The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 51

The study was suffocatingly quiet, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the antique wall clock. Lawrence Lancaster’s gaze rested on the divorce papers sitting on the coffee table, though he made no move to touch them. The bold lettering across the folder caught the harsh light of the desk lamp, looking as unforgiving as a drawn blade. He remained silent for so long that Evelyn Sullivan almost thought he would never speak again. When he finally looked up, his eyes—honed by decades in the ruthless corporate world—were heavy with a complex blend of guilt, pity, resignation, and a deep, hidden ache.

"Evie," he began, his voice gravelly. "Are you absolutely sure about this?"

He called her 'Evie', not 'Evelyn', and certainly not 'Ms. Sullivan'. It was a term of endearment reserved for only the closest of family, and for the past three years, he was the only one in the entire Lancaster household who used it. Evelyn’s heart gave a slight, painful tug, but her expression remained perfectly composed.

"I've thought it through, Lawrence."

"Did Christian force your hand?" Lawrence leaned forward, clasping his hands tightly on the desk. "Or is this because of Lyra and that child? Did Penelope say something unforgivable to you? Tell me, and I can fix it—"

"It's none of that," Evelyn interrupted softly. "I want this divorce myself."

Lawrence studied her clear, unwavering eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

"You know, Evie," he murmured, his tone dropping into a distant nostalgia. "I’ve always seen shadows of your mother in you. Not just in your looks, but in your spirit. That quiet resilience. The way you can face a storm without screaming or breaking, remaining more stubborn than anyone else."

Evelyn froze, caught off guard by the sudden mention of her mother.

"When Vivian was here..." Lawrence trailed off, lost in the past, before shaking his head. "Never mind. That’s all history now. But you need to know, Evie, that in my heart, you are the only true daughter-in-law of this family. I have never acknowledged Lyra Langford."

He spoke slowly, weighing every word. "If you don't want her around, I can send her abroad. I can make sure she never sets foot in New York again. As for Leo... the child is innocent, and the Lancasters can provide for him, but I promise you, his existence will never threaten your position. And you know how Penelope is—don't take her bitter words to heart. She just has a nasty temper."

"Lawrence," Evelyn interrupted again, this time with a pleading edge to her voice. "It’s not about any of them."

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