The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 518

The gala continued. The grand hall was a sea of glittering lights, bubbling laughter, and clinking glasses. Lydia stood by a pillar, holding a glass of juice. She had been standing there for quite some time. Tyler had wandered off to catch up with old friends, leaving her entirely alone. Her gaze drifted across the crowd, settling on the staircase. Pierre had said there would be an arrangement tonight, but she didn't know what it entailed or when it would happen. She unconsciously traced the rim of her glass, her knuckles pale with tension.

A waiter approached with a tray. "Miss, would you like a drink?"

Lydia glanced down at the tray. It held a few flutes of champagne and one distinctly different glass—a dark red cocktail that glinted like a ruby under the lights. She recalled Pierre's directive—'You don't need to do anything, just follow the arrangement.' But panic was settling in, and she felt a looming sense of dread. She needed something to steady her nerves.

"What kind of drink is this?" she asked, pointing to the dark red one.

The waiter gave a slight bow. "It's a signature cocktail. It has a low alcohol content and a sweet profile. Highly recommended."

Lydia hesitated before taking the glass. The liquid swirled inside, catching the amber light. She took a sip; it was sweet and didn't taste much like alcohol, so she took another. Just as the waiter turned to leave, a guest holding champagne bumped hard into his shoulder. A loud crash followed as the tray tipped, spilling drinks everywhere. Before Lydia could even react, the dark red cocktail sloshed entirely over her dress. A dark, ugly stain bloomed across the moonlight-white fabric, spreading from her chest down to her waist. The cold liquid dripped down the hem, making her shiver.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry—" the waiter apologized profusely, frantically trying to help her blot the stain.

Hearing the commotion, Tyler quickly walked over. "What happened?"

Lydia looked down at her ruined dress. "A drink spilled."

Tyler's brow furrowed. "This..." He was about to suggest taking her somewhere to clean up when a deep voice interrupted them.

"What seems to be the problem?"

The Duke approached. His gaze landed on Lydia, his brow creasing slightly as he noticed the sprawling stain on her dress.

Tyler quickly explained. "Duke Astor, a waiter accidentally spilled a drink on Anna. I was just about to find her somewhere to get cleaned up."

The Duke glanced at Lydia. "There are clothes in the upstairs guest rooms." He turned to his assistant. "Take Ms. Anna upstairs to change into a fresh outfit."

The assistant nodded. "Right away, Duke Astor."

Tyler expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for the trouble, Duke Astor."

The Duke waved it off and turned away. Tyler looked at Lydia. "Go on, come find me when you're done."

Lydia nodded, following the assistant toward the stairs. She had no idea there was anything in the drink. She just assumed the sudden wave of dizziness washing over her was from standing too long. Gripping the handrail tightly, she took the stairs one heavy step at a time.