The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 296

The evening sun spilled through the massive glass windows, bathing the terminal in a warm, orange glow. The crowd bustled, the sound of rolling luggage echoing loudly across the tiled floor.

But in this specific corner, it felt as though someone had hit the pause button.

Evelyn stood in front of Sebastian, holding the bouquet of purple lisianthus. The elegant arrangement, dotted with white baby's breath, caught the gentle light of the setting sun.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Sebastian looked at her, a faint smile curling on his lips. "Are you hungry? I have food waiting in the car."

Evelyn shook her head. "I'm fine."

Maddy stood off to the side, her eyes darting between the two. She looked at Sebastian, then at Evelyn, and finally at the bouquet. A huge grin spread across her face.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

This wasn't just an airport pickup; this was a man making a move.

As she mentally applauded the gesture, she caught sight of the approaching group out of the corner of her eye. Her smile vanished instantly.

Christian and his entourage were walking out of the terminal.

Christian led the group, wearing his dark gray coat, standing tall. His gaze was locked firmly on Evelyn and Sebastian. His face remained expressionless, but his eyes were icy enough to freeze the room.

Next to him, Lyra held his arm, maintaining her delicate smile. But the moment she saw Evelyn and Sebastian, that smile completely froze.

Piper followed closely behind, dragging her carry-on, staring at her phone. Sensing the sudden tension, she looked up, her eyes widening as she took in the scene ahead.

"Christian, who is that guy?" she whispered, tugging his sleeve. "He's so handsome! Better looking than half the actors in Hollywood!"

Christian said nothing.

Lyra shot Piper a look, then stared at Sebastian, a bitter wave of jealousy crashing over her.

Sebastian Thorne.

The CEO of Thorne Enterprises.

She knew exactly who he was. The sole heir to the Thorne family's multi-billion dollar empire, a ruthless tycoon who commanded unparalleled power in the corporate world. He was a regular on financial magazine covers and permanently topped the list of the most eligible billionaires in the country.

He was younger than Christian, more handsome than Christian, and wealthier than Christian.

And most importantly—he had never been married. No ex-wives, no messy past.

Lyra's fingers curled into tight fists.

Evelyn Sullivan, the discarded ex-wife of the Lancaster family. How did she do it?

How did she walk away from Christian and land a man like this?

Evelyn paused.

She turned around.

Christian stepped right up to her, his gaze locked onto her face, swimming with complexities she couldn't care less to decipher.

"Which hotel are you staying at?" he asked. "I'll have Miles drive you."

Evelyn frowned.

Before she could even open her mouth, an arm extended in front of her.

Sebastian took a step forward, smoothly positioning himself between Evelyn and Christian. He met Christian's glare with calm indifference, his tone dangerously cool.

"Mr. Lancaster, there is no need. I will be taking Evelyn."

He paused, his gaze flicking toward Lyra and Piper in the distance. A cold, mocking smirk touched his lips.

"I suggest you escort your fiancée instead. She's pregnant. You should take better care of her. Tending to other women isn't your job anymore—let's avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."

Christian completely ignored him.

His eyes bypassed Sebastian, fixing intensely on Evelyn.