The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 528

The morning of October 17th. At Château Rothschild, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden hue over the lavish rugs. Evelyn descended the stairs, wearing a soft, heather-grey lounge set, her hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Sebastian was already seated at the dining table. A spread of oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon sat in front of him. Seeing her approach, a faint smile touched his lips.

"Morning."

Evelyn took the seat across from him and took a small bite of her oatmeal. "Why are you up so early today?"

Sebastian didn't answer immediately. He watched her eat for a few seconds. "Tomorrow is your birthday. What do you want to do?"

Evelyn thought it over. "Anything is fine. Dinner here at the estate is more than enough."

Sebastian shook his head. "We're here every day. It's getting suffocating. I had Felton book us a table. We're going out."

Evelyn shot him a glance. "Whatever you want to plan is fine with me."

Sebastian nodded. "I'll meet you there tomorrow, then. I need to head back to the villa today to take care of some business, so I won't be able to come pick you up."

Evelyn gave a soft hum of agreement. "Alright. Text me if you need anything."

Sebastian stared at her for a fleeting second. Then, he stood up, circled the large table, and stopped right beside her chair. Evelyn looked up, but before she could fully process his movement, he leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead. It was a quick, impossibly gentle gesture, as if he were afraid of startling her.

"I'm heading out. I'll see you tomorrow."

He turned on his heel and strode purposefully out of the dining room. Evelyn sat frozen for a moment, lifting a hand to brush against the spot on her forehead where his lips had been. A quiet smile graced her face as she looked back down and continued eating.

Madeline padded down the stairs, yawning widely, just in time to see Sebastian disappear out the front doors. "Where is he rushing off to so early?"