The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 52

Lawrence stared at her, deeply moved. Even now, with her life upended, she was still thinking of others.

"Alright," he agreed. "I'll arrange the donations. But you must accept a personal share as well. That is my absolute bottom line."

Knowing it was pointless to argue further, Evelyn nodded. "Then... thank you, Lawrence."

His expression finally softened. Leaning back in his chair, he kept his gaze on her. "What are your plans after the divorce, Evie? Are you moving back to the Sullivans?"

"Not for now," she replied. "I'm thinking of spending some time in the States. I have some... personal matters to attend to."

She didn't elaborate, and Lawrence didn't press. He knew this seemingly fragile woman possessed a fiercely independent mind.

"That sounds like a good idea," Lawrence said. "Get out of the city, change your scenery. But promise me one thing, Evie—when you have the time, you must come back and visit me. You will always be a daughter to me."

Her eyes burned with unshed tears. She blinked rapidly to clear them and offered a small smile. "I promise."

"Also," Lawrence hesitated, "next Saturday is my fifty-fifth birthday. We're hosting a small banquet at the hotel. Could you... attend? Just consider it your final evening as a member of the Lancaster family. A favor to an old man." He looked at her with an expectant gleam. "I'll have the finalized, signed divorce papers ready for you that night. You have my word. I'll handle the logistics so you won't face any trouble."

Evelyn remained silent for a few seconds. Next Saturday. That was exactly a week away. She had originally planned to leave New York in a matter of days. But looking at the hopeful expression on Lawrence's face, she found herself nodding. "Alright. I'll be there."

A genuine smile—his first of the evening—finally broke across Lawrence's face. "Then it's settled."

He stood up, walked over to his grand bookcase, and unlocked a hidden compartment. He pulled out a small, deep blue velvet box. It was compact, but radiated an undeniable sense of history and value.

"Take this," he said, pushing the box across the desk toward her. "It's not worth millions, but it's a pearl brooch that your mother left with me all those years ago. It's time it returned to its rightful owner."

Evelyn was stunned. With trembling fingers, she reached out and opened the lid. Inside lay a breathtaking pearl brooch, its elegant, timeless design catching the warm glow of the lamp. She recognized it instantly—it had been Vivian's favorite piece of jewelry.

"Lawrence, I can't—"

She paused for a fraction of a second before pulling the door open and stepping out. The heavy oak door clicked shut behind her. The hallway was perfectly still, save for the muffled sound of Penelope's voice drifting up from the grand staircase, the words indiscernible. Clutching the velvet box, Evelyn descended the stairs with measured steps.

As she reached the bottom, the lively chatter in the living room abruptly died. Penelope, Christian, and Lyra all looked up at her. A flicker of nervous tension crossed Lyra's face, while Christian's gaze was dark and unreadable. Penelope didn't even try to hide her absolute disgust.

Evelyn didn't spare them a single glance, walking purposefully toward the front entrance. Just as she reached the grand foyer, Christian's voice called out from behind her.

"Evelyn."

She stopped but didn't turn around. A few agonizing seconds passed before he spoke again, his voice tight.

"Drive safe."

A faint, almost imperceptible smirk touched Evelyn's lips—a ghost of sheer irony. Without a word, she pushed open the heavy double doors and stepped out into the crisp autumn night. The courtyard lights cast long, solitary shadows across the sweeping driveway. The warm glow emanating from the mansion could no longer touch her. She knew that after tonight, her ties to the Lancaster family were reduced to a mere seven days. The birthday banquet next week would be her final performance as Mrs. Lancaster. After that, she would vanish from their world entirely and start anew. The autumn breeze swept past her, sending a flurry of fallen leaves dancing at her feet before scattering them into the darkness. Just like her future—unknown, yet brimming with infinite possibilities.