The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 331

She couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder.

Evelyn was standing in the crowd, surrounded by a circle of admirers. Arnaud, Louis, and several others she didn't even recognize were all laughing and talking with her.

She looked so poised, so utterly radiant.

As if she had been born to belong in this world.

Lyra's fingers slowly curled into a tight fist.

——

Meanwhile, outside the opera house.

Leon Astor walked briskly, his black trench coat billowing in the night breeze.

Chloe Fontane stumbled after him in her high heels, struggling to keep up.

"Leon!" her voice was sharp and shrill. "Why are you walking so fast! Wait for me!"

Leon didn't stop.

Chloe finally caught up and grabbed his arm.

"Did you hear me?!"

Leon halted and turned around.

His face was completely devoid of emotion, his blue eyes holding not a single trace of warmth.

Chloe felt a shiver run down her spine under his gaze, but she refused to back down.

"What was that about?" she demanded. "Back there, you didn't say a single word to defend me. You just stood there and watched that old woman insult me?"

Leon remained silent.

Chloe grew even angrier. "I am your fiancée! Is this how you treat me?"

Leon finally spoke, his voice as chilling as the winter wind.

"You ran your mouth, and you're blaming me?"

Chloe froze.

"W-what did I say?" she said stubbornly. "All I said was that the dancer was just a cheap showgirl! Was I wrong?"

Leon looked at her, a mocking glint flashing in his eyes.

"A cheap showgirl?" he repeated. "Do you have any idea how much the Duchess adores her? Do you know that the 'old woman' you insulted is the Duchess's own sister, Lady Elara? Do you realize that with a single word from her, your father's business in France would be completely ruined?"

All the color drained from Chloe's face.

"I..."

"You don't know anything," Leon cut her off coldly. "All you know is how to throw your weight around like the spoiled daughter of newly wealthy money."

——

In the car, Leon gripped the steering wheel, his face dark.

His mind replayed the scene from the VIP lounge over and over again—the Duchess's icy stare, Lady Elara telling them to get out, Louis's mocking smirk, and Evelyn's remarkably calm face.

That woman, Iris.

Lady Elara held her in such high regard.

The Duchess adored her as well.

If he could just use that connection...

Leon's eyes narrowed.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Look into someone for me," he ordered. "She goes by Iris. I don't know her real name. I want to know everything about her."

A crisp "Understood" came through the line.

Leon hung up the phone and stared at the streetlights flashing past the window.

A dark, unreadable smile curved onto his lips.