The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 232

At 6:40 AM, the morning light had just broken through the horizon.

Lance Sterling stood outside the inpatient building of St. Jude's Medical Center, holding a pristine white insulated box. A bold international shipping label was slapped across the top—flown in direct from Ecuador. He glanced at his watch, then up at the glass doors of the lobby.

It was far too early.

The front desk nurses wouldn't change shifts until seven-thirty, and he desperately needed to get back to the office. Mr. Thorne had a critical virtual meeting scheduled for nine-thirty. After leaving the hospital yesterday, Sebastian had locked himself in his study until the early hours of the morning. When Lance had picked him up today, he noticed the faint, dark circles under his boss's eyes. Sebastian clearly hadn't slept.

"Boss, about today's flowers..." Lance had asked cautiously in the car.

Sebastian hadn't even looked up from adjusting his cufflinks. "Deliver them personally."

His tone was calm, but Lance could hear the lingering frustration. It made sense. A man as fiercely proud as Sebastian Thorne had personally gone to the hospital under the guise of an "illness," only to be ruthlessly, professionally diagnosed by Dr. Sullivan. His ego had definitely taken a hit.

Lance still cringed remembering the agonizingly awkward scene in the office yesterday. Sebastian had delivered a romantic confession with the rigid tone of a corporate briefing, and Dr. Sullivan had deadpanned that he was experiencing "Transference," seriously advising him to consult a psychiatrist. Standing in the corner, Lance had wanted the floor to swallow him whole.

"Should I send the flowers to her office again?" Lance had ventured.

"Yes," Sebastian had replied, pausing briefly. "If she isn't there, leave them with the receptionist. Don't wait around for her."

Lance understood perfectly. His boss was... temporarily too mortified to face her.

---

"These are called 'Queen of the Night,' a rare variety flown in straight from Ecuador," Lance explained, carefully observing Lauren's reaction. "Mr. Thorne specifically requested that these be placed directly in Dr. Sullivan's hands."

Lauren stared at the bouquet, practically holding her breath. "They're... they're stunning. But Dr. Sullivan isn't in yet."

Lance checked his watch and offered an apologetic grimace. "I have a mandatory meeting at corporate by ten, so I really can't wait. Could you hold onto them until she arrives?"

"I mean, I can..." Lauren hesitated. "But what if she refuses to accept them?"

Lance's chest tightened, but he kept his expression flawlessly smooth. "Mr. Thorne just wants them delivered. How Dr. Sullivan chooses to react is entirely her prerogative."

He paused, then seamlessly pulled a sleek, gilded card from his briefcase and slid it across the counter. "This is a voucher for a Michelin-starred afternoon tea experience. Someone will deliver the spread to you later today. Please, consider it a small token of gratitude for your help."