The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 312

Paris, Grand Palais Museum.

Two in the afternoon.

The historic architecture, originally built in 1900, stood proudly along the Champs-Élysées. Its glass dome sparkled brilliantly under the sun. Today, it hosted the pinnacle event of the global jewelry world—the International Jewelry Design Competition awards ceremony.

Outside, a red carpet cascaded from the steps down to the street. Swarms of journalists with massive camera lenses crowded both sides. The relentless flashing of bulbs was blinding.

A parade of luxury vehicles pulled up smoothly.

Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Maybachs, Bugattis. Every person stepping out was a staple of fashion magazine covers. There were wealthy socialites dripping in extravagant diamonds, master designers in bespoke suits, Hollywood A-listers, and European aristocrats.

The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and raw wealth.

---

Sebastian Thorne stood in the VIP lounge on the second floor, gazing through the glass at the bustling crowd below.

He was dressed in a dark blue bespoke suit, diamond cufflinks gleaming subtly under the lights. His tall, commanding presence and cold, sharp features made him stand out strikingly among the flamboyant fashion elite.

No fewer than ten people had already tried to strike up a conversation.

Brand representatives seeking partnerships, socialites hoping to catch his eye, journalists wanting an interview. He had dismissed every single one of them with an icy glare.

"Boss," Lance Sterling leaned in, whispering. "If you keep standing there like that, people are going to think you're working security."

Sebastian shot him a look.

Lance shut his mouth instantly.

Sebastian turned his attention back to the floor below.

Where was she?

Hadn't someone been supposed to pick her up at noon?

Why wasn't she here yet?

---

First floor, main hall.

Piper Brooks clung to Christian Lancaster's arm, her eyes wide as saucers.

"Christian! Look over there! That's the lead designer for Tiffany! I've seen him in magazines!"

"Oh my god! That's the global CEO of Chaumet!"

"And that one! The creative director of Van Cleef & Arpels!"

She babbled incoherently in her excitement, dragging Christian in every direction, practically vibrating with energy.

Christian let her pull him along, his expression totally blank.

He wore a dark gray suit over a black shirt and matching tie. He looked deeply composed and reserved, completely out of place among the flashy industry insiders.

"Christian, can you at least pretend to care?" Piper stomped her foot in annoyance. "This is the most prestigious jewelry event in the world! Do you know how many people would kill to be here?"

Christian glanced at her. "Didn't you say you were taking me to meet your mentor?"

"Oh, right, right!" Piper suddenly remembered. "Ms. Chandler is over there!"

She dragged Christian through the crowd, practically sprinting.

A small group stood nearby, led by a middle-aged woman in gold-rimmed glasses. Dressed in a sharp black suit with her hair pulled back flawlessly, she radiated a fiercely intimidating aura.

"Professor Chandler!" Piper jogged over, greeting her excitedly.

The woman turned, offering Piper a faint smile.

"Piper, you made it."

Piper nodded enthusiastically, pulling Christian forward. "Professor Chandler, this is my cousin, Christian Lancaster. Christian, this is my mentor, Margaret Chandler, a board member of the International Jewelry Design Association."

Christian offered a polite nod. "A pleasure."

He was standing on the second floor, looking down at his phone.

Christian's brow furrowed.

What was he doing here?

---

Second floor, VIP lounge.

Sebastian's phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen. A text from Evelyn.

[Caught in traffic. Going to be a bit late.]

Staring at the message, a soft smile touched his lips.

[Alright. Waiting for you.]

Send.

He slid the phone into his pocket and turned back to the crowd.

His mood had suddenly lifted.

---

Down on the first floor, Piper finally managed to calm down.

Looking around, she tugged on Christian's sleeve. "Christian, look up there. That guy is gorgeous!"

Christian followed her gaze.

It was Sebastian.

Standing on the balcony, staring at his phone, his sharp profile caught perfectly in the warm light.