The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 278

7:00 AM, The Bayview Retreat.

Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm, golden glow across the cream-colored tiles of the suite. Outside, the ginkgo tree had lost most of its leaves, leaving only a few vibrant yellow ones clinging to the branches, swaying gently in the morning breeze.

Isabella Thorne was propped up against her headboard, looking significantly healthier than the day before. She was wearing a soft pink cardigan, her hair neatly brushed, and real color had finally returned to her cheeks. She was having a bowl of warm oatmeal—delivered directly from The Gilded Orchid at 7:00 AM, light but perfectly flavorful.

The door opened softly.

Sebastian walked in, carrying an insulated bag. Seeing his mother already eating, he paused. "It's already here?"

"The Gilded Orchid delivered it at seven sharp." Isabella put down her spoon and looked at her son. "Why are you here so early?"

Sebastian set the bag on the nightstand and sat by the bed. "I don't have much going on at the office this morning, so I came to see you first."

Isabella studied him, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Are you here to see me, or are you here to see Evelyn?"

Sebastian's hand paused.

"Mom..."

"Alright, alright," Isabella waved him off, her smile widening. "I saw you pacing in the hallway earlier. You heard Evelyn doing her rounds and were just waiting by the door. Did you think I didn't notice?"

The tips of Sebastian's ears burned a faint red.

Before he could say anything, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Isabella called out.

The door opened, and Evelyn walked in. She was wearing her white coat, holding a medical chart, her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. She carried the crisp, refreshing energy of the morning.

Seeing Sebastian, her steps faltered for a fraction of a second before returning to a steady, professional rhythm.

"Good morning, Isabella," she said, walking up to the bed with a warm smile. "How are you feeling today?"

"Much better." Isabella took her hand and gave it a gentle pat. "Evelyn, thank you for working so hard. I wouldn't be recovering like this without you."

Evelyn shook her head and opened the medical chart, reading the numbers. "Blood pressure 118 over 72, heart rate 70, oxygen 99 percent. You're recovering beautifully. We'll do one more full checkup today, and if everything looks good..."

She paused, looking up at Isabella, and then briefly at Sebastian before finishing in a calm, gentle tone.

"I'll likely be leaving today."

Isabella's smile froze.

Sebastian's brows drew together sharply.

"Leaving?" Isabella tightened her grip on Evelyn's hand, a clear trace of reluctance in her voice. "So soon? Where are you going?"

Evelyn gently pulled her hand back and closed the chart. "Back to New York. My grandfather is also in the hospital. He's been looked after by caretakers these past few days, but I'm worried. Since your condition has stabilized, I've already briefed Dr. Ward on your post-recovery treatment plan. He'll take over from here."

Sebastian stood tall and rigid. His face was stoic, but if one looked closely, his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

"Did you book your flight?" he asked.

"Yes."

"What time?"

"Noon."

Sebastian fell silent for a single second. "I'll drive you."

Evelyn shook her head. "That's not necessary. I can call a car."

"I'll have Lance drive you," Sebastian insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's hard to get a ride out here, and the airport is far. He's a very safe driver. You'll be comfortable."

Evelyn looked at him, a complicated flicker of emotion crossing her eyes.

She thought about the hot meals he had personally delivered every single day. She thought about his quiet 'Thank you for your hard work' from the night before, and the way he had paced outside the door waiting for her to finish rounds this morning.

She had fully intended to refuse.

But looking into his deeply earnest eyes, the words caught in her throat.