The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 422

The night was as thick as spilled ink.

Sporadic gunfire echoed in the distance, sounding like the fading footsteps of the grim reaper. The assassins had retreated—those who could run had fled, and the rest were left permanently on that dark, tree-lined road. The air was heavy with the suffocating smell of smoke and blood, a nauseating cocktail carried by the wind.

Sebastian Thorne leaned heavily against the car door, his back radiating waves of sharp, blinding pain. The blood on his ear had dried into a dark crust. He tilted his head back, staring up at the patch of night sky illuminated by the headlights, gasping for air.

He was still alive.

Seth Sterling crouched beside him, his gun raised and eyes scanning the perimeter. "Mr. Thorne, they're gone. We need to move."

Sebastian nodded, using the door to pull himself up. His legs felt like lead; the chaotic firefight had drained every ounce of his adrenaline and strength.

Just then, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Dressed in black tactical gear and face paint, his steps were steady and confident, radiating the aura of a seasoned combat veteran. He stopped in front of Sebastian and gave a subtle nod.

"Mr. Thorne, are you alright?"

His voice was deep, laced with professional detachment.

Sebastian frowned, his guard up. "Who do you work for?"

The man didn't answer. He simply stepped aside.

And then, Sebastian saw her.

The distant headlights blazed, bathing the area in a harsh glow. And standing right in the middle of the light was her.

She wore a long beige trench coat, her loose hair fluttering in the night breeze. Her face was completely bare of makeup, yet as radiant as moonlight. Behind her sat a sleek black sedan with its doors wide open, guarded by a team of heavily armed security personnel scanning the shadows.

She stood there, looking like an angel stepping out of the light.

Sebastian's breath hitched.

He remembered the first time he ever saw her, outside the operating room. His grandfather had been in critical condition. She had walked out in her white coat, pulled down her mask, and calmly stated that the surgery was a success. There had been a faint smudge of blood on her cheek, but her eyes were serene—as deep and tranquil as a hidden lake.

The second time was in his mother's hospital room. She had been sitting by the bed in that same white coat, speaking in a soft, soothing voice. Sunlight had poured through the window, framing her like a beautiful, gentle painting.

That was the first time he realized that light existed in this world.

Every time he saw her after that, she was saving someone. His grandfather. His mother. Countless strangers. It was as if her entire universe revolved around rescuing others, never sparing a thought for herself.

And now, she had saved him.

Sebastian stood frozen, staring at the woman illuminated by the headlights.

His throat tightened, and a sudden sting pricked his eyes. A suffocating wave of emotion washed over him—something far deeper than gratitude or relief. It crashed over him like a tidal wave, pulling him under completely.

She was always like this. Always appearing right when he needed her most. Like a beam of light piercing through the darkest, most broken corners of his life.

First, she saved his grandfather. Then, his mother. And now, him.