The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 29

At 8:00 PM, inside the Langford Villa.

The car pulled into the driveway, and Lydia hopped out first, marching straight toward the front door without looking back. Lyra followed slowly, carrying a fast-asleep Leo, walking closely behind their parents as they entered the living room.

The villa was well-decorated, but compared to the historic grandeur of the Lancaster Estate, it felt undeniably new and lacked any real pedigree. A few expensive art pieces were scattered around the room—flashy purchases Victor had made after his business finally took off.

"Nanny," Martha called out to the housekeeper. "Warm up a glass of milk for Leo so it's ready when he wakes up."

"Right away, ma'am," the housekeeper replied, hurrying off to the kitchen.

Lydia was already sprawled across the leather sofa, her legs crossed carelessly as she scrolled through her phone. She didn't even bother looking up when her sister walked in with the baby.

"Lyra, hand Leo over to me," Martha said, reaching for the child. "You've had an exhausting day."

"It's okay, Mom. I'll carry him upstairs to bed," Lyra whispered softly. "If he wakes up and doesn't see me, he'll start crying."

Mother and daughter carried the boy upstairs and settled him into the nursery. The Langfords had specifically renovated this room for their grandson, sparing no expense. The space was practically overflowing with expensive toys.

Once the boy was deeply asleep, the two women tiptoed back out into the hall.

"Ma'am, the milk is ready," the housekeeper whispered from the top of the stairs.

"Just leave it on the counter for now. We'll grab it when he wakes up," Martha said, waving her off.

Back down in the living room, Victor was meticulously brewing a pot of premium loose-leaf tea. The fragrant steam curled elegantly into the air.

Lydia was still glued to her phone, her thumbs flying across the screen, a vicious smirk occasionally flashing across her lips.

"Lydia," Victor scolded, his brow furrowing. "Put the phone away. We're having a family discussion."

Lydia reluctantly dropped the phone onto her lap, though her eyes kept darting back to the screen. "What's there to discuss? We all saw exactly what happened today. Penelope made it perfectly clear she wants Lyra back in the family."

"Watch your tone," Martha snapped at her youngest before turning back to Lyra. "Lyra, how do you think Penelope's attitude was today?"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify