The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 510

Paris, The Astor Estate.

The evening sun peeked through the clouds, casting a dark golden hue over the sprawling castle. The driveway was packed with luxury vehicles, and a plush red carpet stretched from the base of the grand staircase straight into the center of the courtyard. Waiters in crisp tailcoats weaved through the arrivals, guiding the steady stream of elite guests. Tonight was the Duke's annual gala, an exclusive affair for Europe's top-tier entrepreneurs, aristocrats, and the Astor family's most crucial business partners.

Lydia Langford stood in front of a full-length mirror, evaluating her reflection. She wore an emerald green velvet gown that draped perfectly to her ankles, adorned with a delicate diamond brooch at the neckline. Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, showing off her slender neck, and the small mole near her eye added a subtle charm under the warm lighting. Pierre had arranged for the dress to be sent to her; the sizing was flawless, the fabric luxurious, and the tailoring impeccable—understated, yet undeniably expensive. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her phone. The screen displayed a text Pierre had sent ten minutes ago.

[Got the dress?]

She typed back: [Yes.]

A reply came through almost instantly: [Wear it. Come with my father's business associates tonight. Tyler will bring you as his plus-one. I'll be there too. Just play your part, keep it natural, and don't overdo it.]

Lydia's fingers hovered over the screen. She typed: [Should I tell the Duke beforehand? That I'm attending the gala?]

Pierre replied quickly: [No. Keep the element of surprise. Stick to your character, just don't overact.]

Lydia stared at the message, silent for a few seconds. Another text popped up.

[Everyone in our family will be there tonight. Even Leon. Be careful, and make sure you avoid him.]

Lydia's heart skipped a beat. She typed: [Understood.] There were no further replies.

She slipped her phone into her clutch, took one final look at herself in the mirror, and turned to leave the room.

The car pulled up to the entrance of the estate.

Stepping out, Lydia tilted her head up to admire the brilliantly illuminated castle. She had been here once before under Pierre's orders, but back then, she had been smuggled through a side door. Today was entirely different. Arriving with Tyler, she was walking through the main entrance, down the red carpet, straight into the flashing lights of the press. Taking a deep breath, she looped her arm through her escort's.

Tyler wore a sharp charcoal-gray suit, his hair flawlessly styled. He offered her a polite, quintessential British smile that maintained just the right amount of professional distance. Glancing down at her, he asked, "Nervous?"

Lydia nodded. "A little."

Tyler patted the back of her hand reassuringly. "Don't be. Just follow my lead. Since it's your first time here, you don't need to do much talking—just smile at people. You're here as my plus-one; no one will give you a hard time."

Lydia nodded, holding his arm gracefully as they walked the red carpet. Camera flashes erupted around them. A few attendees recognized Tyler and stepped forward to greet him. He returned their greetings with a warm smile, continuously guiding her toward the entrance.

The grand hall was a spectacle of light.