The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 516

Paris. The Astor Estate.

As night fell, the entire castle was brilliantly illuminated. A red carpet cascaded from the steps down to the center of the courtyard, where waiters in tailcoats drifted gracefully through the crowd. Inside the grand hall, crystal chandeliers refracted a thousand points of light, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and champagne.

Sebastian stepped out of the car and offered his hand to Evelyn. She wore a deep blue gown, her hair swept up in an elegant updo that highlighted her luminous neck. The Jade Bangle on her wrist gleamed warmly under the lights. She cast a glance at the dazzling castle before linking her arm through Sebastian's. "Let's go."

The two walked up the red carpet. The host at the entrance saw them and offered a deep bow. "Mr. Thorne, Ms. Sullivan, welcome."

At the entrance of the hall, The Duke stood greeting his esteemed guests. Dressed in an immaculate black tuxedo, his hair slicked back perfectly, he wore a flawlessly polished smile. Spotting Evelyn, he stepped forward.

"Dr. Sullivan, welcome. I trust my grandfather is doing well?"

Evelyn nodded. "My grandfather is doing very well. Thank you for asking, Duke Astor."

The Duke's gaze shifted to Sebastian, offering him an appraising look. "Mr. Thorne. I've heard a great deal about you."

Sebastian gave a slight nod. "Duke Astor."

The Duke smiled and stepped aside to let them pass. "Please, come in. Louis is over there; he's been waiting for you for quite some time."

Louis stood by a pillar in a burgundy suit, his blond hair styled to perfection, holding a flute of champagne. The moment he spotted Evelyn, his eyes lit up, and he hurried over.

"Evelyn! You finally made it!" He opened his arms, ready to embrace her.

Sebastian took a half-step forward, physically blocking Evelyn from reach.

Louis paused for a moment, then chuckled. "Mr. Thorne, aren't you being a bit too tense? I just wanted a hug; it's not like she'll lose a piece of herself."

Sebastian remained expressionless. "She's pregnant. No crowding."

Louis pouted, retracting his arms. "Alright, alright, no hugs then." He looked Evelyn up and down. "You're not even showing yet. How many months?"

"Almost four months," Evelyn replied, resting a hand over her stomach.