The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 337

"He's wonderful!" Henry nodded furiously. "He talks about you all the time, always saying you're a dear old friend!"

Charles nodded, his gaze sweeping past Henry to land on Sebastian, who was standing a few feet away.

Sebastian remained rooted to his spot, absolutely still.

He knew perfectly well that in a moment like this, stepping forward uninvited was a death sentence.

Charles stared at him and suddenly spoke. "That young man back there. Come here."

Henry whipped his head around and waved frantically at him. "Sebastian! Get over here!"

Sebastian took a deep breath and stepped forward.

He stopped right in front of Charles, offering a respectful but perfectly composed bow.

"Mr. Charles. It is an honor."

Charles observed him, his eyes sharp with scrutiny.

"Sebastian Thorne," he suddenly said. "San Francisco's Thorne Enterprises. Three years ago, you orchestrated a hostile takeover of the French Dupont Luxury Group. Within a year, you turned their deficits into profits and tripled their stock value. I studied that acquisition."

Sebastian's heart skipped a beat.

Charles actually knew who he was.

"Your tactics were clean and ruthless, and your negotiations were flawless," Charles nodded in approval. "You have a formidable future ahead of you."

Sebastian bowed slightly again. "You're too kind, sir."

Charles smiled, genuine admiration shining in his eyes.

"Come," he instructed. "Walk in with me."

With that, he leaned on his cane and resumed his slow, commanding walk toward the grand doors.

Henry and Sebastian exchanged a look of pure disbelief before hurrying to follow him.

——

The massive double doors slowly groaned open.

In that exact second, the air in the grand hall seemed to completely solidify.

Then, every single pair of eyes in the room snapped toward the entrance.

Sebastian finally took in the sight—

It was a colossal, circular ballroom with a towering, vaulted ceiling adorned with Renaissance frescoes. Countless crystal chandeliers hung from above, illuminating the space with a blinding brilliance. Beyond the towering floor-to-ceiling windows lay the glittering Paris skyline, the Eiffel Tower glowing softly in the distance.

Over a hundred elites filled the room, draped in staggering wealth and high-society glamour.

But at this very moment, every single person froze.

The corporate titans who commanded the covers of financial magazines looked like terrified schoolchildren in front of this elderly man.

The so-called 'new money,' 'billionaires,' and 'global elites' were nothing but insignificant ants compared to him.

——

Not far away, Evelyn was deep in conversation with Lady Elara.

She raised her head, her gaze drifting over the sea of people until it landed directly on Charles.

A soft smile touched her lips.

And then, she noticed Sebastian.

He was walking right behind Charles, looking sharp and commanding in his dark gray suit.

Her eyes lit up.

She turned and whispered a few words to Madeline, gave a respectful nod to Lady Elara, and began walking straight toward the entrance.

Following her gaze, Madeline spotted Sebastian, and her jaw practically hit the floor.

"Evelyn, isn't that..."

But Evelyn had already stepped out into the open.