The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 46

"Two years is fine," Evelyn said. "As long as it's finalized in the end."

Her attitude was resolute; there was no room for negotiation in her tone.

Nathaniel looked at her, a hint of admiration dawning in his eyes. He had handled countless divorce cases and seen far too many couples tear each other apart over assets. A client like Evelyn, who cut straight to the chase and demanded nothing but freedom, was incredibly rare.

"Since your mind is made up," Nathaniel opened the folder, "I'll organize the paperwork and file the petition with the court immediately. But Ms. Sullivan, I suggest you prepare yourself—Christian Lancaster won't agree to this easily, especially not right now."

Evelyn looked up. "Why?"

"The recent scandal surrounding him is everywhere," Nathaniel said bluntly. "If he divorces you right now, public opinion will crush him. Knowing Christian's personality, he'll likely try to stall until the media storm blows over."

Evelyn fell silent. She thought of Christian's explosive fury at the office today, and Lyra's triumphant gaze.

"That's fine," she said softly. "I can wait."

Nathaniel nodded, pulling a few documents from the folder. "This is the retainer agreement, and here's the checklist of documents we need for the filing. Look them over, and sign if you have no questions."

Evelyn took the paperwork, flipping through it page by page with focused intensity, then signed her name wherever required.

Her handwriting was elegant but firm.

"Thank you, Mr. Sinclair." She pushed the signed documents back across the table. "As for the legal fees... I'll wire the money directly to you."

Madeline patted her hand. "By the way, let's grab dinner tonight, right? I've already booked a table. Consider it an early thank you to Nathaniel for taking your case."

Evelyn checked the time. It was three-thirty in the afternoon.

"Alright," she nodded. "But I have an errand to run first."

"What errand?"

Evelyn pulled a document from her briefcase—the simplified divorce agreement she had printed before coming here. She took out her phone, hesitated for a few seconds, and dialed a number.

It rang three times before a warm male voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Lawrence, it's me, Evelyn," she said softly. "Is it a good time to talk?"

There was a pause on the other end, followed by Lawrence Lancaster's concerned voice. "Evelyn? What is it? What happened?"

"Eve," Madeline took her hands. "Are you really going to the estate? Penelope is..."

"I know," Evelyn said softly. "But Lawrence is the only one in that family who ever treated me with genuine kindness. I want to... explain everything to him in person."

Madeline looked at her, her eyes reddening again. "You always do this, Eve. You shoulder everything yourself, and always think of others."

"Not this time." Evelyn looked up at the lowering sun outside the window. "This time, it's for me."

The sunlight cast a golden glow across her face, illuminating a brilliant, unsinkable resolve in her clear eyes.

Madeline suddenly remembered what Nathaniel had said at the door before leaving: "Your friend... is remarkable. She has an aura you don't usually see in women from prominent families."

When Madeline had asked, "What kind of aura?"

Nathaniel had paused for a few seconds before answering, "The aura of someone who has stared death in the face... and still chooses to be gentle."

Looking at Evelyn's serene profile now, Madeline finally understood what he meant.

Her Eve had truly grown up.