The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 290

It was nine o'clock on a Thursday morning in New York.

At the Lancaster estate.

A black Bentley pulled up to the entrance. Lyra Langford stepped out, carrying Leo in her arms. The little boy was dressed in a navy-blue miniature suit, his hair neatly combed like a proper little gentleman.

"Where are we going?" Leo asked, wrapping his arms around her neck.

"To Penelope's house," Lyra said, kissing his cheek. "I have to travel for work for a few days. You're going to be on your best behavior for Penelope, okay?"

Leo nodded vigorously. "Okay! I'll be the best!"

Lyra carried him through the grand doors of the estate.

In the living room, Penelope Lancaster sat on the sofa, sipping her tea. Seeing them walk in, the smile on her face faded slightly, though she remained polite.

"You're here. Have a seat."

Lyra set Leo down and whispered in his ear, "Go on, say hello."

Leo ran over on his short little legs, wrapping his arms around Penelope's knees. He looked up with a sweet smile. "Grandma Penelope!"

Penelope's expression softened instantly. She bent down, scooped the boy into her lap, and smiled. "Did you miss me, Leo?"

"I did!" Leo nodded hard. "I brought you a treat!"

He pulled a beautifully wrapped chocolate from his pocket, offering it to her like a precious treasure.

Penelope's eyes crinkled with delight. "Oh, aren't you just the sweetest boy!"

Lyra stood to the side, watching the scene with a gentle smile on her lips.

But the smile never reached her eyes.

"Penelope," she began, her voice soft. "I have a performance in Paris next week, so I'll be gone for a few days. I'll have to leave Leo in your care."

Penelope looked up, her smile dimming a fraction.

"Paris?" She looked Lyra up and down. "Aren't you pregnant? And you're still dancing?"

"It's still early in the pregnancy, so it won't be an issue," Lyra explained quickly. "This is a very important performance. It's a private showcase for the Duchess of Bourbon. Christian will be coming with me."

Penelope's gaze shifted slightly.

The House of Bourbon-Montpensier. Of course, she knew the name. They were one of France's oldest aristocratic families, wielding massive influence in European high society.

She looked back at Lyra, her tone softening. "That is a rare opportunity. It's good that Christian is going with you. Expanding your network will benefit the Lancaster family."

Lyra nodded, but before she could speak, Penelope cut in.

"However, Lyra, there is something we need to discuss."

Lyra's chest tightened, though she maintained her gentle facade. "Of course. What is it?"

"Your friend, Jocelyn Vance." Penelope's face darkened. "A few days ago at the mall, she publicly humiliated Piper. You're aware of this, aren't you?"

Lyra lowered her head, her voice laced with apology. "I know. Jocelyn has a terrible temper, and she misunderstood the situation. She thought Piper was... Anyway, I've already spoken to her about it."

Lyra slid into the backseat, the smile instantly vanishing from her face.

She turned her head, staring at the imposing estate, at the second-floor windows, and at the old oak tree in the courtyard.

"Old hag," she muttered, her voice icy. "Everyone's been kissing your ass for so long, you actually think you're royalty?"

Her fingers gripped her skirt tightly, her knuckles turning white.

"Just wait," she gritted out, word by word. "Once I officially become Mrs. Lancaster, once my position is secure... every single one of you will be begging at my feet."

The car slowly pulled away.

Lyra leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes.

The scene from just moments ago replayed in her mind—Penelope's disdainful looks, the passive-aggressive remarks, and her own pathetic apologies.

Her lips slowly curled into a smirk.

It was a chilling smile, the kind that would make anyone's blood run cold.

—

New York International Airport, 1:00 PM.

Terminal 3, International Departures.

Evelyn Sullivan and Madeline Thorne walked in, rolling their suitcases behind them. Maddy was wearing a brand-new beige trench coat with a silk scarf tied around her neck, her hair perfectly styled. She looked significantly more polished than usual.