The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 321

Evelyn smiled softly. "Lady Elara is still as delightful as ever."

Listening to their casual banter, Madeline felt her brain short-circuiting.

So right now, she was about to attend a hyper-exclusive private dinner hosted jointly by two of the most powerful elite families in France?

She looked down at her outfit—a cheap fifty-buck dress she had snagged online.

She was doomed. She was going to humiliate herself.

Catching her panicked expression in the rearview mirror, Louis chuckled. "Don't worry, Madeline. You look stunning in whatever you wear. In France, confidence is the finest couture."

Madeline took a deep breath, trying desperately to pull herself together.

The sports car turned onto a sweeping, tree-lined avenue, revealing a brilliantly illuminated architectural masterpiece ahead.

It was one of Paris's oldest and most majestic opera houses. Tonight, it had been entirely bought out by The Astor Family and The House of Bourbon-Montpensier for a private dinner and an exclusive ballet performance.

——

At the entrance of The Bourbon Opera House, a plush red carpet cascaded down the grand stone steps, spilling out onto the street.

Uniformed valets weaved seamlessly through the steady stream of arriving luxury vehicles. The crisp night air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and aged champagne, brimming with the glittering aura of high society.

Louis handed over his keys, leading Evelyn and Madeline inside.

They bypassed the opulent, gold-leafed main hall and were guided into a highly private reception room.

The space was bathed in warm, soft light. Priceless Renaissance oil paintings adorned the walls, and a crackling fire burned cheerfully in the grand fireplace. Seated gracefully on the center sofa was an elderly woman with silver hair.

Dressed in a deep purple velvet gown and adorned with a complete set of flawless pearl jewelry, she radiated pure aristocratic elegance. Despite her advanced age, her eyes were razor-sharp, carrying the undeniable authority of someone who had commanded power her entire life.

The moment she saw Evelyn, Lady Elara's eyes lit up with sheer joy.

"Iris!"

She stood up and opened her arms wide.

Evelyn hurried over and embraced her warmly.

"Lady Elara. It's been too long."

The older woman gently patted her back, her voice thick with emotion. "My dear child. Three years... you've finally come to see me."

Standing nearby was a middle-aged woman with a gentle, poised demeanor, dressed in a tasteful evening gown. She was Louis's mother, Catherine Astor, the current matriarch of The Astor Family.

She offered Evelyn a warm, welcoming smile. "Dr. Sullivan. Welcome."

Evelyn returned the greeting with polite grace.

Lady Elara pulled Evelyn down to sit beside her, her sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe.

"You've lost weight," she said, frowning slightly. "Are they not feeding you well back in the States?"

Evelyn laughed softly. "No, I'm perfectly fine."

Lady Elara shook her head, clearly unconvinced. She turned to Louis, her eyes crinkling with fond amusement. "You did well this time, bringing Evelyn to me."

Louis flipped his golden waves proudly. "Of course. When my grandmother gives an order, I deliver."

Lady Elara chuckled, patting his hand affectionately before turning her gaze to Madeline, who was practically holding her breath.

"And who is this?"

"This is my best friend, Madeline," Evelyn introduced smoothly. "She accompanied me on the trip."

Madeline scrambled forward, her palms slick with nervous sweat.

This was the matriarch of The Astor Family! The biological sister to the Duchess of Bourbon! This was the kind of legendary aristocrat you only read about in history books!

Their hands broke contact immediately.

Standing beside him, Leon's fiancée dragged her eyes over Evelyn, a thinly veiled look of assessment in her gaze.

"Iris?" she spoke up, a trace of condescension lacing her tone. "The one who took home the grand prize at the ceremony tonight?"

Evelyn simply nodded.

The fiancée offered a tight, superficial smile. "Congratulations."

Evelyn didn't bother to reply.

Sensing the subtle drop in temperature, Lady Elara skillfully smoothed things over. "Alright, alright, introductions are done. Evelyn, it's so rare for you to visit. You must sit with me and enjoy the performance tonight."

"I'd love to," Evelyn agreed softly.

Lady Elara turned back to Leon. "And you as well. It's rare for you to attend these events. Take your fiancée and enjoy the show."

Leon nodded, but his gaze lingered on Evelyn for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.

Then, he turned on his heel and escorted his fiancée out of the room.

——

As soon as they stepped into the corridor, the fiancée lowered her voice. "That Iris woman doesn't look like anything special."

Leon said nothing.

He merely cast a glance over his shoulder.

Evelyn was laughing softly with Lady Elara, her profile elegant, composed, and undeniably radiant.

A deeply calculating, razor-thin smirk ghosted across his lips.