The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 83

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 83**

A sudden murmur of tiny voices broke the stillness, drawing Lydia’s attention to the staircase. There, descending with a stack of papers clutched tightly in her hands, was Aria. The young girl was calling out names, her voice echoing through the hall like a playful melody.

Lydia observed her with a mix of curiosity and unease. A whirlpool of negative thoughts swirled in her mind. What if Aria was a threat? What if, in a moment of desperation, she could find a way to rid herself of this child? Would she be able to escape unscathed if she succeeded? The very notion sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself contemplating a range of sinister possibilities.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Aria’s voice broke through her dark reverie, her eyes locking onto Lydia’s with a hint of innocence. Startled, Lydia shook herself free from her musings, realizing too late that Aria had already approached her.

“Nothing,” she replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a mask than genuine warmth. She bent slightly to meet Aria’s gaze, attempting to bridge the gap between them.

“Aria, why don’t you tell me a little about your mum? How did your mum—”

“Why do you think I would talk about her with you?” Aria interrupted, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips.

“Just because I’m nice and smile at you doesn’t mean I really like you. It also doesn’t mean I hate you, but I can’t talk about my mother with you,” Aria added, her tone firm yet laced with a hint of vulnerability. Lydia felt a flush of embarrassment creep over her, and she straightened up, taking a few steps back as her plans crumbled before her eyes.

In her naivety, Aria had unwittingly thwarted Lydia’s intentions. She had hoped to glean some information from the girl—something she could use against Alessa. But now, that opportunity slipped away like sand through her fingers.

Just then, the door to the living room swung open, and Alessa stepped inside, her presence instantly commanding the room.

“Mummy, you’re back!” Aria exclaimed, her giggle ringing with delight. Alessa smiled in return, her eyes darting between her daughter and Lydia, assessing the atmosphere.

“Oh, she didn’t hurt me. It’s fine,” Aria reassured, clearly reading the concern etched on Alessa’s face.

Tracy entered shortly after, her expression brightening at the sight of Alessa.

“You’re back! We finished everything! We’re all set for tomorrow,” Tracy announced, her voice bubbling with excitement. Alessa’s smile widened, grateful for the support.

“Thank you!” Alessa replied, her tone warm.

“There’s just one more thing, though. You don’t have a partner, do you?” Lydia interjected, her curiosity piqued. Alessa rolled her eyes in response.

“I don’t need one,” she stated firmly.

“But at every ball, you need a—”

“I know,” Alessa cut her off, her patience wearing thin.

At that moment, Lydia’s phone rang, the abrupt sound jolting her back to reality. She glanced at the screen, her heart sinking.

“Oh, I have to go. My husband is calling,” she said, a sarcastic edge creeping into her voice as she made her way toward the door, casting a mocking glance at Alessa.

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