The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 55

Evelyn met his gaze, her expression perfectly serene. "I want a divorce, Dad. The decision is final."

"Final?" Stephen's voice exploded into the quiet room. "You think marriage is a game? You think you can just walk in and out whenever you please? We practically bled to secure this alliance with the Lancasters, and you’re just going to throw it away?"

"It's been three years, Dad," she replied, her voice steady. "This transaction is over."

"Transaction?" Stephen slammed his hand on the desk, shooting out of his chair. "You think this is just a transaction? Evelyn, I am your father! Do you think I'd deliberately ruin your life? The Lancaster name is something people would kill for! Right now, you are Mrs. Lancaster. People bow when you walk into a room. You divorce him, and what are you? Nobody!"

Evelyn tilted her chin up, staring him down. "I don't need people to bow to me. I just want to live like a human being."

"A human being?" Stephen scoffed maliciously. "You are so damn naive! Name one powerful, wealthy man who doesn't have women on the side! Christian is better than most—he at least acknowledges you as his lawful wife! That bastard child wasn't even conceived during your marriage, so it doesn't count as cheating! Just swallow your pride and wait. When the kid is a little older, bring him into the house and raise him yourself. He'll still call you mother!"

Evelyn looked at the man standing across from her—the man who contributed half her DNA—and felt an overwhelming surge of disgust. It was almost comical.

"Dad," she said softly, her tone lethal. "Is that the exact same excuse you used on yourself all those years ago?"

Stephen froze, his face dropping. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Evelyn stood in silence, watching the man who was so ruthless in the boardroom look so utterly pathetic in his own home. There was no anger left in her eyes. No sorrow. Just a deep, hollow exhaustion.

"So," she asked softly, "to you, I was never a daughter. I was just a pawn you sold to the Lancasters. Is that right?"

Stephen choked on his words. He opened his mouth to scream a denial, but nothing came out.

Evelyn smiled. It was a faint, chilling smile. "Dad, the only reason I married Christian was because Grandpa held my hand and said, 'Evie, this company is my life's work. Please... help your father.' So I did. I didn't do it for you. I did it for him."