The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 588

Morning in Geneva broke with a heavy, overcast sky.

The curtains were drawn halfway, allowing a sliver of pale sunlight to squeeze through the gap and cast a long, slender line across the carpet.

Evelyn Sullivan sat at the dining table. She cradled a glass of warm water in her hands but hadn't taken a sip.

Sebastian Thorne sat directly across from her. A cup of black coffee sat untouched in front of him.

Scattered documents covered the table, resting alongside an open laptop with its screen still glowing.

They hadn't been awake for long and were barely halfway through breakfast.

A sharp vibration broke the quiet.

Evelyn picked up her phone, glanced at the screen, and her brow twitched.

"What is it?" Sebastian asked.

"Lydia is pregnant."

Sebastian's fingers paused. "Is it confirmed?"

"Yeah. She went to the hospital to verify it."

Evelyn set her phone down and finally took a sip of her water. The temperature was perfect—neither scalding nor cold.

"Just that one time. And she got pregnant."

Her tone was completely flat, making it impossible to tell if she was merely stating a fact or feeling something deeper.

Sebastian watched her. "You don't seem surprised."

"What is there to be surprised about? Did you really think her sudden change in attitude was without an ulterior motive?"

Evelyn lowered her glass.

"I just didn't expect the Duke to still be capable of fathering a child at his age."

She paused for a second.

"There's something else."

"What?"

"Pierre is taking the fall for Leon's death."

Sebastian leaned back in his chair. "The Duke tracked it back to him?"

"Yes. Pierre's men were at the scene, and the hospital records showed he was there that night. Even though there's no direct proof he ordered the hit, the Duke is convinced he's involved."

Evelyn picked up a piece of toast, tore off a small corner, and chewed it thoughtfully before swallowing.

"If there's one thing the Duke despises above all else, it's fratricide. Pierre isn't walking away from this."

Sebastian remained silent.

The room fell into a quiet lull for several seconds.

Evelyn put her phone down and met Sebastian's gaze.

"There's one more thing. Louis."

Sebastian's expression darkened. "How is he?"

"Out of the critical stage, but the injuries are severe."

Evelyn's voice softened.

"Two broken ribs punctured his lung. His left arm is shattered. Internal bleeding in his skull. The doctors say it's going to be a very long road to recovery."

She paused, her expression tightening.

"We have to tell the Duke about this. Louis is his son, after all."