The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 101

The corridor of The Zenith was lined with a thick, dark gray carpet that absorbed every footstep. Crystal sconces cast a soft, ambient glow, illuminating the abstract art on the walls in dancing shadows. The faint, soothing scent of cedarwood filled the air, but it only made Lyra Langford's heart race faster.

Faint laughter drifted from the suite—Christian Lancaster's fluent English, Mr. Klaus Hilti's hearty chuckle, and the crisp clink of wine glasses. Everything seemed to be going smoothly.

But Lyra knew that the Azure Tab was quietly dissolving and taking effect in Christian's system.

She sat on the sofa in the corner of the room, her fingertips ice-cold as she held a cup of tea that had long gone cold. As the minutes ticked by, her gaze uncontrollably drifted toward Christian. His sharp profile was striking under the lights, his expression holding that familiar, intense focus. Yet, a barely noticeable flush crept up the tips of his ears.

Had the drug started working?

She couldn't be sure. The bartender had told her that the Azure Tab took about half an hour to fully kick in. The initial symptoms were just a slight rise in body temperature and a faster heartbeat, which were easily overlooked. The true, overwhelming wave of dependency and desire would peak after an hour.

But she couldn't wait that long.

Her palms started to sweat again, and her stomach tied itself into knots. Lyra stood up abruptly, her movement a bit jarring.

Christian and Mr. Hilti looked at her simultaneously.

"Excuse me," she forced a smile, her voice tight. "I need to use the restroom."

Christian nodded, his gaze lingering on her face for a second before he turned back to his conversation with Hilti. His eyes were calm and unreadable, showing no signs of anything unusual.

Lyra practically fled the room.

The hallway was empty. She hurried toward the restroom, the clicking of her high heels muffled by the carpet, syncing with the frantic drumming of her heart. Pushing open the heavy, carved wooden door of the restroom, a blast of cold air hit her face. The woman in the mirror looked pale, a fine layer of cold sweat coating her forehead.

She turned on the faucet, letting the icy water rush over her wrists. Her fingertips still trembled uncontrollably.

"Calm down, Lyra," she muttered under her breath, staring at her reflection. "You've already come this far. There's no turning back. As long as you get through tonight, everything will be perfect. The position of Mrs. Lancaster, the future of the Lancaster family—it will all be yours."

She leaned over and splashed cold water on her face. The freezing droplets slid down her cheeks like tears, devoid of any warmth.

"What is Evelyn Sullivan anyway? She's just history. And Sebastian Thorne? He just swooped in to claim my leftovers." Her voice dropped lower, growing far more vicious. "Once I'm pregnant with Christian's child, once I rightfully stand by his side, all of you... will have to bow down to me."

A trace of maddening obsession flickered in the woman's eyes. Taking a deep breath, she pulled out a compact from her clutch and carefully touched up her makeup, burying all her panic and cold sweat beneath a layer of fine powder. She reapplied her dusty rose lipstick, perfectly matching the gentle, refined image she always curated.

Once her appearance was flawless, she practiced her smile in the mirror—the exact curve of her lips, the softness in her eyes. Every single detail had to be impeccable.

The Zenith was a top-tier, exclusive establishment. The people who dined here were filthy rich or wildly powerful. She knew or had at least heard of most of the prominent figures in elite circles. But this man? He was a complete stranger.

Was he new money? Or... from out of town?

She quickly regained her composure. Whoever he was, she had no time or patience to deal with him right now. Christian was her only priority.

Lyra looked away, pretending not to notice him, and continued toward the suite. Her heels brushed against the carpet, making a soft rustling sound.

Just as she was about to walk past him, an arm suddenly shot out, blocking her path.

Forced to stop, a flash of anger ignited in her chest. She looked up, meeting those calm, almost chilling eyes once again.

"Can I help you?" her voice turned icy, dripping with obvious impatience. She was used to strangers trying to hit on her, drawn by her stunning looks, hoping to strike up a conversation. Normally, she might entertain them for a moment, but tonight...

The man didn't answer immediately. He just looked her up and down. His gaze wasn't flirtatious; rather, it was a penetrating stare that made her skin crawl.

"Ms. Langford," he finally spoke, his deep, resonant voice laced with a hint of amusement. "You seem to be in quite a rush."