The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 24

"This boy..." Martha gazed carefully at her sleeping grandson's face. "He looks exactly like Christian."

Lyra smiled tenderly. "He does. Especially his eyebrows."

Penelope stared at the baby's peaceful face, her heart melting into a puddle. This was her grandson, the eldest heir of the Lancaster bloodline. As for Evelyn... three years and not even a hint of a pregnancy. The woman clearly had no future here.

"Lyra," Penelope announced, "you'll be staying here from now on. Christian's work keeps him incredibly busy, and I can't manage this massive estate all by myself."

Lyra looked up at Christian, her eyes brimming with a mix of questioning and deep expectation.

Christian remained silent for several long seconds before giving a stiff nod. "Stay here for now."

Lyra let out a soft sigh of relief and smiled at Penelope. "Thank you, Penelope."

"Still calling me by my first name?" Penelope gently scolded her. "It's time you changed that."

Lyra's cheeks flushed, and she murmured, "Mom."

Penelope beamed with total satisfaction.

Watching from the sidelines, Lydia felt a sharp stab of jealousy and couldn't stop herself from blurting out, "Should I start calling you 'Mom' too?"

The comment was absurdly flippant, and Penelope's expression instantly darkened. "Lydia, don't be ridiculous."

Lydia stuck her tongue out, but a flash of deep resentment flared in her eyes.

Victor and Martha exchanged an incredibly awkward glance. Their youngest daughter was entirely too spoiled.

"Right," Penelope said, pivoting back to business. "I've invited Evelyn over for lunch today. There are a few things... that need to be officially cleared up."

Lyra's eyes darted away, and she stared down at her lap in silence.

Victor and Martha remained completely quiet.

Lydia, however, practically vibrated with excitement. "She's actually coming? Wow... that's going to be so awkward."

"What's there to be awkward about?" Penelope's tone was ruthlessly flat. "She's the one who should be embarrassed. She hijacked Lyra's position for three years. Now that the rightful owner has returned, it's time for her to step aside."

The brutal, uncompromising words hung in the air, plunging the room into absolute silence.

Christian abruptly stood up. "I need some air."

"Christian," Penelope called after him. "Lunch is—"

Christian threw a brief glance at her. "I'm happy."

"Liar." Lydia let out a soft pout. "You're clearly not happy. Is it because of Evelyn?"

Christian didn't answer.

"Christian," Lydia cooed, dropping her voice to a sympathetic whisper. "You don't need to stress over this. Lyra waited for three years, and yes, it's tragic. But Evelyn... she's innocent in all this too. If you ask me, nobody owes anybody anything. You should just part amicably."

Surprised by the unusually reasonable take, Christian gave her a long, calculating look.

Feeling triumphant inside, Lydia maintained a mask of sweet understanding. "Whatever you decide, Christian, I'll always support you. I'm always on your side."

As she spoke, she reached out, trying to grab his hand.

Christian effortlessly dodged her grasp. "Lydia, you need to go back inside."

Lydia's smile froze for a split second before snapping back into place. "Alright, fine. I'm going in. But you better come back inside soon, and stop smoking so much."

She turned to leave, took a few steps, and then glanced over her shoulder, shooting him a brazen wink. "I'll be waiting for you."