The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 279

"...Alright," she finally nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Thorne."

The corners of Sebastian's lips turned up by a barely perceptible millimeter. "You're welcome."

Evelyn gave him and Isabella a polite nod, then turned and walked out.

The door clicked shut softly behind her.

Sebastian stood rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on the closed door, unable to look away for a very long time.

Leaning against her pillows, Isabella looked at her son's dumbstruck expression and couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright, she's gone. Are you just going to stare at the door all day?"

Sebastian snapped out of it, pulling his gaze away, and sat back down by the bed.

Isabella looked at him and let out a gentle sigh. "Sebastian, Evelyn exhausted herself taking care of me these past few days. She saved my life. Tell me, how exactly should we thank her?"

Sebastian thought for a moment. "Write her a check?"

Isabella glared at him. "Compensation is the bare minimum, you don't need to tell me that. I'm asking, aside from money, what else are you planning to do?"

Sebastian blanked.

"Mom, you mean..."

"I mean," Isabella looked at him with a mix of exasperation and fondness, "a woman with Evelyn's background and skills... do you really think money can buy her? She saved your grandfather, she saved me, and God knows how many others. Do you honestly think she cares about your money?"

Sebastian went completely silent.

She definitely didn't need money.

So what did she need?

He... seemed to have never actually considered that question.

Seeing her son look so hopelessly lost, Isabella sighed again.

"Sebastian, look at me and tell me the truth. Do you have feelings for Evelyn?"

The tips of Sebastian's ears flushed bright red once more.

He didn't say a word, but his silence was the loudest answer he could have given.

Isabella smiled, a look of profound relief and maternal worry crossing her face. "If you like her, then go after her! You think just standing here daydreaming is going to make her fall into your lap?"

Sebastian looked up. "Mom, I..."

"Alright, alright, enough," Isabella cut him off, opening the drawer of her nightstand and pulling out a small key. "I need you to run an errand for me."

Sebastian took the key, visibly confused. "What is this?"

"The key to my safety deposit box." Isabella stared at the tiny piece of metal, her eyes growing distant and nostalgic. "It holds everything I've saved over the years. Inside, there's a jade set your grandmother left me. And there's a bangle..."

She paused, her voice turning incredibly soft. "It’s The Thorne Matriarch's Bangle, passed down from your great-grandmother. It was the centerpiece of her dowry and a family heirloom. I've held onto it all these years, saving it for the day you found a wife."

Sebastian's fingers tightened involuntarily around the key.

"Mom..."

"Let me finish." Isabella looked at him, her eyes fierce yet endlessly tender. "Sebastian, my health has been poor these past few years. I haven't been able to do much for you. Now that you've finally found a woman you love—and one I adore as well—you cannot let this slip through your fingers."

She paused, making sure he heard every single syllable. "Take that heirloom and give it to Evelyn. Tell her it’s my way of thanking her for saving my life."

He pushed the door open and stepped out.

—

The sunlight in the corridor was blindingly bright.

Sebastian stood by the window, looking down toward the parking lot. A few moments later, a black sedan slowly pulled out. It was Lance's car.

She was inside.

He watched the car until it completely disappeared from sight, remaining perfectly still for a long time.

His phone buzzed.

It was a message from Lance: [Mr. Thorne, Dr. Sullivan is in the car. I'm taking her to the airport now.]

Sebastian typed back: [Drive safely. Let me know when you arrive.]

Send.

He pocketed his phone and continued standing by the window.

The small metal key pressed against his leg through the fabric of his suit. It was hard and cold, yet it flooded his chest with an inexplicable, overwhelming warmth.

The heirloom from his great-grandmother.

For his wife.

Slowly, the corners of Sebastian's lips curled upward into a genuine smile.