The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 314

The interior of the Grand Palais Museum was ablaze with light.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the glass dome, refracting thousands of beams that bathed the grand hall in a daytime brilliance. Hundreds of top-tier jewelry designers, brand executives, and fashion elites mingled, draped in haute couture and dazzling gems.

A giant LED screen on stage morphed with vibrant imagery, shifting between swirling galaxies and the sharp, brilliant cuts of precious stones. A symphony orchestra situated on one side of the stage played a majestic, elegant melody.

Iris stood center stage, bathed in a soft glow from the spotlight.

Wearing a delicate lace mask, only her serene eyes were visible. Her moon-white gown shimmered with a pearlescent sheen under the lights, making her look like a classical muse stepped straight out of a painting.

"Thank you," her voice echoed through the massive speakers. "It is an honor to be here."

The applause swelled once more.

She offered a slight nod, then turned and glided over to the judging panel, taking her seat right in the center.

---

Second floor, VIP area.

Sebastian's eyes tracked the moon-white silhouette relentlessly. He watched her sit down, saw her lean in to chat with the judge next to her, caught the way she would occasionally tilt her head, exposing the elegant curve of her neck.

He stood by the railing, rooted to the spot.

Lance leaned over, whispering, "Boss, maybe you should find a seat? You've been standing a while..."

Sebastian completely ignored him.

He was entirely focused on her. Was she hungry? Was she tired? Would sitting for that long make her back ache?

The internet said expectant mothers shouldn't sit for extended periods.

He frowned, pulled out his phone, and shot Evelyn a text.

[Are you tired?]

Right after hitting send, he realized she was on stage. Her phone was definitely on silent.

He stared at the chat for a few seconds before slipping his phone back into his pocket.

---

Down in the crowd.

Madeline stood on her tiptoes, desperately trying to get a better view. But a six-foot-two foreign man stood directly in front of her, blocking her sight entirely.

"Ugh!" She stomped her foot in frustration.

A handsome, blonde-haired French guy noticed her struggle and chuckled. "Miss, do you need some help?"

Madeline frantically waved him off. "No, no, I'm good..."

Before she could finish, the guy graciously stepped aside, offering her the spot with a sweep of his hand.

Embarrassed, Madeline squeezed forward and finally locked eyes on Iris.

Seeing that familiar figure, her mind started racing a million miles a minute.

Evelyn.

That was her best friend, Evelyn.

The Evelyn she grabbed lunch with, went shopping with, and gossiped about men with.

Was actually a living legend in the global jewelry world?

She opened her mouth and finally choked out one sentence.

On stage, the host began announcing the first award.

"For Best New Designer of the Year, the nominees are—"

A video montage played on the massive screen.

Exquisite pieces flashed by: sleek, modern geometric shapes, intricate vintage designs, and wildly imaginative avant-garde concepts. Each one was an absolute masterpiece.

"—Piper Brooks!"

Piper's name popped onto the screen, accompanied by her design—an intricate necklace inspired by traditional ink wash paintings, featuring fluid lines and a deeply poetic aesthetic.

Piper practically jumped in the air, clawing onto Christian's arm. "Christian! That's me! I was nominated!"

Her grip pinched painfully, but a small, proud smile curved Christian's lips.

"Congratulations," he said.

Tears sprang to Piper's eyes as she nodded furiously.

On stage, the host read through the rest of the list.

Five names, five spectacular pieces.

Finally, the host ripped open the envelope, paused for dramatic effect, and raised his voice.

"The winner of the Best New Designer of the Year is—"

The room fell deathly silent.

"—Piper Brooks!"