The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 514

Château Rothschild, second-floor bedroom.

Evelyn finished her shower, changed into her pajamas, and leaned against the headboard. Holding a medical journal, she flipped through a few pages before setting it down. Her back was still aching, so she rubbed it, tucked a pillow behind her waist, and picked the journal back up. Her phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID—Lyra Langford. Her brow furrowed slightly as she answered.

"What is it?"

"Evelyn, did you get an invitation to The Astor Estate gala?" Lyra's voice was urgent, laced with a suppressed excitement.

Evelyn's fingers paused. "How do you know that?"

"Don't worry about how I know. Take me with you."

Evelyn leaned against the headboard, her tone perfectly calm. "How do you know they invited me, and why on earth would I take you?"

"You—" Lyra's voice hitched. "Evelyn, stop playing dumb. You're Charles's granddaughter; of course he would invite you. Bringing someone along is as easy as saying the word."

"I'm asking why you want to go," Evelyn interrupted. "What if you pull some stunt at the gala and drag me down with you?"

A brief silence fell over the line. When Lyra spoke again, her voice was low, carrying a hint of gritted teeth. "What stunt could I possibly pull? I just want to attend. To see what a high-society gala looks like. Is that a crime?"

Evelyn turned a page of her journal. "No."

"Evelyn!"

"If you go and make a fool of yourself, it reflects poorly on me," Evelyn stated evenly. "I know exactly what kind of person you are. I might not know what you're planning, but I know it isn't anything good, so I'm not taking you."

A stifled breath echoed from the other end of the line. Then, the call disconnected.

Evelyn placed the phone on the nightstand and went back to reading her journal. After flipping through two more pages, she set it aside, turned off the lamp, and lay down. Moonlight spilled through the gap in the curtains, casting a slender beam across the ceiling. She closed her eyes, resting her hand on her lower abdomen. Her mind kept replaying Lyra's call—how did she know The Astor Family had invited her? Who told her? Her brow slowly creased in thought.

In her hotel room, Lyra clutched her phone, staring at the words 'Call Ended' on the screen as her grip tightened. She threw the device onto the bed; it bounced slightly and landed next to the pillow.

"Evelyn!" she hissed through gritted teeth, her voice trembling with suppressed rage.

She stood up, pacing the room before stopping abruptly. Snatching up the phone, she pulled up another contact—Lydia Langford. She stared at the name for a long time before hitting dial.

The line rang three times before connecting.

"Lyra?" Lydia's voice was soft, laced with faint surprise.

"Lydia, are you going to The Astor Estate gala?" Lyra cut straight to the chase.

A two-second silence followed. "Why?"

"Take me with you."