The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 309

"She is your future sister-in-law," he said coldly. "Watch your tone."

Piper's lips jutted out into a severe pout.

"Sister-in-law?" she scoffed. "I didn't even call your ex-wife that. And I like this one even less."

She slammed her phone face-down on the table and looked at Christian, entirely serious. "Christian, why in the world are you actually marrying her? Just because of the baby in her stomach?"

Christian said nothing.

Piper didn't stop. "She's completely fake. She acts one way to your face and another behind your back. That smile just now? God, it was sickening. You actually think she wanted you to come with me? She's absolutely dying to keep you chained to her twenty-four-seven."

Christian picked up his coffee cup and took a sip.

"This doesn't concern you," he dismissed flatly. "Are you ready for your event?"

Piper pouted, realizing he wasn't going to entertain the subject, and dropped it.

"I'm ready," she said. "When is the makeup artist getting here?"

Christian checked his watch. "Scheduled for ten. They'll meet you in your room."

Piper's eyes instantly sparkled. "The famous French one?!"

Christian nodded.

"You're the best!" Piper practically squealed, bouncing in her seat. "I knew you'd take care of me!"

Watching her dramatic display, a faint, resigned smile touched Christian's lips.

"It's just a jewelry design convention," he remarked. "It's not a red carpet. Do you really need to go all out?"

Piper's eyes went wide. "Of course I do! This is the International Jewelry Design Competition! The best designers in the entire world will be there! What if some legendary mentor spots me? What if I actually get to meet Iris? What if—"

She rambled on, her hands flying in the air, practically vibrating with excitement.

Christian just shook his head, took another sip of his coffee, and tuned her out.

Whatever. Let her do what she wanted.

He had the money; he could afford to spoil her.

—

Outside the hotel, a sleek black van idled quietly by the curb.

The man spoke, his voice lazy and affectionate, like a lover whispering in the dark.

"Long time no see."

Lyra's eyes dilated in pure terror, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks.

She raised a trembling finger toward Leon Astor, her lips quivering uncontrollably, but she couldn't force a single syllable past her teeth.

Her phone slipped from her deadened grip, hitting the floor of the van with a sharp crack.

The screen shattered.

No one moved to pick it up.

The silence inside the van was absolute, suffocating.

The theater crew exchanged confused glances, having no idea what was happening.

But Leon just sat there, still smiling that terrifying smile, his eyes locked dead on her.

That smile was more horrifying than any threat he could have ever spoken.