The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 484

Christian Lancaster sat in his office for a long time. The ashtray was piled high with cigarette butts, the entire room heavy with the scent of smoke. He stood up, pushed the window open a crack, and let the night wind rush in. It scattered the smoke but also made him shiver. Glancing at his phone, he saw it was almost eleven. He grabbed his coat and walked out. The corridor was quiet, the lights still on, and a cleaning lady was mopping the floor. Seeing him emerge, she quickly stood up straight and lowered her head.

Christian didn't look at her, walking straight into the elevator.

"Mr. Lancaster, heading back to the old estate?" Miles emerged from the assistant's office and quickly caught up.

Christian gave a low hum of acknowledgment. His car was waiting downstairs. He slid into the backseat, leaning against the leather and closing his eyes. Outside the window, streetlights blurred past one by one, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across his face. From the passenger seat, Miles glanced back at him, hesitating to speak.

"Just say whatever is on your mind," Christian said without opening his eyes.

Miles hesitated. "Mr. Lancaster, what are your arrangements for... Leo?"

Christian's fingers paused. Leo. Leo Langford. The child who had called him Dad for months. When Lyra Langford brought the boy back from abroad, she claimed he was his son, complete with a paternity report. He had believed it. Thinking back on it now, Lyra had only returned to use him as a scapegoat, letting the child call him father for those few months. He opened his eyes and looked out the window. "Have the driver take him to the Langford residence tomorrow."

Miles nodded. "And Ms. Langford—"

"She's still in France," Christian's voice was faint. "If she asks, tell her it was my mother's idea."

Miles asked nothing more. The car drove into the neighborhood where the family estate was located. The streetlights dimmed, and the sycamore trees rustled in the wind. Christian stared at the dark silhouette of the villa, a suffocating wave of exhaustion suddenly washing over him.

Only a single floor lamp lit the living room, its dim yellow glow barely holding back the shadows. Penelope Lancaster sat on the sofa, a blanket over her knees, holding a cup of tea that had long gone cold. Seeing Christian walk in, she slammed the cup down onto the coffee table, her voice instantly rising.

"So you finally decided to come back? I thought you were going to stay in France until the end of time!"

Christian handed his coat to a maid and sat down across from her. "Mom, it's late. Why are you still awake?"