The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 523

The assistant took a deep breath. "Leon was in a car crash. It's extremely serious. He was rear-ended on the highway by a driver who made no attempt to brake. The other driver died on impact, but Leon was trapped inside the wreckage. The fire department spent half an hour extracting him. He's currently at Sacred Heart Medical Center, undergoing emergency surgery. The doctors say it's not looking good."

The Duke's fingers paused. He remained silent for two seconds, his expression completely unreadable. "I understand."

He started walking forward. The assistant followed behind him for a few steps before pausing.

"Duke Astor, the young lady upstairs..."

The Duke didn't look back. "Post two guards at the door. Make sure she isn't disturbed. Also, have the kitchen prepare some warm soup; send it up when she wakes."

The assistant nodded. "Understood."

Downstairs, in the grand hall.

The Duke descended the stairs. Genevieve was still sitting on the floor, supported by Elaine, both of their eyes swollen from crying. A few lingering guests were whispering in small clusters. Catherine stood nearby in an elegant dark purple gown, holding a glass of champagne. As she watched The Duke approach, her gaze lingered on him for a second. His shirt collar was slightly crumpled, and his hair wasn't nearly as impeccable as it had been earlier. A mocking smirk touched her lips.

"Your son was in an accident, and you still had the mood to linger upstairs for so long?" Her voice wasn't loud, but every word carried a sharp barb.

The Duke glanced at her without responding.

Catherine scoffed, turning to leave. "I'm going to call your mother. She should know her grandson is in the hospital."

"Don't call her," The Duke's voice turned icy. "She's getting older; she doesn't need this kind of shock."

Catherine stopped but didn't look back. "You overthink it. She never liked Leon anyway. What does a bastard's death have to do with her?"

Genevieve's face drained of even more color. She looked up at Catherine's retreating back, her lips trembling as if she wanted to speak, but she forced the words back down. Those words pierced her heart far worse than any blade. She knew the matriarch despised Leon, that his previous scandals had alienated him from the family. But hearing it spoken out loud was still agonizing.

The Duke's brow furrowed. "I said, do not call her."

Catherine turned around to look at him. "Fine. I won't. Handle it yourself." Sipping her champagne, she walked away.

Pierre walked over from the entrance, his face wearing a mask of perfect filial concern. "Father, the guests have been escorted out. The cars are ready."