The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 272

In the doctor's office on the sixth floor of The Bayview Retreat.

Watching Sebastian walk away, Evelyn slowly stepped back into her office and sat at her desk. She picked up her pen, hovering it over the medical file, but couldn't seem to write anything down.

The night had completely taken over the sky outside, turning the glass window into a dark mirror that reflected her blurry silhouette. She stared at her own reflection, yet the only thing occupying her mind was the man who had just stood in her doorway—his intense gaze, the sight of his broad back as he left, and that soft "Thank you for your hard work."

It had been a fleeting comment, but it felt as though it had settled somewhere deep in her chest.

Her phone buzzed.

She picked it up. It was a text from Sebastian: [The menu from The Gilded Orchid. Let me know what you want to eat.]

Below the text was an image listing dozens of exquisite dishes.

Evelyn looked at the photo, the corners of her lips curling up into an involuntary smile.

She typed back: [You don't have to go through the trouble. Something light is fine.]

Send.

His reply came almost instantly: [Alright.]

Just one word.

Evelyn stared at that "Alright" for a few seconds before setting her phone down and picking up her pen again.

This time, she finally started writing her notes.

—

New York, the Langford Residence.

Lyra Langford was curled up on the living room sofa. The TV was on, but her eyes weren't on the screen. The coffee table was cluttered with pregnancy magazines and a stack of maternity recipes Jocelyn Vance had dropped off earlier. Lyra had flipped through a few pages before tossing them aside.

Lyra fell silent for a few seconds.

"Alright," she finally agreed.

—

Metropolitan Plaza, 3:00 PM.

Jocelyn linked arms with Lyra as they strolled out of a premium maternity boutique. Both women were carrying several shopping bags. Jocelyn was in high spirits; she had picked out several outfits for her own unborn baby, and Lyra had insisted on paying for all of it.

"Lyra, you are the best!" Jocelyn beamed, swinging her bags playfully. "When your baby is born, I'm buying you double!"

Lyra just smiled and didn't say anything.

They spent the entire afternoon shopping and eventually grabbed dinner at a restaurant in the plaza. By the time they walked out, night had fallen. The mall's glittering lights illuminated the bustling crowds still milling about.