The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 485

Footsteps sounded from upstairs, followed by the opening of a door. A small figure appeared at the top of the staircase, wearing blue pajamas, hair messy, rubbing his eyes.

"Dad?"

Leo Langford stood on the stairs, looking at Christian, his eyes brightening. He ran down, his slippers padding loudly against the steps, and rushed up to Christian, tilting his head up to look at him.

"Dad, you're back? I missed you."

Christian looked down at him. That little face, those eyes—they looked so much like Lyra. He used to think the boy resembled him, but looking now, there was no trace of it. This child had called him Dad for months, and now, every single utterance felt like a knife twisting in his chest. He reached out and ruffled the boy's hair. The gesture was gentle, but his fingers were icy cold.

"Leo, go back to sleep. Tomorrow, I'll have someone take you to your grandmother's house."

Leo blinked in confusion. "Grandma's house? Is Mom there too?"

Christian's hand stalled. "Mom isn't there. You're just going to stay for a few days."

Leo's lip quivered, and tears welled up in his eyes. "I don't want to go. I want to stay with you, Dad."

Penelope marched over and grabbed the boy's hand, her tone rushed and harsh. "Leo, behave! Go to sleep! We'll talk about this tomorrow!"

Leo was pulled upstairs, turning back to look at Christian with every step, tears threatening to spill. "Dad, will you be here tomorrow? You won't leave, right?"

Christian watched him and stayed silent for a few seconds. "I'll be here."

Only then did Leo follow Penelope upstairs. The footsteps faded, and the door clicked shut. Silence reclaimed the living room. Christian sat on the sofa, staring at the staircase, his fingers slowly curling into fists.

Light footsteps drifted from upstairs, followed by a door opening. Penelope came back down and sat beside him, her anger still burning hot.

"I'm telling you, first thing tomorrow morning, he has to go. Not a minute of delay." She paused, remembering something else. "And what are you going to do about Lyra? Don't tell me you still plan to marry her."

Christian said nothing.

Penelope stared at him, her tone growing urgent again. "I'm telling you, this engagement is over! If you don't break it off, I will never be able to show my face in society again! I used to think she brought me glory, but now? I'll be thanking God if she stops embarrassing me!"

Christian looked up. "Mom, she's carrying my child."

Penelope froze, then scoffed. "A child? Who knows if that baby is even yours? The one she brought back isn't yours, so who's to say this one doesn't belong to some random—"