The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 210

The private dining room door clicked shut behind them, sealing away the lingering scent of tea and the subtle tension that hung in the air.

The hallway was lined with a thick wool carpet, its deep olive background woven with dark gold vines, silencing their footsteps. Evelyn Sullivan took two steps and suddenly stopped, turning slightly to evade Sebastian Thorne's hand, which still rested on her shoulder.

The movement was crisp and decisive, radiating an undeniable sense of distance.

Sebastian's hand hovered in the air, his fingertips still tingling from the soft wool of her jacket. He slowly lowered his arm and watched as she turned back, retrieving her black tweed jacket from his arm. She folded it meticulously and draped it over her own arm.

She didn't look at him once during the entire process.

Then she turned and walked straight ahead. Her heels made only the faintest muffled thuds against the carpet. Her back was as straight as a bamboo stalk, and the sleek black dress cut sharp lines against her legs with every stride, showing no intention of waiting for him.

Sebastian stood frozen for a split second before his long legs carried him after her.

They walked down the long corridor, one after the other. Abstract oil paintings hung on the walls, bathed in the soft, warm glow of sconces. Occasionally, servers pushed dining carts past them, respectfully stepping aside, though their eyes couldn't help but dart curiously between the two of them.

The elevator lobby was empty. Evelyn pressed the down button, the metallic doors reflecting her composed profile. Sebastian stood half a step beside her. He could smell the faint scent of disinfectant clinging to her clothes—that distinct, deeply ingrained hospital scent—mingled with a trace of cold, distant rose.

She didn't look at him, her eyes fixed on the blinking red numbers above the elevator doors.

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed. He wanted to say something, but seeing the tight line of her lips, he remained silently beside her.

"Ding—"

The doors slid open.

Evelyn stepped in first and pressed B2. Sebastian followed, standing diagonally behind her. In the confined space, he could clearly see the luminous skin at the nape of her neck beneath stray strands of hair, and the delicate pearl earring on her lobe—simple, yet it softened the lines of her profile beautifully.

The elevator descended, bringing a slight sensation of weightlessness.

Sebastian finally broke the silence, his voice low in the enclosed space. "What did you and Julian talk about?"

Evelyn glanced at his reflection in the doors. "Private matters."

"What did he want with you?"

"Mr. Thorne," she finally turned to face him, her eyes as calm as a deep pool, "that is my business."

The elevator reached the second basement level and the doors opened.

Evelyn stepped out first.

The parking garage was vast and quiet. Harsh white fluorescent lights cast a pale glow overhead, highlighting the sharp, cold outlines of luxury cars. The air smelled faintly of gasoline and damp concrete. Her car was parked in a secluded spot at the far end—a dark gray Volvo XC90, polished to a spotless shine.

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