The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 512

Château Rothschild, evening.

The car drove slowly through the wrought-iron gates, crunching along the gravel driveway toward the estate. The sycamore trees lining the path rustled in the evening breeze, while the fading sunset bathed the entire castle in a dark golden glow. Evelyn leaned back in her seat, her eyes closed and her hand resting protectively over her lower abdomen. Sebastian glanced at her through the rearview mirror but remained silent.

The car pulled to a stop at the main entrance. Felton was already waiting on the front steps, holding two sealed envelopes. Seeing Evelyn step out, he offered a deep, respectful bow.

"Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Thorne, welcome back."

Evelyn nodded and began walking inside, with Sebastian trailing closely behind.

Felton matched her pace, extending one of the envelopes. "Miss, an invitation arrived from the Astor family. They are requesting your presence at their gala tomorrow evening."

Evelyn paused in her tracks. She took the envelope and tore it open. Her name was embossed in elegant gold lettering. She stared at it for a few seconds before closing it.

"Understood."

Felton then turned toward Sebastian, preparing to speak, but Lance Sterling quickly stepped out of a trailing vehicle and hurried over, holding an identical envelope.

"Mr. Thorne, your invitation. Sent directly by the Astor family."

Sebastian took it and opened it. It was identical to Evelyn's. He glanced at her.

"Are you going?"

Evelyn didn't answer right away. She stood by the grand entrance, looking out at the sprawling gardens tinted crimson by the sunset. The fountain water danced in the twilight, and a few doves fluttered down onto the manicured lawn, cooing softly. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, her phone buzzed.

She pulled it out. It was a text from Shadow, the operative she had assigned to tail Lyra.

[Lyra Langford left the hospital and got into a vehicle belonging to Leon Astor. They remained parked by the road for a while before Leon sped off. Lyra left alone and went to the 13th District. She entered a building in the slums, stayed for about twenty minutes, and then left.]

Evelyn stared at the text, her brow slowly knitting together. She scrolled down to the next message.

[After leaving, Leon got straight onto the highway. Current location unknown.]

She slipped her phone back into her pocket, raised her head, and looked at Sebastian.

"We're going." Her tone was dead calm. "We are attending that gala tomorrow night."

Sebastian studied her face. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Nothing specific. Just a feeling that something is going to happen tomorrow night." She paused. "I need to get to work. I have to check on the cell cultures we started in the lab."

Sebastian nodded. "Need any help?"