Chapter 165

Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile. "If Laura truly delivers a male heir this time, her position within the Vanderbilt dynasty might shift dramatically."

Lydia's eyes widened in shock. "Aunt Laura is attempting to conceive a son?"

She knew all too well about her grandmother Madam Victoria's blatant preference for grandsons over granddaughters.

Back in Cornelia, her useless brother had always been the golden child while she'd been treated like an afterthought. She'd been forced into household chores since childhood while her brother lounged about.

Only when marriageable age approached had Madam Victoria shown her slight favor - solely because she hoped Lydia would marry into wealth to support her brother.

What her grandmother never realized was that Lydia sought a wealthy match not to fund her brother's lifestyle, but to escape his tyranny.

If Aunt Laura succeeded in bearing a son, perhaps the family's obsessive focus would shift from her brother.

This thought sparked a dangerous hope in Lydia's heart.

The office door swung open abruptly, catching Lydia eavesdropping. She tumbled to the floor at Gregory's feet.

Gregory's brow furrowed as he stared down at her.

Evelyn glanced up from her desk, immediately noticing the intruder. "Lydia? What are you doing outside my door?"

Lydia scrambled up, cheeks flaming. "E-Evelyn! I was just coming to see you. I swear I wasn't eavesdropping intentionally!"

Tears welled in her eyes as Gregory shot Evelyn a questioning look.

With Evelyn's subtle nod, Gregory exited.

Evelyn set down her documents. "What did you need?"

"I...I wanted to ask for guidance. There's so much I don't understand as a first-day intern." Lydia bit her lip. "You don't think I'm bothering you, do you?"

Though Evelyn held no love for the Vanderbilts, she recognized Lydia as another victim of Madam Victoria's indoctrination.

Compared to Vivian, Lydia merely came across as slightly affected rather than genuinely repulsive.

Most importantly, Lydia hadn't yet crossed any lines.

Evelyn rose gracefully. "Why would I think that? You're welcome to seek my guidance - or Director Xavier's - whenever needed."

"Thank you, Evelyn." Lydia hesitated. "May I ask one more thing?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you...hate me?" The question came out barely above a whisper.

Evelyn offered a small smile. "No."

Lydia's face lit up. "That's wonderful—"

Before Evelyn could react, Lydia suddenly embraced her. "I truly want to learn from you, Evelyn. I know I'm foolish, but please don't hold it against me. My family never valued me because I'm female, and I'm terrified of being despised."

As she spoke, Lydia deftly plucked a strand of hair from Evelyn's shoulder, concealing it in her palm.

Evelyn remained silent.

Lydia released her, stepping back with downcast eyes. "Forgive me. I obey Grandmother because I crave her approval. But knowing you don't hate me...it means everything."

With a fragile smile, she added, "I should return to work now."

Evelyn watched Lydia's retreating figure with growing puzzlement.

Had she been too quick to judge all Vanderbilts by the same measure?

Was Lydia truly different from the rest?

Had her own prejudice blinded her?

Meanwhile, at the Laurent estate...

Lucas leaned casually against his study wall, hands in pockets. His mother Lillian had summoned him regarding Vivian.

His expression remained impassive. "Do you honestly believe Vivian is my cousin?"