The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 396

Shangri-La Paris.

In the opulent dining room, sunlight spilled generously through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Christian Lancaster and Lyra Langford sat across from each other, eating breakfast.

Lyra elegantly sliced the fried egg on her plate.

"Christian," she began, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness. "I have a few errands to run today. I probably won't be back until this evening."

Christian looked up, his gaze locking onto hers.

"What errands?"

Lyra offered a flawless, gentle smile. "There are some matters to attend to at The Bourbon Opera House. I need to make a personal appearance."

Christian gave a slow nod, saying nothing.

He lowered his head and returned to his meal.

Watching his utter lack of interest, a bitter taste flooded Lyra's mouth.

But she maintained her gentle, affectionate facade.

"I'll be back in time to have dinner with you."

Christian didn't even look up.

"Don't bother."

Two words, as bland and dismissive as tap water.

Lyra froze.

She stared at his emotionless, perfectly sculpted face, desperate to say something to bridge the gap, but the words withered in her throat.

She set her silverware down and stood up.

"I'll get going, then."

She walked around the table, leaning down to press a soft kiss against his cheek.

Christian tilted his head away.

Her lips met empty air.

Lyra stiffened, humiliated.

But she quickly plastered a smile over the crack in her composure, turned on her heel, and walked away.

The sharp click of her heels faded down the corridor.

Christian sat there, casually eating his breakfast.

But his dark, predatory gaze tracked the path she had just taken.

There was zero warmth in his eyes.

When she spoke just now, her eyes had darted away for a fraction of a second.

She was lying.

Christian picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Miles."

"Yes, Mr. Lancaster?"

"Assign a team to keep a very close eye on Lyra today," he ordered, his voice dangerously soft. "I want to know exactly where she goes and exactly who she meets."

Miles hesitated for a split second, but immediately recovered.

"Understood."

Christian ended the call.

He picked up his espresso and took a sip.

The coffee was incredibly bitter.

But a chilling, triumphant smirk curled the corners of his mouth.

A smirk completely devoid of warmth.

—

At the entrance of the restaurant.

Lyra strode out, her designer handbag clutched tightly in her grip, her pace hurried. She shot a quick glance back toward the dining room; Christian was still sitting in the exact same spot, staring at his phone, not having bothered to look up once.

Her fingers tightened around the leather strap.