The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 58

"Name it," Lawrence urged.

Evelyn took a deep breath. "After the divorce is finalized, I need you to completely cut off all financial and corporate support to the Sullivan family."

Lawrence was stunned. "Evie, what are you saying..."

"Over the past three years, the Sullivans have secured their empire by feeding off the Lancaster name," Evelyn stated, her voice devoid of any emotion. "That debt has been paid in full with my three years of marriage. From this day forward, the Sullivans are on their own. You do not need to give them preferential treatment or resources on my account ever again."

Lawrence stared at her for a long time. "Does your father know you're doing this?"

"He doesn't need to know." A faint, bitter smile touched Evelyn's lips. "My ties with that family died a long time ago. I only maintained the illusion of a family for my grandfather's sake." She paused, her voice softening. "When my mother passed away, I was already an adult. She and Stephen had been divorced for years; they lived in entirely different universes. Now that she's gone, it’s time I sever my final connection to the Sullivans."

Lawrence thought of Vivian again, a wave of melancholy washing over him. That brilliant, gentle woman had given her heart to a monster, suffering a tragic, premature end.

"Evie," he sighed deeply. "You are exactly like your mother. Soft on the outside, but forged from pure steel on the inside. Since you've made your decision, I will respect it. I will handle Stephen Sullivan."

"Thank you, Lawrence."

"However," Lawrence's tone shifted back to unyielding authority, "you are taking the personal compensation. This isn't charity. It is a gift from an elder. If you refuse it, you are flatly disrespecting me."

Evelyn opened her mouth to argue, but Lawrence was already out of his chair and striding toward a hidden wall safe. He pulled out a leather binder and a velvet jewelry box, returning to the desk and sliding both across the mahogany surface.

"This is the deed to The West End Cottage," Lawrence said, tapping the binder. "It’s not massive, but it's incredibly secluded. It has a beautiful private garden. I know you'll love it. When your mother lived in that neighborhood, she used to walk over and drink tea in that very courtyard. I figured you might want a quiet place to read and tend to a garden."

A storm of conflicting emotions raged inside Evelyn. For three years, Lawrence had been a ghost in the house, constantly buried in corporate wars, barely speaking a word. She had walked on eggshells every single day in the Lancaster mansion, yet in her final moments as a member of the family, she was experiencing genuine, unconditional care.

"You are too good to me, Lawrence," she whispered.

"You deserve it." Lawrence looked at her with pure paternal affection. "Evie, if you ever run into any trouble in the future, you come straight to me. The doors of the Lancaster family will always be open to you."

Evelyn stood up and offered him a deep, formal bow. "Thank you. For everything you've done for me these past three years."

Lawrence stood and patted her gently on the shoulder. "Go on, child. Go start your new life. But if you ever get tired, remember you always have a home here."

Evelyn nodded, carefully slipping the deed and the jewelry box into her purse, and turned to leave.