The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 448

Christian didn't move, holding her gaze. "I need a favor."

Madeline let out a sharp scoff. "A favor? What makes you think I'd do absolutely anything for you?"

Christian paused for a beat. "I need to see Evelyn."

The coldness in Madeline's smile deepened. "See Evelyn? Why on earth do you need to see her?"

"I have something I need to say to her in person," Christian replied evenly. "She blocked my number, so I can't reach her. You're her best friend. You must have a way."

Madeline stared at his haggard face and the exhaustion bruising his eyes, feeling less than zero sympathy. "Christian, are you out of your mind? Why would I ever help you?"

Christian reached into his overcoat pocket, pulled out a sleek business card, and held it out to her. "Lancaster Group's legal department is hiring a senior legal counsel. A three-million-dollar starting salary, complete with a company car and a housing allowance."

Madeline glanced down at the card but kept her hands firmly by her sides.

"As long as you do me this favor," Christian said evenly. "When you return to the States, the position is yours."

Madeline looked up and met his eyes. "Do you seriously think I'm desperate for a job?"

Christian said nothing.

Madeline waved the card away. "Sorry, not interested. And I don't stab my friends in the back."

Miles stepped out from behind the pillar, stopping a half-step behind Christian. "Ms. Thorne, it's not a betrayal. Mr. Lancaster just wants to invite Dr. Sullivan out for a conversation. Just one meeting. She has him blocked, and he can't get through. All you have to do is pass along a message and set a time and place—"

"Pass along a message?" Madeline cut him off. "What message? Tell her that her ex-husband wants to see her? And then what? She'll ask if she should go, and I'll say yes? She'll ask why I'm helping, and I'll say because you bribed me with a job?" Her gaze shifted from Miles back to Christian. "Christian, what kind of person do you think I am?"

Christian looked at her, silent for a few seconds. He pulled another business card from his pocket and held it out with the first one. "I'll add a property. A two-thousand-square-foot luxury penthouse in Manhattan, fully paid off."

Madeline's fingers twitched. A massive penthouse in Manhattan, totally paid off. She knew exactly what kind of wealth that represented. She had grinded at her law firm for years and still couldn't even scrape together a decent down payment. Every time her parents called, it was to say her brother needed a house and to ask for money. Every time she gave in, it left her with next to nothing.

Christian observed her reaction, his voice dropping slightly. "Ms. Thorne, your salary at your current firm isn't exactly impressive, is it? You know how brutal the real estate market is. And your parents... you know better than I do how they favor your brother over you."