The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 206

1:30 PM, The Zenith top-floor viewing suite.

Evelyn arrived half an hour early. She chose a seat by the window, ordered a pot of tea, and quietly gazed at the New York skyline. The autumn sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a pale golden glow over her fitted black dress. Her tweed jacket was draped over the chair beside her.

She was completely calm.

The waiter refilled her water twice as the clock ticked to 1:40.

The door to the suite was gently pushed open.

Julian St. Claire walked in.

He wore a dark grey suit with no tie, the top button of his shirt undone, carrying a dark brown leather portfolio. Seeing Evelyn already there, he paused before flashing a warm smile.

"Ms. Sullivan," he approached the table. "My apologies for making you wait."

Evelyn set her teacup down and looked up at him. "You didn't. I just arrived myself."

Julian took the seat across from her and placed his portfolio on the table. A waiter entered, poured him tea, and quietly slipped out.

The suite fell silent, the faint hum of traffic outside being the only sound.

"Mr. St. Claire," Evelyn spoke first, her voice calm. "What kind of partnership did you want to discuss? As far as I know, there shouldn't be any professional overlap between me and your law firm."

Julian picked up his teacup and blew on it gently. "This isn't on behalf of the firm. It's personal."

Evelyn looked at him, her gaze clear. "Then tell me directly. No need to beat around the bush."

"You're very straightforward, Ms. Sullivan." Julian smiled, a hint of admiration in his expression. "Then I won't waste your time."

He set down his teacup, pulled a flat black velvet box from his portfolio, and slid it toward her.

"What is this..." Evelyn didn't move, merely staring at the box.

"Open it and see," Julian said.

Evelyn remained silent for a few seconds before reaching out to pop the box open.

Inside lay a modern, artistic brooch. The silver base was embedded with lapis lazuli and pearls, forming an abstract shape. But looking closely, it was clearly a rose intertwined around a caduceus—the symbol of medicine.

She raised her eyes. "Meaning?"

"A small token." Julian leaned forward slightly. "Consider it... my way of apologizing."

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