Shredded Vows: The Billionaire’s Secret Heir novel Chapter 40

Stella had zero interest in other people's personal lives, but after a two-second standoff, she picked it up and flipped it open.

The moment she read the groom's name on the marriage certificate, the breath left her lungs. She stared at the photo. She stared at the date of registry. Absolute shock slammed into her.

Holding the small booklet, she sat there as if turned to stone.

It took her a full ten seconds to drag her mind back to reality and meet Lydia's gaze. "..." She was so stunned she couldn't even form a word.

"Gideon and I were married five years ago. We are husband and wife," Lydia stated the facts plainly, without a shred of arrogance.

Stella's face paled slightly as she handed the certificate back with both hands. For the very first time, she truly looked at the girl standing in front of her.

Lydia's eyes were calm and clear, as if she could see through all the corporate nonsense. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her beauty lay not just in her radiant complexion, but in her unbothered, ethereal aura.

"I'm not showing you this to brag. I just wanted you to know that my passion for design is entirely genuine. I don't want to ride my husband's coattails, so please keep my identity a secret for now."

Stella nodded in agreement. "About yesterday... I owe you an explanation. I wasn't targeting you."

"I know," Lydia said softly, completely understanding.

But Stella insisted on finishing. "I just figured Serena was a nepotism hire from Mr. Gray. She clearly lacks talent and brings too much drama. I didn't want her ruining the department's dynamic, and since she had it out for you, I..."

"Which is exactly why I don't hold it against you. Don't worry about it." Lydia's lips curved upward. Her smile was as bright and clean as morning sunlight in the mountains, radiating an absolute, untainted purity.

Then she added, "Oh, by the way, I'll need to leave a couple of hours early this afternoon. Gideon is taking me for a dress fitting. Old Mr. Jenson's 80th birthday is coming up, and we both have to attend."

"Yes, absolutely."

"I'll get to work then. See you." Lydia didn't put on a single air of superiority. She was as approachable as the girl next door.

After the door clicked shut, Stella sank back into her office chair and took a deep breath. "My god... Lydia is actually Mrs. Gray!"

"Then what the hell is Serena playing at?"

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