The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 590

New York, Metropolitan Plaza.

Penelope Lancaster hadn't left the house in days. It wasn't that she didn't want to go out; she simply didn't have the face for it. Gossip spread faster than a plague among the wealthy socialites. If someone's daughter-in-law had an affair, or a husband was keeping a mistress, the entire circle would know within an afternoon. Let alone a scandal of this magnitude.

Today, she had been dragged out by Piper Brooks. Piper had shown up first thing in the morning, whining and refusing to take no for an answer. "Penelope, you've been cooped up for days. If you stay inside any longer, you'll start growing mold," Piper complained, linking arms with her as they strolled through the high-end boutiques. As a design student, Piper had a sharp eye for fashion, and she always managed to pick out pieces that perfectly suited Penelope's taste.

Vanessa Vance followed behind them, watching her daughter coax Penelope with a faint smile. It had been her idea to have Piper drag Penelope out. Penelope was stubborn and wouldn't listen to anyone else, but she absolutely doted on Piper.

The three women browsed the luxury wing of the mall, but Penelope didn't buy a single thing. It wasn't that the clothes weren't up to her standards; she just didn't care. In the past, she could clock the price of a designer bag or pair of heels with a single glance. Today, she didn't even have the energy to reach out and touch them.

"Penelope, try this one," Piper said, holding up a sleek handbag.

Penelope glanced at it and shook her head. "No."

"Why not? The color is gorgeous! If you pair this with that trench coat you bought last time, it would look amazing."

"I'm just not in the mood."

Piper put the bag back, pouting slightly as she squeezed Penelope's arm. "You're just overthinking things. Lyra Langford was always just some stage performer anyway. Did you really expect her to be a saint? I knew from the start she was bad news. The way her eyes always darted around, she was clearly a manipulator playing the victim."

Penelope didn't respond.