Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 141: Private Talk

The tension in the air was almost suffocating, but no one said a word as they focused on their food. The clinking of silverware against fine porcelain plates was the only sound that fillthe silence, save for the occasional murmur of small talk. Most of the conversation came from Lydia and Delphinia, though neither of them said much of significance. Ashton barely spoke, only responding when spoken to, and even then, his answers were short. If Evander had any thoughts about the situation, he didn’t show it. He simply ate, seemingly indifferent.

Delphinia, for her part, was relieved that things weren’t as disastrous as she had feared, though she still felt an overwhelming sense of unease. Every time Lydia spoke, she felt the woman’s gaze subtly flicker toward her, as if sizing her up, evaluating her. It was exhausting, and Delphinia found herself longing for this meal to be over.

At long last, the plates were cleared away, and the waiter returned with the bill, which Evander paid without a second thought. Delphinia exhaled slowly, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. Finally, it was over. She was more than ready to leave, eager to put this entire encounter behind her.

Just as they were preparing to leave, Lydia suddenly turned to Ashton, her expression softer than it had been all afternoon.

"Ashton," she said, her voice gentle, "are you free at the end of the week? I’d love for you to visit my workplace, to see what I do. I think it would be nice for us to spend some time together."

Ashton paused, his fingers tightening slightly on the back of his chair as he considered her request. His dark eyes flickered toward Evander and Delphinia, as if seeking their opinions, their approval.

Delphinia met his gaze and offered him a reassuring smile. "You can go if you want to, Ashton," she said softly. "It’s your choice."

For a moment, Ashton seemed hesitant. Then, finally, he nodded. "Okay."

Lydia’s expression brightened instantly, her lips curling into a wide smile. "Wonderful!" she said, clapping her hands together lightly. "I’m looking forward to it."

But before anyone could respond, Ashton added, "But I want Delphinia to come too."

Lydia’s smile faltered for a brief second, her hands lowering slowly before she quickly recovered. "Of course," she said smoothly. "She can come too."

Delphinia forced a small laugh, nodding. "I’d be happy to." But deep inside, she felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She hadn’t expected Ashton to insist on her coming as well. In truth, she wanted him to spend time with Lydia alone, to allow them to mend their relationship without her presence influencing anything.

But at the same time, she understood Ashton’s reasoning. They were still in an awkward phase. He wasn’t ready to be alone with Lydia yet. And so, she had no choice but to go along with it.

Lydia probably didn’t like this. No, she was almost certain Lydia hated the idea. But what could she do? Ashton had been the one to insist, and Lydia couldn’t exactly say no to her own son, not without the risk of upsetting him.

That was the problem, wasn’t it? Lydia had no choice. If she had it her way, Delphinia would be nowhere near this outing. But because Ashton wanted her there, Lydia had to go along with it.

And that worried her.

What if Lydia resented her even more because of this? What if she blamed Delphinia for making it harder for her to reconnect with Ashton? Even though Delphinia had done nothing but exist in Ashton’s life, was that alone enough to make Lydia see her as an obstacle?

She exhaled quietly, forcing herself to keep smiling as she glanced at Ashton, who seemed completely oblivious to the tension bubbling beneath the surface.

With that settled, they all rose from their seats, preparing to leave. Delphinia reached for her purse, while Evander placed a protective hand on her lower back, guiding her toward the exit. Ashton followed closely behind, his usual calm expression still in place.

Just as they were about to step out of the room, Lydia, who was still seated, suddenly spoke again.

"Delphinia," she called, making Delphinia pause. "Can I talk to you in private for a moment?"

Delphinia turned back, momentarily surprised by the request. Before she could answer, Evander’s voice cut in, sharp and immediate.

"What do you want with my wife?"

Lydia arched a brow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Protective, much?" she mused. "Relax, Evander. It’s not like I’m going to torture her."

Evander’s eyes narrowed, but before he could say anything more, Delphinia reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "It’s okay," she assured him. "You and Ashton can wait in the car."

Evander’s jaw tightened, clearly not pleased with the idea. He hesitated, his gaze flickering between Delphinia and Lydia, but after a long moment, he let out a sigh. "Fine," he muttered. "But don’t take too long."

Ashton, standing beside him, looked just as troubled, his eyes filled with silent concern as he glanced at Delphinia. But Delphinia only smiled at him, hoping to reassure him.

With a reluctant nod, Evander turned on his heel and walked toward the exit, Ashton following behind. The door swung shut behind them, leaving Delphinia alone with Lydia.

As the silence stretched between them, Delphinia could feel the weight of Lydia’s gaze on her, sharp and scrutinizing. Whatever this was about, it was clear that Lydia had something important to say.

Taking a deep breath, Delphinia slowly turned back to face her, her heart hammering slightly in her chest.

"What is it that you wanted to talk about?" she asked, keeping her voice even despite the unease stirring inside her.

Lydia tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile. "I’m just curious," she said, her tone deceptively light. "About you. About the woman who managed to marry Evander Walton."

Delphinia’s fingers curled slightly at her sides, but she maintained her composure, her expression unreadable.

This was going to be an interesting conversation.