The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 551

London, the suburbs. A desolate alleyway.

Alissa crouched behind a pile of damp cardboard boxes, clutching her hands over her mouth, terrified to make a sound. Her legs trembled violently, her hands shaking alongside them. She had nearly been caught just moments ago. Sprinting into this abandoned courtyard, she had scrambled over a pile of trash to hide in the deepest, darkest corner.

Footsteps echoed outside. It wasn't just one person—there were at least two or three. She could hear them talking, their voices low and sharp with frustration.

"We finally caught her out in the open, and you let her slip away."

Another voice, much deeper, snapped back. "Shut up. Just keep looking."

The footsteps paced back and forth down the alley. Someone kicked over a trash can; another rummaged through a stack of crates. Alissa's heart pounded so hard it physically hurt. She pressed her hands harder against her mouth, desperate to stifle even the sound of her breathing.

"She's not here. Did she run further out?"

"Impossible. She's hiding somewhere in this block."

Alissa squeezed her eyes shut, repeating a frantic prayer in her mind. Don't come closer. Please don't come closer.

"Nothing on this side. Let's check over there."

The footsteps began to recede. Alissa let out a fragile breath, but she still didn't dare move a muscle. She could hear them muttering near the mouth of the alley, their words drifting over in broken fragments.

"Whatever. We need to hurry. If we don't end her by tonight, we're not going to be able to report back."

"If we don't finish the job, we're the ones who are dead."

"So what do we do? She's dug herself in."

"Figure it out. We have to find her before sundown."

"Got it."

The footsteps finally faded away completely. Alissa stayed crouched behind the boxes, shivering uncontrollably. She waited for what felt like an eternity, making absolutely sure the area was clear before she slowly forced herself to stand. Her legs were so weak she nearly collapsed, forcing her to lean against the grimy brick wall as she gasped for air. With trembling hands, she pulled out her phone. She scrolled to Julian's number and hit call.

It rang once before he picked up.