The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 527

Sebastian nodded. "You take care of yourself too, Mom."

She offered a watery smile and waved at the camera. "Alright, we're hanging up now. Get some sleep."

The screen went dark. Sebastian sat at his desk, staring out the window. Night had fully fallen, and the garden lights were on, casting a silver glow over the dancing fountain. His grandfather's words echoed in his mind—"Do whatever needs to be done." His hands slowly curled into fists.

He grabbed his phone, pulled up Seth Sterling's contact, and hit dial. It rang twice before Seth picked up.

"Mr. Thorne."

"What's the status on Geoffrey's little mistress?"

Seth paused for a moment. "She's being kept safely hidden in the Bay Area. Over six months pregnant now. Geoffrey and Gwendolyn have been at each other's throats lately."

Sebastian was silent for a fraction of a second. "Give her a push. Help her take Gwendolyn's place."

There was a beat of silence on the other end of the line. "Mr. Thorne, are you saying—"

"Make Geoffrey file for divorce," Sebastian commanded, his voice devoid of any emotion. "It's time the mistress was dragged into the spotlight. Let them scream, let them tear each other apart. Just make sure none of it reaches my grandfather."

Seth understood immediately. "Understood. I'll get it moving right away."

Sebastian ended the call and tossed his phone onto the desk. He stood up and moved to the window. The moonlight outside was faint, spilling over the garden as the distant, rhythmic splashing of the fountain drifted into the room.

He knew his aunt far too well. She was fiercely territorial and driven by toxic jealousy. If Geoffrey asked for a divorce, she would absolutely lose her mind. She would scream, smash things, and wage total war. The ensuing chaos would leave her completely paralyzed, unable to focus her vicious energy on Sebastian. He refused to let his grandfather find out about any of it; the old man's heart couldn't take the shock. So Sebastian wouldn't strike the fatal blow himself. Geoffrey's mistress would be the blade he wielded—a weapon that would plunge itself deep into the enemy's chest without him ever having to get his hands dirty.

He stood by the window, staring into the pale moonlight, lost in his own thoughts. His phone vibrated against the desk. He picked it up. It was a text from Lance Sterling.

[Mr. Thorne, we have an update on Leon Astor. He woke up, but it's not looking good. The doctors are saying he might be permanently paralyzed.]

Sebastian stared at the message for several seconds. He typed back: [Understood. Keep eyes on him.]

He hit send, slipped the phone into his pocket, and walked out of his room. The hallway was completely silent, his footsteps swallowed by the plush carpeting. He stopped outside Evelyn's door. A soft, inviting sliver of light bled from beneath the frame. He stood there for a moment before gently knocking.

"Come in."

Evelyn was propped up against the headboard, a book resting in her lap. Seeing him, a faint smile touched her lips. "Finished with your meeting?"

Sebastian walked over and sat on the edge of the mattress. "Yeah. My mom and grandfather asked about you."

Evelyn set her book down. "What did they ask?"