The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 111

She set down her glass and stumbled toward the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room. Outside, the city’s dazzling skyline stretched out like a galaxy of neon lights, yet none of that brilliance could penetrate the cold, chaotic darkness of her heart.

From the innermost pocket of her clutch, she retrieved the black velvet box and the solid black business card.

Opening the box, she found the pale pink pill resting quietly on the dark fabric, emitting a sinister yet seductive gleam in the dim light.

Lyra Langford stared at it, her gaze torn with intense inner conflict.

If she took it, there would be no turning back. It wasn't just about drugging Christian Lancaster; it was about letting this unknown substance ravage her own body. The "side effects" The Architect had mentioned—a massive toll on her reproductive system and the potential risk of future infertility—coiled tightly around her heart like a venomous snake.

But what if she didn't?

Without it, all of tonight's efforts might go to waste. Even if Christian succumbed to the aphrodisiac and they slept together, failing to maximize her chances of conception meant her odds of getting pregnant would plummet. Without a child as her ultimate leverage, her future would remain fraught with uncertainty.

To gamble, or not to gamble?

Evelyn Sullivan's unnervingly calm face flashed through her mind, followed by the eager yet pressuring looks from her parents, Lydia Langford's foolish and venomous glare, and Penelope Lancaster's seemingly gentle but highly critical scrutiny. Finally, her thoughts settled on Christian's handsome face—a face that always felt closed off, keeping her at a distance.

No! She couldn't lose! She had sacrificed too much, endured for too long, and schemed too relentlessly to get to this point. Wasn't it all just to stand proudly by Christian's side and make everyone look up to her?

She closed her eyes, and when they fluttered open again, nothing remained but sheer, desperate resolve.

Grabbing the pale pink pill, she didn't even bother with water, tossing her head back and swallowing it dry. It was small, but it felt jagged, scraping down her throat and leaving behind a bitter, burning sensation.

Almost the instant it went down, a faint, strange heat pooled in her lower abdomen, followed by a subtle throbbing as if something deep inside had been awakened.

The effects... they were kicking in already?

Refusing to overthink it, she grabbed her phone and dialed the number on the card.

This time, the call was answered on the first ring.

"Yes," came that same raspy, composed voice.

"It's me," Lyra whispered, her breath hitching. "I took the pill. You said you'd assist me. What do I need to do?"

"You don't need to do anything. Just wait for the news and stick to your original plan."

"..." Lyra opened her mouth to reply, but her throat felt completely parched, rendering her speechless.

"Go," the man finally said, a trace of icy urgency in his tone. "Seize your 'opportunity'."

The line went dead.

Lyra clutched her phone, standing frozen in the dim light for a few seconds. The heat in her stomach was growing undeniable, sending a flush to her cheeks as her heart raced wildly.

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