The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 384

Paris. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées.

The afternoon sun poured down like melted gold, splashing across the most famous tree-lined boulevard in the world. The corner cafes were packed, the air heavy with the rich scent of bitter espresso and freshly baked pastries—that signature Parisian blend of lazy romance and effortless arrogance.

Piper Brooks shoved her phone into her designer handbag, her face practically glowing with unchecked smugness.

"Piper!" A girl with a high ponytail leaned in, her eyes shining with absolute awe. "That designer Iris you're always obsessing over... that's the same woman?"

Piper gave a sharp nod, trying to suppress a triumphant grin, but failing miserably.

"Yep! Remember those sketches from the 'Starry Night' collection I showed you guys last week? All her original work."

The moment the words left her mouth, the group of girls swarmed her like bees to honey.

"Oh my god! You actually know her personally?!"

"What does she look like in real life? Does she have that effortless French movie star vibe?"

"Piper, please tell me you can get me an autograph! I am begging you! I've been hoarding her jewelry designs on my Pinterest for three years!"

Surrounded by her adoring audience, bathed in the golden afternoon light, Piper felt like absolute royalty. The adoration felt better than a shot of top-shelf tequila on a Friday night.

She cleared her throat, deliberately drawing out the suspense.

"Well... she actually used to be my sister-in-law."

The crowd fell dead silent for a second.

"Wait, what?"

"Isn't Christian's fiancée that ballet dancer?" another girl asked cautiously, her eyes gleaming with sudden gossip. "The Langford girl?"

Piper waved her hand dismissively, her face twisting in pure disgust.

"That's recent drama. Evelyn used to be married to Christian."

She paused, lifting her chin with the fierce loyalty of a guard dog.

"Ex-family is still family. Besides, from the way Christian was acting... I'm pretty sure he's desperate to win her back."

The girls' eyes widened in sheer shock.

"Are you serious?!"

"Christian Lancaster wants to remarry Iris?!"

"What about the dancer? Is he going to dump her?"

Piper scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Her? I've always hated her. She's completely fake. If she actually marries him, I'll be the first one to ruin the wedding."

A girl in glasses pushed to the front of the group, pressing her hands together pleadingly.

"Piper, can you please get me her signature? I am a massive fan! My phone lock screen is literally one of her diamond necklaces!"

Piper looked at her, a wicked thought sparking in her mind.

"An autograph..." she drawled, dragging out the syllables to keep them hanging on her every word. "You guys do realize she's also a medical genius, right? A billionaire heiress doesn't just hand out autographs to anyone."

The girl's face instantly fell, looking utterly defeated.

"Oh... right."

Seeing her genuinely disappointed expression, Piper felt a flash of pity. Her eyes twinkled as she reached into her bag and whipped out the sleek black credit card. The matte surface caught the sunlight, reflecting a dangerous kind of wealth.

"Tell you what! Christian gave me his unlimited card today, and I'm in a fantastic mood! Dinner is on me! Let's go somewhere expensive!"

The girls practically screamed in excitement.

"Long live Piper!"

"A real black card! I've never even seen one in person!"

"Let's go! I know a Michelin-starred place nearby. It normally has a three-month waitlist, but they'll definitely let us in with that card!"