The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 450

The gardens of Château Rothschild.

The afternoon sun filtered through the broad leaves of the sycamore trees, casting dancing shadows over the white wrought-iron chair. The gentle splash of the fountain provided a soothing backdrop as a few doves strutted lazily across the manicured lawn. Evelyn sat quietly, a glass of milk in her hands. She wore a soft, light gray knit dress, her hair cascading loosely over her shoulders. The sunlight illuminated her skin, making it look practically translucent.

Madeline stood at the edge of the path, taking in the sight. Her eyes welled up instantly. She took a deep breath, power-walked over, ditched her suitcase on the grass, and threw her arms around Evelyn.

"Evelyn!" Her voice was muffled against her friend's shoulder. "I missed you so much!"

The impact nearly knocked Evelyn backward, splashing milk close to the rim of the glass. Laughing, she freed one hand to gently pat Madeline's back. "Easy there, you're going to spill this everywhere."

Madeline pulled back and gave her a critical once-over. "You've lost weight." She frowned, her eyes scanning Evelyn's face. "Your jawline is so sharp."

Evelyn touched her own cheek. "Is it?"

"Yes!" Madeline dropped into the chair beside her, her eyes still red. "Have you not been eating properly?"

Evelyn smiled. "I'm eating. Someone brings me food every single day."

Madeline blinked. "Who?"

Evelyn didn't answer. Instead, she offered the glass. "Want some milk?"

Madeline took a sip and handed it back, sweeping her gaze over the sprawling estate. "This place is ridiculously huge. When we drove through the gates, every single guard was packing heat. I thought I was going to get strip-searched."

Evelyn laughed softly. "It's not that intense."

"Yes, it is!" Madeline's eyes went wide. "That butler actually asked for a formal invitation. I thought I walked onto a movie set by mistake."

Evelyn shook her head, taking the glass back and taking a sip. Madeline watched her for a moment, hesitating before unzipping her bag and pulling out the heavy manila envelope.

"Right, I almost forgot. Christian wanted me to give this to you."

Evelyn's movements paused. Her eyes locked onto the envelope. "He found you?"

Madeline nodded, placing the envelope on the white table. "Cornered me in the hotel lobby. Said he needed to see you, but you blocked him and he couldn't get through." Her tone turned sour. "He even tried to bribe me with a job. Three million dollars, a company car, a housing allowance, and a luxury penthouse in Manhattan. Paid in full."

Evelyn looked at her. "And?"

"And I told him to go to hell." Madeline leaned back against her chair. "He even ran a background check on me. Threw my low salary in my face, talked about how my parents favor my brother over me. I was this close to losing my mind on him."

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly. "He investigated you?"