The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 151

"It seems like... she went to see the Great Migration in Africa." Madeline gave a general direction, mentally reminding herself to stay on guard.

"The Great Migration?" Julian realized, his tone turning relaxed. "This season is indeed a great time for observation. My cousin and her documentary filmmaker friends flew out there a few days ago, as young people just love chasing those natural wonders." He smiled, asking casually as if making small talk, "Is your friend with a scientific expedition or on a private itinerary? Do you know which reserve or camp she's staying at? If she's close to my cousin's group, they might be able to look out for each other; those kids filming the documentary know the area well."

The questions seemed casual but touched on the core issue. Alarm bells rang softly in Madeline's mind. Julian's inquiries were entirely reasonable and full of concern, but she genuinely didn't know Evelyn's specific itinerary in Africa, and more importantly, Evelyn had explicitly asked her not to reveal her whereabouts.

"Well... I didn't really ask for the details." Madeline smiled, trying to make her expression look natural while feigning a bit of helpless amusement at her best friend's willful nature. "She just said she was going to see the animals and relax, but she didn't report the exact schedule to me. You know how she is, sometimes she just makes up her own mind. How about... I text her and ask?" She offered a response that seemed cooperative but was actually a stalling tactic.

Julian was sharp enough to immediately catch the reservation and polite refusal in her words. A fleeting emotion flashed deep in his eyes, too fast to capture, before he quickly reverted to his gentle, understanding demeanor, even adding a touch of apology.

"No, no, I just mentioned it in passing. Don't go out of your way to ask. Your friend went out there to clear her head and get away from all this mess, so let's not bother her." He said considerately, then naturally changed the subject, chatting about a few recent amusing anecdotes from the legal circle.

The car pulled smoothly into the quiet street where Silverwood Residences was located. Julian thanked her and got out, standing at the entrance of the luxurious apartment building. He waved at Madeline in the car, his posture tall and his smile still warm and proper in the night. "Drive safe, text me when you get home. We can discuss the collaboration anytime."

"Will do, Julian! Hurry inside and get some rest. Good night!" Madeline smiled and waved back, watching him swipe his access card and walk through the doors before she slowly drove away.

The moment Madeline's taillights disappeared around the corner, the flawless, gentle smile on Julian's face vanished instantly, as if a mask had been ripped away. He didn't walk into the apartment building. Instead, he turned and headed straight into the shadows behind a dense cluster of tall ornamental plants nearby.

"You got it." The Architect spat out the toothpick and crushed it under his boot, his smile turning dangerously playful. "Should have done this from the start, it's way more efficient. But... I have to say, Mr. St. Claire, putting on this whole act of the gentle, caring friend... if your pretty classmate finds out you're secretly investigating her best friend with potentially less-than-noble intentions, do you think she'll tear down the doors to your law firm?"

Julian remained silent for two seconds. He looked down the dark street where Madeline had disappeared, a highly complex glimmer flashing deep in his eyes, too fast to catch. He didn't answer the question. Instead, he retracted his gaze, gave The Architect an emotionless glance, and turned around. With steady, rapid strides, he walked into the deeper darkness in the opposite direction of the apartment entrance, his tall silhouette quickly swallowed by the night.

The Architect stood right where he was, rubbing his chin. He watched the direction Julian had vanished in, let out a low, ambiguous chuckle, and then turned, leisurely disappearing into another patch of shadows.

The streetlights were dim, the tree shadows swaying. All the conversations and figures from moments ago seemed to be quietly erased by the heavy night, leaving no trace behind.