The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 147

Lance stiffened and bowed his head. "My apologies, sir."

"As for the Lancasters," Sebastian turned his gaze back to the Nairobi skyline, his tone utterly flat. "That old fox Lawrence is still pulling the strings. Do you honestly think he'd just sit back and let the situation spiral, or let himself be 'forced' into accepting a woman he despises? The actors in this little play think they're running the show, but they don't realize the director is pointing the camera somewhere else entirely."

Realization dawned on Lance. "You mean Lawrence is playing along? Or... setting a trap?"

"Whether it's a trap remains to be seen," Sebastian said, picking the invitation back up. "But he definitely has an endgame. Lyra, her family, and whoever else is trying to capitalize on the chaos are nothing but pawns. The worst thing a chess player can do is panic."

He paused, his thumb brushing over the gold-foiled crest on the invitation. "RSVP to the President's office. Tell them I am honored and will be there. As for my plus-one..." An image of a fiercely composed, brilliant woman flashed through his mind, along with a guess as to her current whereabouts. His gaze softened for a fraction of a second before hardening again. "Leave it open for now. I'll arrange it myself."

"Yes, sir," Lance noted, though he couldn't help but wonder who his boss would bring to such a high-stakes event.

"Also," Sebastian added, as if struck by a sudden thought. "Look into who else received invitations to this event or related academic functions—specifically The Global Medical Research Alliance, or any top-tier wildlife conservation and ecological research groups."

Though slightly confused, Lance jotted it down. "Understood. I'll get on it immediately."

After Lance left, Sebastian stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window. The dying light painted the distant peaks of Kilimanjaro a brilliant shade of crimson, looking solemn and mysterious.

He thought back to three years ago, when famine and war ravaged this land, and the decision he had made. His philanthropy hadn't been entirely selfless, but seeing the resulting peace and the hope in people's eyes brought a genuine sense of fulfillment.

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