The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 394

She stared at the hash browns, momentarily stunned.

Following her gaze, the butler's smile deepened.

"All of these dishes were delivered first thing this morning by Mr. Thorne's men," he revealed. "Word has it he hired a Michelin-starred chef to tutor him personally, and he practiced all night long. The spicy hash browns were a specific request of his—he said they were your favorite."

Evelyn's hand hovered over the table.

She picked up her fork, took a bite of the hash browns, and let the flavors melt on her tongue.

The perfect kick of spice balanced beautifully with a savory crunch.

The butler continued to chatter amiably from the sidelines, "I hear Mr. Thorne is working incredibly hard. Intense physical training during the day, culinary lessons by night. He specifically asked to learn light, home-style recipes, saying they were best suited for your morning appetite."

He paused, genuine admiration bleeding into his tone.

"That young man has boundless energy. Getting beaten to a pulp all day, cooking all night, and still finding the time to court a lady. Truly remarkable."

Evelyn's fork paused near her mouth.

The warm steam rising from the breakfast blurred her vision slightly.

She looked at the hearty oatmeal, then at the golden hash browns, and an image involuntarily formed in her mind—

Sebastian Thorne standing in a bustling kitchen, clumsily chopping vegetables, his face bruised black and blue, dark circles bruised beneath his eyes. Tasting the food over and over again, refusing to stop until it was absolutely perfect.

A soft, irrepressible curve formed at the corners of her mouth.

Seeing her expression, the butler's eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Is it to your liking, Ms. Sullivan?"

Evelyn snapped out of her reverie.

She lowered her head, scooped up another spoonful of oatmeal, and ate it.

She swallowed.

Then she took another bite of the hash browns, chewing slowly.

When she finally spoke, her voice was a mask of flawless composure.

"It's not bad at all."

The butler nodded, knowing better than to push it further.

But that knowing smile never left his face.

Evelyn continued her breakfast in peaceful silence.