The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 44

As he spoke, his expression was entirely serious, though a hint of urgency to explain himself flickered in his eyes.

Looking at him, Evelyn suddenly realized that this man—feared in the business world and dubbed the 'Cold-Faced Hades'—was currently acting somewhat... endearingly clumsy.

She recalled the financial magazine articles about Sebastian Thorne: ruthless, icy, never leaving any quarter at the negotiating table. Yet here he was, pulling over just to buy her a milk tea because of something his teenage cousin said, rushing to explain himself so she wouldn't think he was hitting on her.

The contrast was almost comical.

"Surely you don't think," Evelyn arched an eyebrow slightly, a rare hint of teasing in her tone, "I'm the kind of person whose mood improves over a cup of milk tea?"

"No," Sebastian denied instantly, pausing before his voice dropped a notch. "I just thought... you might need something sweet."

It was a simple statement, but Evelyn understood.

He wasn't trying to score points or cozy up to her; he genuinely just thought she might need a bit of warmth.

Even if it was just a cup of tea.

Evelyn looked down at the cup in silence, her fingertips lightly tracing the warm cardboard. After a long moment, she murmured, "Thank you."

She poked the straw through the seal and took a small sip.

The sweet, balanced flavor washed over her palate, carrying subtle notes of tea and cream. It really was... very warm.

Watching her take delicate sips, the corners of Sebastian's mouth curved up imperceptibly. He started the engine and merged back into traffic.

The faint, sweet aroma of milk tea filled the cabin, mysteriously thawing the previously stagnant tension between them.

"Your cousin," Evelyn suddenly spoke up, a trace of curiosity in her voice. "How old is she?"

"It's fine." Evelyn shook her head. "My mother passed away, and my father... as you know, had an affair and remarried."

She kept it brief, but Sebastian could hear the detachment in her voice.

He didn't press further, simply saying, "If you ever need any help, just say the word."

"You've already helped me a lot today." Evelyn looked out the window. "It's a right turn at the next intersection."

Sebastian flicked the turn signal, steering the car down a relatively quiet street and pulling up in front of an office building.

"Thank you for the ride." Evelyn unbuckled her seatbelt and picked up the half-finished tea, hesitating for a second. "This..."

"Take it with you," Sebastian said. "Drink it on the way."