Chapter 52 Not accepting her
On the wide road, a black Maybach raced past, traversing a long stretch of forest before arriving at an
estate.
Flanking the estate were attendants dressed neatly, their demeanor respectful. As the Maybach passed,
they all bowed in unison.
Lydia couldn’t help but feel astonished.
Although she knew of the Halsey family’s illustrious lineage, seeing it firsthand left her at a loss for
words.
The Halsey family was a century–old family, and even the estate exuded an inexplicable air of opulent grandeur. This was the ancestral home of the Halseys, where their parents resided.
After her initial surprise, Lydia felt increasingly nervous. She knew their impression of her hadn’t been
favorable, and she hoped today might change that.
Finally, the car came to a stop. Before Lydia could move, someone outside opened the door.
The person who emerged was in their forties or fifties, impeccably dressed in a suit, hair neatly combed back, with a stern expression–a clear indication that he was the estate’s steward.
“Sir,”
Lambert replied in a subdued tone, not particularly warm.
He then brushed past the steward’s hand, personally helping Lydia and Wythe out of the car, protectively
lifting Wythe into his arms.
The steward frowned at this display, evidently displeased with Lambert’s actions, but said nothing more and simply ushered them inside respectfully.
As they walked, Lydia felt her body stiffen. The vast and magnificent estate exuded a solemn atmosphere, as if speaking loudly here was a sin, making her feel incredibly oppressed!
Sensing her nervousness, Lambert’s grip tightened slightly, silently reassuring her.
Lydia felt a bit calmer, silently encouraging herself as she followed Lambert into the house.
“Dad, Mom!” Lambert spoke first, with Lydia and Wythe greeting them closely behind. “Uncle, Aunt.”
Odgen and Nydia were seated on the sofa. Upon hearing Lydia’s greeting, they barely lifted their eyes.
Hmm.”
Then, their gaze fell upon Wythe in Lambert’s arms.
”
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Their previous coldness melted away as they quickly stood up from the sofa, stepping forward to take Wythe from Lambert’s embrace.
“Wythe, my dear, how I’ve missed you!”
“Grandpa, Grandma, hello!” Wythe greeted obediently, receiving a kiss from both Odgen and Nydia.
The obvious difference in treatment left Lydia feeling awkward.
Lambert furrowed his brows and reached out to pull her into his embrace, whispering, “Relax, I’ve got everything under control.”
Lydia nodded slightly, her disappointment evident in her eyes.
Observing this, Wythe’s eyes darted around. He walked over to Lydia and held up the gift in her hand. ” Grandpa, Grandma, Mom specially bought you gifts. Do you like them?”
Initially, Odgen and Nydia didn’t even want to glance at what Lydia brought.
But since it was their beloved grandson who wanted them to look, they felt obliged to, though their faces lacked much enthusiasm.
Nydia opened one of the gift boxes to find a carefully selected piece of jewelry. Seeing Nydia examining the gift closely, Lydia took a deep breath. “Aunt, this is for you. I hope you like it.”
“If you’re not sure, then don’t bother giving it!” Nydia’s words carried implications, causing Lydia’s face to pale slightly, her smile stiffening.
“Mom! If you don’t like it, you can give it to me. I really like it!” Wythe intervened.
“You!” Nydia was momentarily taken aback by her son’s retort.
Looking up, she met Lambert’s deep, chilly gaze, inexplicably feeling a shiver down her spine, but she didn’t say anything further.
Though Odgen wasn’t particularly fond of Lydia either, as the host, he felt it necessary to treat their guest well. So, he skillfully changed the topic.
“Alright, let’s put the gifts away for now. Have a seat. Sid, bring some coffee!”
The former steward, Sid, acknowledged and soon several maids entered, carrying trays of coffee and pastries.
Odgen naturally sat with Nydia, while Lambert pulled Lydia to sit opposite them.
Wythe settled back beside Lydia, directly between Lambert and her.
The atmosphere became somewhat tense. Odgen and Nydia exchanged a glance, and Nydia was the first to speak. “Since Wythe’s back today, I’ve informed a few elders from the family to come over this
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afternoon. Starting today, Wythe will stay here!”
