

She reached out to grab his hand.

Christian seamlessly sidestepped her. "No need."

Unbothered, Lydia kept her sparkling gaze fixed on him. "You look like you've lost weight, Christian. Are you working too hard? You really need to take better care of yourself."

Penelope couldn't stand watching it anymore. She cleared her throat loudly. "Lydia, step back and let your sister catch up with your parents."

Lydia pouted and reluctantly backed away, though her eyes remained glued to Christian.

After crying for a few minutes, Lyra collected herself and sat down next to her parents, still holding Leo.