Chapter 85

LYDIA’S POV

The moment stretched longer than it should have.

That woman’s words lingered in the air like poison, seeping into every corner of my mind, tightening around my chest until it became hard to breathe. She did not rush. She did not hesitate. Every sentence she spoke was deliberate, sharp, and meant to wound.

And the worst part was that she succeeded.

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze