The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 386

Inside the private dining room of the Michelin-starred restaurant, the crystal chandelier cast a warm, luxurious glow. The long table was crowded with exquisite dishes, the heavy silverware gleaming softly under the lights.

Piper Brooks sat at the head of the table, entirely surrounded by the chattering girls, her smile wide and radiant. She had already downed two glasses of vintage red wine, a soft flush creeping up her cheeks, making her look absolutely vibrant.

"Piper, you are seriously amazing. I can't believe you actually know Iris!" The girl with the ponytail raised her glass high. "Cheers to you!"

Piper waved a hand dismissively, though she was clearly buzzing with the attention. "Let's keep it low-key, guys. I told you, she's family."

"Ex-family is still family!" The girl with the glasses chimed in, her eyes shining with pure hero worship. "Piper, do you think you could sneak us a few of her private sketches later? We promise we won't post them anywhere!"

Piper tilted her head, pretending to consider it, then snapped her fingers with a confident grin. "Deal! The second Christian wins her back, I'll make her draw something custom for every single one of you!"

The table erupted into delighted cheers.

Sitting quietly near the edge of the group, a girl with a sharp bob cut forced a smile, though the warmth never reached her eyes.

Her name was Serena Sterling, an "internet bestie" Piper had met online. They had chatted for over six months, and when Piper finally arrived in Paris, Serena had aggressively initiated their meetups, slowly embedding herself into Piper's circle.

Serena stared at Piper basking in the spotlight, her thumb aggressively tracing the rim of her wine glass.

Piper had absolutely everything.

Old money, flawless looks, a billionaire cousin like Christian Lancaster, and a connection to Evelyn Sullivan—a legendary designer whose rough sketches were worth millions of dollars.

And what did Serena have?

She was an illegitimate daughter.

Her father had a decent bank account, but his pathetic little company was a joke compared to the Lancaster Group. Her mother was the mistress, a dirty secret that ensured Serena would never be fully accepted into polite society. She had spent months manipulating her way into Piper's good graces just to get a taste of this life.

Sitting at the far end of the long table was her boyfriend, Leo Vance, drinking with the other guys. Next to him was his buddy, Quinn.

Serena knew Leo came from money—his family owned a mid-sized manufacturing plant, making him a local rich kid back in their hometown. But here? In Paris? Against real generational wealth? He was an absolute nobody.

Quinn was even worse, a bottom-feeder whose family didn't even have half of what Leo's did.

But the two idiots didn't seem to realize it. They strutted around like they owned the city.

Serena's calculating gaze shifted between Piper and Quinn.

A dark, brilliant idea began to take root in her mind.

—

Two hours later, the lavish dinner finally wrapped up.

The group spilled out of the restaurant, chattering loudly on the sidewalk as they prepared to part ways.

The night had deepened, the streetlamps casting long, dramatic shadows across the Parisian pavement.

"How are you getting back, Piper?" Serena asked, stepping slightly closer.

Piper pulled out her phone, glancing at the screen before waving casually. "I'm good. I texted Christian earlier; he sent a car for me."

Right on cue, a sleek, midnight-black Bentley glided smoothly down the street, pulling to a silent stop right in front of the restaurant doors.