The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 146

Nairobi, Kenya

In stark contrast to the 'cozy' atmosphere at the Lancaster Estate, the top-floor executive suite of a towering building in downtown Nairobi hummed with quiet efficiency.

Sebastian Thorne sat behind a massive mahogany desk. He wore a finely tailored dark gray button-down, the collar unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up casually. He lacked the rigid formality he maintained back in the States, projecting a relaxed, international vibe, but his dark eyes remained as sharp and calculating as ever.

He scrolled through an encrypted briefing on his tablet.

"Mr. Thorne," his executive assistant, Lance Sterling, knocked and entered, a folder in hand and a brisk step. "I have a few updates."

"Go ahead," Sebastian replied smoothly, not looking up.

"First, domestic sentiment tracking shows that the heat around Christian and Lyra Langford's scandal is naturally declining. However, search volume for an 'engagement' rumor is spiking within certain circles. It's clearly a coordinated leak. Lancaster Group's stock stabilized after a brief dip, suggesting heavy capital intervention."

Sebastian gave a noncommittal hum. He wasn't surprised.

Lance continued. "Second, we made progress regarding The Zenith incident. By cross-referencing staff schedules, we located a janitor and a food runner who were near The Whispering Pines Suite that night. Their accounts of the timeline and the physical descriptions heavily contradict the leaked photos. Preliminary analysis suggests the photos were either staged or doctored. I'll have the full forensic report on your desk shortly."

"Will you be attending, Mr. Thorne?" Lance asked. "Given the current situation back home, you might prefer to oversee things personally..."

Sebastian raised a hand, cutting him off. A faint smirk touched his lips, but his eyes were predatory. "Lance, how long have you worked for me?"

"Ten years, sir," Lance replied instantly.

"Then you should know better. When have I ever altered my plans over petty parlor tricks and tabloid gossip?" Sebastian's voice was quiet but laced with absolute authority.