The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 446

Avenue Montaigne, Paris.

The afternoon sun spilled over the wide boulevard, casting a muted, luxurious glow over the high-end flagship stores lining the street. The air carried that lazy, unmistakable charm unique to a Parisian afternoon. Cafe umbrellas were half-folded, and flawlessly styled women strolled past, their heels clicking crisply against the pavement.

Lydia stepped out of her cab and stood by the curb. The breeze caught her light brown hair, and she tucked a strand behind her ear, revealing the small mole near her eye. A sleek black sedan pulled up smoothly. The door opened, and Victoria stepped out, wearing a sharply tailored black trench coat. Her hair was swept up elegantly, and she wore a faint smile.

"Did you wait long?"

Lydia shook her head. "Just got here."

Victoria looked her over, her gaze pausing for a split second on the delicate gold bracelet. "Who held you up? You texted saying you'd be thirty minutes late."

They fell into step together, heading toward the boutiques. Lydia's fingers brushed against her purse strap. "My sister."

Victoria's steps hitched for a fraction of a second before she recovered. "Your sister? Lyra?"

"Yeah."

"What did she want?"

A ghost of a smile touched Lydia's lips, fading just as quickly. "She wanted me to leave France. Offered me a million dollars to pack up and start over somewhere else."

Victoria turned to look at her, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "What did you tell her?"

"I told her no thanks. I don't need her money. I have my own."

The words were light, but Victoria caught the weight behind them. She knew the girl wasn't hurting for cash right now—Pierre was incredibly generous—so she simply nodded. They walked into the luxury mall. The marble floors gleamed like mirrors, and the air was thick with a sophisticated signature scent. Lydia led the way, Victoria trailing just a half-step behind. They looked like two fiercely independent friends enjoying a day out.

"How did she even know where to find you?" Victoria asked.

Lydia shook her head, her fingers tracing the polished glass of a display case. "No idea. But she dug up something. She knows I'm involved with the Astors."

Victoria's brow furrowed slightly. "What exactly did she say?"