The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 524

It was noon at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the 16th District of Paris. Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a blinding glare across the crisp white tablecloths. Evelyn Sullivan sat by the window, idly turning her water glass as she gazed outside. Sebastian Thorne sat across from her, flipping through the menu. Louis de Bourbon-Montpensier lounged next to them, one leg casually crossed over the other, a toothpick jutting from the corner of his mouth.

"The foie gras here is incredible," Louis said. "And the escargot. The last time I brought a buddy here, he said it was the best he'd ever had."

Evelyn set her glass down. "You certainly have a lot of friends."

Louis chuckled. "Of course. I'm a likable guy."

Sebastian closed his menu and shot him a look. "When are you leaving?"

Louis blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Leave for where?"

"Didn't you say your friend was coming to pick you up?"

Louis scoffed. "Cancelled. Something came up." He paused, arching an eyebrow. "What's the matter, Mr. Thorne? You don't want me sticking around for lunch?"

Sebastian didn't answer. Louis sighed dramatically and turned to Evelyn. "Evelyn, look at him. He's always like this. I'm your college friend, for crying out loud. Does he have to be so hostile?"

Evelyn took a slow sip of her water. "He does."

Louis clutched his chest. "Ouch. Right in the heart."

A sudden commotion erupted near the entrance. Several sleek black sedans pulled up outside, and a small crowd spilled out. Leading the pack was a man in his fifties with greying hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a sharp charcoal suit. He walked with urgent purpose, trailed by a half-dozen men and women in professional attire clutching briefcases. Two of them hoisted heavy cameras onto their shoulders, one gripped a microphone, and several others furiously scribbled in notepads as they walked.