Lydia had seen her father’s collection of calligraphy, paintings, and antique imperial jewelry made by master craftsmen.
She figured Yvonne’s designs were just as intricate.
Yvonne’s cheeks pinked at the praise. “I’m glad you like it, Lydia.”
Getting along with Lucas and Yvonne felt easy, and before they knew it, night had fallen.
Hayden wheeled himself to the door. “I’ll drive you back to the hotel.”
“Okay.” Lydia nodded, following him out, with Yvonne and Harper close behind.
Harper didn’t want to let Lydia go. She squeezed Lydia’s hand and babbled on, “We’ll plan the wedding properly once things settle down. I promise it’ll be everything you deserve.”
Lydia smiled and nodded. “I know, Harper.”
Lucas stood to leave, leaning down to murmur something to Yvonne.
Yvonne quickly spoke up, turning to Harper. “I’ll stay the night here and keep you company. If everyone leaves, the house will feel so empty, and you’ll get lonely.”
Harper tapped her forehead playfully. “You always know how to make me happy.”
“Let me walk you out, Lucas,” Hayden offered. Beneath the streetlamp, half of his face was cast in shadow.
Lucas waved him off, looking a little awkward. “It’s not far. I can manage.”
Hayden didn’t push. He guided Lydia to the car, and they pulled away from the Leonard Manor, taillights shrinking down the winding road.
Inside the car, Hayden’s tone turned serious. “The people you met today are all the members of our Leonard family.” Lydia nodded thoughtfully. “Matthew’s bunch relies on you, so they’re yielding in every way. But if they ever get a chance to pull you down from your position, I don’t think they’d hold back.”
She paused, then added, “Though I doubt that scenario will ever come true.”
“Why?” Hayden found her take intriguing, gesturing for her to keep going.
Lydia began, “Matthew’s all talk–hot–headed, but he never follows through. Winona’s got tunnel vision, chasing tiny wins -total greed. And Daryl? He’s been spoiled his whole life and can’t handle real pressure.”
She leaned back and continued, “Lucas’s side seems solid. Lucas is straightforward, and Yvonne’s Harper’s favorite—she must be genuine. Harper’s seen enough in her life to spot a fake. She wouldn’t dote on someone phony.”
Hayden let out a soft laugh, cutting in. “You’re still new at this. Some people are great at faking it.”
Lydia didn’t argue. She knew better than to judge too quickly–she’d only met Lucas and Yvonne once, after all. But time would tell. Even the sneakiest foxes slip up eventually.
1/3
20:09 Fri, 15 Aug
Chapter 24
Suddenly, it hit her, and she narrowed her eyes at Hayden. “I’m ‘new at this,‘ huh? Then tell me–with all your ‘experience–what do you know about the Hollander family?”
Hayden’s calm gaze flickered. “You think I agreed to this marriage with the Hollanders without a clue?”
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Lydia went quiet. That wasn’t what she meant. She knew Hayden was too smart to make a move without something in it for himself. She paused, weighing whether to say more.
But Hayden continued, “The Hollander family’s split into three branches. The second branch is ambitious but keeps things quiet while battling the third. But the third branch–the one your mom married into–they wear their hearts on their sleeves.”
Lydia listened, stunned. He’d never been part of the Hollander circle, yet he knew their secrets like the back of his hand.
When Hayden finished, he glanced over to find her gaping. A faint, amused glint showed in his eyes.
“You married me as the second branch’s stand–in, but it helps the third. On the surface, the second acts like they’re falling in line, but deep down…” He trailed off, his amusement turning to something darker.
Lydia somewhat grasped Hayden’s power play. She understood why he wanted to use the project to stir up open enmity between the second and third branches–it was his way of getting back at them for sending her instead of Effie.
She was stunned. ‘This guy’s seriously plotting. Manipulating the Hollanders is like child’s play for him.‘
Suddenly, her phone buzzed, cutting off her thoughts. She glanced at the unknown number and knew exactly who it was. “What’s up?” she answered.
Rachel’s voice came through. “I can get you your dad’s paintings, but the house will have to wait. Talk to Hayden about the urban renewal project.”
“Got it,” Lydia replied. She had hit speakerphone deliberately, figuring Hayden would’ve heard it.
Just as she hung up, Hayden’s phone rang.
“Mr. Leonard? It’s the Hollander family…”
Lydia listened to the call and realized it was from Vincente—Hayden’s plan to stir up the Hollander family feud was kicking into gear.
After hanging up, Hayden caught her eye. They quickly looked away, each drifting into their thoughts.
The night was pitch black, while the Hollander residence’s living room stayed brightly lit.
Lydia stared at the paintings laid out in front of her, a weight lifting from her chest.
“I gave you the paintings,” Rachel said, sipping her coffee. “Now take that project thing seriously.”
“I know.” Lydia rolled up the scrolls, tucking them under her arm. She started to leave, but a voice stopped her.
2/3
ས ཊཱི71%2
20:09 Fri, 15 Aug
Chapter 24
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“Lydia,” Effie called out, heading downstairs in her pajamas. She walked up to Lydia, glanced at Rachel, then back at Lydia. “Can you talk to Hayden about the urban renewal project?”
Lydia clutched the scrolls and looked at Effie. The woman who used to mock Lydia was now speaking in such a humble, deferential tone. Being Mrs. Leonard sure had its perks.
“I just married Hayden, and I don’t call the shots on Leonard projects. It’s all up to Hayden and how capable your guys are,” Lydia said.
Effie’s face tightened, assuming Lydia was brushing her off because Rachel had bribed her. She spun on Rachel, snapping, “We agreed to fair competition. But you’re sneaking around, trying to buy Lydia over.”
Rachel sipped her coffee calmly. “Why would I need to ‘buy over‘ my daughter? Besides, she’s just getting back what rightfully belonged to her dad.”
“Exactly.” Lydia nodded. Finally, she heard something sensible from Rachel.
The commotion drew the Hollander brothers, Sean and Vincente, downstairs. They stepped in to break it up.
Rachel’s husband, Sean, acted like he’d just noticed Lydia. “Lydia’s right,” he said. “We’re all Hollanders, after all. Better the project stays in the family than go to some outsider.”
Vincente, glasses perched on his nose and looking unflappable, chimed in. “Sean’s got a point. No use ruining family ties over a project. Effie, go apologize to Rachel.”
Effie wore her resentment plainly on her face. Still, she trudged over to Rachel in a huff and mumbled, “Sorry. I spoke without thinking”
Rachel put on a warm smile, playing the good sport in front of the brothers. “It’s okay, Effie. You grew up under my roof; I know you didn’t mean it.”
AD
