The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 563

Christian leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers drumming a slow, rhythmic beat against the armrest.

"Do you honestly think she's going to tell me the truth?"

"Hard to say," Miles admitted thoughtfully. "Given whatever massive secret this organization is hiding, if she made a deal with Dr. Sullivan to protect herself... if you push her, she might panic and completely shut down. However, regarding the baby she's carrying—"

"Enough."

Christian cut him off sharply.

Miles snapped his mouth shut.

A heavy silence descended over the sprawling office.

Christian stood up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, turning his back to the room.

"She cut a deal with Evelyn because Evelyn had something she desperately needed. She can cure the child. That's leverage I don't possess."

Miles remained dead silent.

"But there is one massive thing Evelyn can never offer her." Christian turned around, his eyes locking onto his assistant. "Me. That child she's carrying is legally mine. Evelyn might be able to fix the baby's health, but she can't give that child a legitimate father. I can."

Miles's brow furrowed slightly.

"Boss, are you saying... you're going to use the child..."

"I'm not using the child." Christian walked back to his desk, picked up his phone, and tossed it back down. "I'm saying that if she was willing to trade secrets with Evelyn, she'll trade with me. Whatever intel she handed over, I can get it too. And frankly—I'm an easier target to negotiate with. Whatever she wants, I can give it to her. Money, status, legitimacy. Can Evelyn give her a place in high society? No. She can throw cash at her, but she can't give her the Lancaster name."

Miles hesitated for several seconds. "Aren't you worried she's just going to play you again?"

"Has she ever stopped playing me?" A dark, glacial smirk curved Christian's lips. "What's one more lie at this point? Does it even make a difference?"

Miles didn't dare reply.

Christian sank back into his chair, picked up his coffee, and took a sip. It was bitter. He grimaced and set it aside.

"But every single lie she's ever fed me... I'll settle that score eventually. Just not today."

"So tomorrow—"

"Tomorrow, I let her talk." Christian leaned his head back, closing his eyes. "I need to know exactly what she gave Evelyn, what kind of deal they struck, and what Evelyn promised her in return. I am entirely in the dark, and that ends now."

"And if she refuses to talk?"

Christian opened his eyes, his gaze piercing.

"She'll talk."

Miles looked at the sheer coldness radiating from his boss, a chill creeping up his spine.