+15 BONUS
As soon as Nydia finished speaking, Lydia anxiously wanted to speak up, but Lambert pressed her hand gently. Then he spoke, “Wythe won’t stay here!”
“What did you say? Wythe is our grandson; of course, he should stay here!” Nydia glared at Lambert.
Lambert’s expression remained impassive. “Wythe is first and foremost my son! Then he’s your grandson! Of course, he can stay here, and Lydia will also move in to take care of him!”
“No! I disagree!” Nydia refused decisively. “I’ve said it before, I won’t let this woman step into our house!
Recognizing Wythe is fine, but not this woman!”
Lambert’s face darkened further.
He stood up abruptly, as if he was about to leave without further ado. “Lydia is Wythe’s mother. If you
don’t acknowledge her as your grandson’s mother, then there’s no need to acknowledge Wythe as your
grandson!”
“You!” Nydia’s face turned red with anger.
Seeing this, Wythe took the initiative and stepped forward, throwing himself into Nydia’s arms.
“Grandma! Don’t be mad! I haven’t even had breakfast today just to come see you and grandpa! Now I’m
really hungry. Can we eat something first before we talk? Besides, if I don’t stay here, would you stop
recognizing me as your grandson?”
With Wythe’s coaxing, Nydia’s anger seemed to deflate like a punctured balloon.
She reached out and patted Wythe’s head gently. “How could that be? You’re hungry? Grandma will prepare lunch for you right away. What would you like to eat?”
“Whatever Grandma likes, I like too. Mom says children shouldn’t be picky eaters!” Wythe replied.
As he spoke, he grabbed a piece of candy from the table, peeled it, and stuffed it into Nydia’s mouth.” There, Grandma, getting angry makes you look older. Then I won’t have such a young and pretty grandma
anymore!”
Wythe’s playful banter managed to soften Nydia’s expression slightly. On the side, Odgen pretended to be upset. “You only know how to coax your grandma. What about coaxing your grandpa?”
Wythe’s eyes flickered. “Grandpa, you’re a big, strong hero. Do you need me to coax you?”
Nydia joined in, “Are you getting jealous with me now?”
For a moment, the tension eased.
When Odgen wasn’t paying attention, Wythe discreetly blinked at Lydia and Lambert, indicating they
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shouldn’t confront Odgen and Nydia head–on.
Lydia also tugged at Lambert’s sleeve, shaking her head.
After all, they were Lambert’s parents, and she didn’t want to cause a rift between them.
Odgen took a sip of his coffee and spoke in a relaxed tone, “Lydia, I heard your father was the former CEO of the Gilford Group, Harlan Gilford?”
Lydia paused before answering, “Yes.”
Lambert furrowed his brows slightly. Lydia might not know about his father’s demeanor, but Lambert was well aware of it.
Compared to his mother’s straightforwardness, Odgen seemed mild, but he was actually the more difficult one to deal with.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have achieved such great success in the business world!
Sure enough, Odgen continued, “Actually, we’re quite satisfied with your family background. You must understand, with our family’s wealth and status, it’s impossible for Lambert to marry a commoner. Cinderella only exists in fairy tales.”
Lydia was puzzled, but she could only listen.
Lambert, however, responded indifferently, “Dad, if you have something to say, just say it! We’re not three- year–olds who need your lecturing.”
Odgen’s stern gaze met Lambert’s cold, indifferent eyes.
It was like a clash of swords, neither yielding an inch. Eventually, Lambert’s gaze prevailed, causing Odgen to turn away first.
“Since you don’t want to hear me out, I’ll be blunt! My opinion is the same as your mother’s. Wythe can come back, but Lydia can’t!”
Upon hearing this, Wythe pouted and shook Odgen’s hand. “Why, Grandpa? If there’s no mom, there won’t be me in this world! Then I won’t be able to see you and grandma!”
Odgen didn’t bother to explain to Wythe.
Instead, he looked at Lydia and said, “Your background is decent, and you’ve had some success in your career. But you’ve had a failed marriage before, and it’s said that you’re still entangled with your ex- husband to this day.
“Do you think someone like you is worthy of my son Lambert?”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.