The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 217

"A bit what?" Sebastian took a step forward. "Or maybe you think I'm the one who's sick, and you want to be shipped off to mine coal in Africa early?"

"No! I don't!" Lance was on the verge of tears. "Boss, I was wrong! Bringing flowers is a great idea! Perfect, really! Ms. Sullivan is a doctor, but she's also human. Anyone would be thrilled to receive flowers!"

Sebastian withdrew his deadly gaze and looked back down at the bouquet. "Since you know how to talk, keep talking. I'll add five thousand dollars to your bonus this month."

Lance blinked, then beamed with joy. "Thank you, Boss!"

"However—" Sebastian added. "If she thinks these flowers are inappropriate, you're spending the next three months at the African branch."

The smile froze on Lance's face.

At eight-ten, they were ready to leave.

As they reached the entryway, they ran into Mrs. Gable coming back from grocery shopping. She was a senior housekeeper who had been with the Thorne family for thirty years. Sebastian had specifically brought her to New York to manage his household.

"Oh my, Mr. Thorne looks so sharp today!" Mrs. Gable's eyes lit up. She set down her grocery basket and inspected him closely. "This suit, the tie, the hair... My, my. Where are you heading?"

"The hospital," Sebastian replied.

"The hospital?" Mrs. Gable glanced at the flowers in his hand. "Taking such beautiful flowers to a hospital? Are you visiting a patient?"

"No." Sebastian paused. "I'm going to see a doctor."

Mrs. Gable blinked, then broke into a wide smile. "Bringing flowers to see a doctor? Mr. Thorne, could it be that you're..."

"Mrs. Gable, that's enough," Sebastian interrupted her. "I'm doubling your salary this month."

"Oh, you don't have to do that!" she said, though her face was practically glowing. "But Mr. Thorne, let me just give you a piece of advice. If you really fancy a doctor, bringing flowers is the right move, but it's best to stick to something softer. Bright, bold flowers aren't always appropriate in a hospital setting."

Sebastian looked down at the deep purple roses in his hands, lost in thought.

At nine-twenty, they arrived at St. Jude's Medical Center.

The outpatient lobby was bustling with people.

The moment Sebastian stepped through the doors holding the "Queen of the Night" bouquet, he drew countless stares.

His appearance was simply too striking—a bespoke suit, a tall and commanding posture, a handsome yet icy face, all complemented by the bizarrely colored bouquet. He looked utterly out of place in a hospital, like a model stepping straight off the cover of a financial magazine.

Lance followed half a step behind, acutely aware of the eyes tracking them from every direction.

Two young nurses were handing over their shifts at the front desk. Seeing Sebastian approach, they both stopped what they were doing.

"Excuse me," Sebastian said evenly as he reached the desk. "Where is Dr. Evelyn Sullivan's office?"

One of the nurses snapped out of her daze, her cheeks flushing. "You're... looking for Dr. Sullivan? Do you have an appointment?"

"Yes." Sebastian nodded. "For nine-thirty."

Lance whispered, "Boss, that nurse said you're the first person to bring Dr. Sullivan flowers."

"Mhm," Sebastian hummed, the absolute faintest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.

The elevator chimed at the twelfth floor.

The hallway was quiet, smelling strongly of disinfectant. Following the directions, Sebastian turned right and quickly located Room 1217.

The door was closed, bearing a plaque that read "Dr. Evelyn Sullivan."

Sebastian stood perfectly still in front of the door.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his collar, and fixed the angle of the bouquet.

Watching his boss look as tense as if he were facing down an army, Lance's heart hammered in his chest. Was he really here for a medical consultation? This felt entirely like...

Sebastian raised his hand and knocked lightly against the door.

Tap, tap, tap.

The sound echoed sharply in the silent corridor.

From inside, Evelyn's voice answered, "Come in."