The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 291

"Evelyn, I'm so nervous!" Maddy whispered, clutching Evelyn's sleeve. "This is my first time flying, my first time leaving the country, my first time going to an event like this... What if I embarrass you?"

Evelyn looked at her anxious friend and couldn't help but laugh.

"Embarrass me?" she said. "You're my best friend. Who would dare say you're an embarrassment?"

Maddy took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. "No, no, I'm still nervous. Maybe you should slap me or something to snap me out of it?"

Evelyn shook her head, pulling her forward. "Come on, let's go check in."

The two walked up to the first-class counter to begin their process.

Just then, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed behind them.

Evelyn turned her head.

A large group was making a grand entrance.

Leading the pack was Christian Lancaster. He wore a dark gray overcoat, his posture straight, his face an unreadable mask. Behind him was Miles, dragging two large suitcases.

Next to Christian, Lyra Langford was clinging to his arm. She wore a light purple cashmere coat and a soft, elegant smile.

Beside them walked Piper Brooks. She was dressed in a pink cropped puffer jacket, her hair pulled into a high ponytail, staring down at her phone.

The group walked straight to the first-class counter, stopping right next to Evelyn.

The air seemed to freeze for a split second.

Christian's gaze landed on Evelyn.

Evelyn's gaze met his.

Two seconds of absolute silence.

Then, Evelyn looked away and calmly continued with her check-in.

Maddy stood beside her, her eyes narrowing as she took in the group.

Her lips twitched. She took a half-step forward, deliberately positioning herself between Evelyn and them.

Lyra's footsteps faltered.

The moment she saw Evelyn, her smile stiffened, though she quickly recovered. She tightened her grip on Christian's arm, subtly thrusting her pregnant belly forward, and offered a polite, graceful smile.

"Dr. Sullivan, what a coincidence," she said, her voice soft. "Are you heading to Paris as well?"

Before Evelyn could respond, Maddy spun around, plastering a dazzling smile on her face.

"Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Lancaster and Ms. Langford! What a coincidence indeed!" she greeted enthusiastically. "Heading to Paris too? Is this... a full family vacation?"

She glanced at Lyra's stomach, then at Piper, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Traveling for work while pregnant? Talk about dedication. But don't worry, flying is totally safe for expectant mothers. I looked it up. You just have to be extra careful, because if something goes wrong up there, it's a huge mess."

Piper looked furious.

Christian stood silently, his eyes fixed on Evelyn. She hadn't said a word, just quietly proceeded with her check-in, acting as though this messy drama happening right next to her had absolutely nothing to do with her.

That calm, that complete indifference—it stung worse than any insult.

"Evelyn," he finally spoke, his voice low. "When we get to Paris, if you have time..."

"Mr. Lancaster," Maddy cut him off, smiling innocently. "Your fiancée is standing right next to you. It's a bit inappropriate to hit on your ex-wife, don't you think? Besides, Evelyn's schedule is completely packed. She doesn't have time to catch up."

She linked her arm through Evelyn's, looking up at her. "All set, Evie? Let's go. I'm starving. I want to grab a sandwich before security."

Evelyn looked at Maddy's fiercely protective stance, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

"All set," she nodded to the airline staff. "Thank you."

She then turned, giving Christian and Lyra a polite, dismissive nod.

"Have a good trip."

With that, she turned and walked away with Maddy.

As they left, Maddy glanced over her shoulder and waved cheerfully. "Bye! See you in Paris!"