The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 554

Lausanne, Switzerland. Evening.

The car cruised along the scenic highway bordering Lake Geneva, passing endless stretches of vineyards and historic châteaus. The setting sun pierced through the clouds, casting a layer of shattered gold across the water's surface. Evelyn Sullivan leaned back in her seat, watching the fading light. Sebastian Thorne sat beside her, phone in hand, reading a message from Julian St. Claire.

"He said Alissa talked. The Founder is Logan Astor," Sebastian said, handing the phone over.

Evelyn glanced at the screen, a slight frown creasing her forehead. "Logan Astor. The Duke's cousin."

"Yeah. The Luxembourg financial tycoon," Sebastian replied, pocketing his phone. "He might show up tonight."

Evelyn remained silent. She gazed out the window at a white yacht slowly gliding across the lake. She didn't know what tonight would bring, but her heart beat a fraction faster than usual. It wasn't nerves; it was anticipation.

The car pulled up to the gates of an estate.

It wasn't a towering castle, but a sprawling, wide manor that sat like a dormant beast in the fading light. A red carpet spilled out from the entrance, flanked by rows of tuxedo-clad servers holding trays of champagne. Brilliant light poured from the windows, illuminating the entire structure.

Stepping out of the car, Evelyn linked her arm through Sebastian's and walked up the red carpet. Security checked their invitations at the door, gave a brief nod, and stepped aside. The grand hall was even more blindingly bright than the exterior. Crystal chandeliers cascaded from the domed ceiling, refracting thousands of dazzling beams. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and crisp champagne. Men in tailored suits and women in elegant gowns clustered in small groups, their laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses.

Evelyn scanned the crowd. She didn't recognize anyone. Sebastian looked down at her.

"Nervous?"

Evelyn shook her head. "Not nervous. Just looking."

"For what?"

"For him," Evelyn said softly. "Logan Astor."

Sebastian didn't say anything. He guided her through the milling guests to a quiet corner sofa. They sat down, and a waiter immediately approached. Sebastian took a flute of champagne, while Evelyn opted for sparkling juice.

"Get something to eat first," Sebastian suggested. "The banquet is just starting. There's no rush."

Evelyn nodded. She took a slow sip of her drink, her eyes never stopping their sweep of the room.