The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 288

San Francisco, Thorne Enterprises Headquarters, 6:00 PM.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights flickered to life along the bay, transforming the skyline into a glittering galaxy of wealth. Sebastian sat behind his massive executive desk, lazily spinning a fountain pen between his fingers—a gift from his grandfather on his eighteenth birthday.

A limited-edition Parker 51, the silver cap engraved with a tiny letter "S."

Over the years, he had used this exact pen to sign countless contracts, finalizing deals worth anywhere from tens of millions to billions of dollars. The barrel was worn smooth from years of use, but he refused to replace it.

Lance stood rigidly in front of the desk, delivering his latest intelligence report.

"Mr. Thorne, it's confirmed. Dr. Sullivan is flying to Paris next Friday to attend the International Jewelry Design Competition's awards gala. She's bringing her friend, Madeline." He swallowed hard before adding, "Also... Christian Lancaster just booked seats on their exact same flight."

The vintage fountain pen twirled once, twice around Sebastian's knuckles.

He remained completely silent.

Lance watched his boss's stoic face like a hawk, carefully asking, "Mr. Thorne, should I book you on that flight as well? That way you can be with Dr. Sullivan..."

"No need," Sebastian cut him off sharply.

Lance blinked in confusion.

Sebastian stopped spinning the pen and looked out the window. A massive luxury yacht cruised slowly across the bay, its brilliant deck lights casting fractured, golden reflections over the dark water.

"We're leaving early," he declared.

"Early?" Lance was thoroughly lost. "But Dr. Sullivan won't arrive until Friday..."

"Then we arrive before Friday." Sebastian set the pen down on the mahogany desk and walked over to the glass wall. "Find out which hotel Dr. Sullivan is staying at in Paris, and exactly what time her flight lands. We are going to be at the airport waiting for her."

Comprehension dawned on Lance's face. "You're planning to surprise her?"

Sebastian didn't answer, but a faint, dangerously arrogant smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Taking the hint, Lance nodded vigorously. "Yes, Boss! I'll get the details immediately!"

He turned to sprint out of the office, but Sebastian's voice stopped him cold.

"Hold on."

Lance spun back around.

Sebastian remained facing the window, his broad back to his assistant, his tone deceptively casual. "About Christian... reach out to Milton. His family's airline handles that specific commercial route from New York to France, correct? Tell him to pull some strings. Move Christian's seat so he's sitting right next to her."

Lance's jaw dropped. "Milton Fontaine? Yes, sir, but... Boss, are you sure? Aren't you worried that if they're sitting together, they might..."

"I'm not," Sebastian interrupted, his voice laced with absolute certainty. "Christian stalking her halfway across the globe is only going to disgust her."

He leaned back lazily against the expensive leather, continuing to spin the silver pen with effortless grace.

Outside, the city was entirely swallowed by the velvet black of night.

***

New York, The Langford Residence.

Lyra was lounging against her padded headboard, flipping through an overpriced maternity magazine. The massive master bedroom was dimly lit by a single bedside lamp, casting a warm, flattering glow over her features.

Her phone suddenly shattered the quiet.

She glanced at the screen—Director Julian Vane.

She frowned in annoyance but accepted the call anyway. "Hello, Director Vane?"

"Lyra, my dear!" The director's overly enthusiastic voice boomed through the speaker. "I hope I'm not interrupting your beauty sleep!"

"Not at all." Lyra shifted her weight on the mattress. "What can I do for you?"

"Well," the director practically squealed with excitement, "The Paris Opera House just sent us a formal invitation! They specifically requested you as the lead for Giselle next Friday! It's an exclusive showcase for the Duchess of Bourbon, and the audience will be filled with literal European aristocracy!"