The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 255

Lance couldn't even fathom the kind of bloodbath that would follow.

"Mr. Thorne," Lance's voice was completely dry, "what are you planning?"

"Keep her comfortable for now," Sebastian interrupted, turning around, his face having settled back into its usual stoic mask. "Let Tessa rest at the sanatorium. Give her the best food and accommodations. Make absolutely sure she suffers no accidents. Especially the baby—it must be born safely."

Lance blinked. "But if Victoria finds out..."

"I want her to find out." A cruel, freezing smirk curled onto Sebastian's lips. "Just not right now. Wait until she's seven months along, right before the due date... then let Victoria 'accidentally' stumble upon the truth."

Comprehension hit Lance like a truck.

At seven months, the fetus was fully formed, and the risks of an abortion were astronomically high. Letting Victoria find out then would be a true, devastating death blow.

"Understood," Lance nodded. "I'll assign protection for Tessa to ensure both her and the baby's safety."

Sebastian gave a curt nod and walked out of the boardroom.

Lance hurried after him, continuing his report as they moved. "Also, we got an update from the sanatorium. Isabella was doing great this morning. Dr. Sullivan went in for rounds at nine and stayed to chat with her for about twenty minutes. Isabella was in high spirits—she even managed an extra half-bowl of soup for lunch."

Sebastian's footsteps visibly hitched.

And then, Lance watched as the terrifying, icy demeanor his boss had worn since the meeting began finally cracked. It wasn't exactly a smile, but the subtle tension around his eyes melted away, and his entire aura softened drastically.

"Dr. Sullivan..." Sebastian repeated her name, sounding like a completely different person. "How is she doing today? Is she exhausted?"

"She seems to be in good spirits," Lance chose his words carefully. "But Dr. Warren mentioned that Dr. Sullivan has barely rested these past few days. When she isn't doing rounds or reviewing charts, she's locked in her office researching Isabella's treatment plans."

Sebastian's brow pinched tightly together again.

The two of them stepped into the CEO's office. Sebastian sat behind his massive desk, while Lance set the tablet and files down before handing over Sebastian's phone.

The screen displayed three missed calls, all from 'Arthur'.

Sebastian stared at the little red notifications for a few seconds but didn't immediately call back. He looked up at Lance. "Have a car ready in thirty minutes."

"Right away." Lance nodded. "Where are we going? The sanatorium?"

"The Gilded Orchid first," Sebastian replied.

Lance froze.

"Yes, sir!" Lance nodded vigorously. "I'll handle it immediately! I'll tell The Gilded Orchid to save all their signature ingredients for today!"

He turned to rush out but was stopped by Sebastian's voice.

"Wait." Sebastian picked up his phone, his eyes locked on the three missed calls on the screen. "Never mind. Step outside for now. I need to make a call."

Lance understood immediately, quietly backing out of the office and gently closing the door behind him.

Silence reclaimed the room.

Sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, pooling into bright patches across the polished floor. Sebastian sat deep in his expansive leather chair, gripping his phone as he stared at the name for a long time.

Then, he hit call back.

The line was picked up after a single ring.

"Arthur," Sebastian spoke, his voice steady and respectful.

A heavy silence hung on the other end for a few seconds before an aged, yet deeply commanding voice answered. "Sebastian, I heard about your father."