The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 167

"Please, it's my pleasure," Julian waved a hand dismissively. He tapped his fingers lightly against the table, adding with practiced casualty, "Also, once Evelyn returns to the country, if her schedule allows, I was wondering if I might have the honor of meeting with her? The time and place would be entirely up to her. I'd only need a few minutes of her time."

"A meeting?" Madeline was surprised once again.

"Yes," Julian leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together with a serious expression. "I have a rather unique partnership proposal in mind. I believe there might be some... room for discussion regarding her future plans. Of course, it's just a preliminary concept. Whether it's viable or appropriate is something we'd have to determine face-to-face." He spoke in incredibly broad strokes, dropping only the keywords "partnership proposal" and "future plans," while withholding everything else, effectively leaving the suspense and the power of decision in Evelyn's hands.

Madeline, being a lawyer herself, understood his reservations. Julian clearly didn't want to—or couldn't—relay the specifics over the phone or through a middleman. In the context of a potential business partnership, his extreme caution actually felt highly professional.

"Alright, Julian. I'll pass along your apology, the gift, and your request for a meeting," Madeline promised. "As for what Evelyn thinks or when she'll be free, that will be entirely up to her."

"As it should be." Julian smiled and nodded, raising his glass. "Thank you for your trouble, Madeline. I appreciate you putting up with my rambling and acting as a messenger."

Dinner concluded in a pleasant, if slightly mysterious, atmosphere. Julian drove Madeline back to her apartment, waiting until she was safely inside before politely driving off.

Back in her living room, Madeline stared at the exquisite gift box, replaying Julian's vague yet loaded words in her mind. Something about it felt heavy. After a moment of thought, she pulled out her phone and dialed Evelyn's number.

(The Summit Sanctuary, Room 301)

When the phone rang, the air inside the room was practically suffocating.

Evelyn had just ended a brief call with Dr. William Ashford and was about to change out of her dusty work clothes when a knock echoed on the door. It was Kamal, having returned, but standing right behind him was Sebastian Thorne. Sebastian had changed into dark casual wear, his expression unreadable. He held a thick, heavy-looking manila folder in his hand, his dark eyes locked firmly onto hers.

"Dr. Rose, forgive the intrusion," Kamal said, his tone maintaining its usual deep respect, though heavily laced with awkwardness. "Mr. Thorne insisted he had an urgent and critical matter that required your immediate attention. He says it concerns you."

Evelyn's gaze shifted past Kamal, colliding with Sebastian's mid-air. The shockwaves from the morning's monumental tribute ceremony and the intense stare he had given her from the audience hadn't even fully dissipated yet. Now, he was standing at her door, radiating a physical, undeniable dominance that demanded to be acknowledged.

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