The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 59

As she reached the door, she glanced over her shoulder one last time. Lawrence was standing by the window, the morning sun illuminating the stark white hairs at his temples. The ruthless billionaire who commanded Wall Street looked like nothing more than a kind, aging father worrying about his daughter.

"Take care of your health, Lawrence," she said softly.

"You too."

The heavy doors clicked shut.

Out in the hallway, the venomous stares of the corporate staff returned, but this time, Evelyn’s steps were lighter. She knew that by walking out of this office, she was burying the title of Mrs. Lancaster forever, along with the broken, subservient version of herself. Riding the elevator down, she looked at her reflection and felt an intoxicating wave of freedom.

Stepping out of the skyscraper, the bright autumn sun washed over her, warm and blinding. Evelyn stood on the marble steps and inhaled a massive breath of fresh air. Her phone buzzed. It was a call from Stephen. She stared at the screen for a second before silencing it. She knew exactly why he was calling—he had found out she was visiting Lawrence and was terrified she would sever the Lancaster lifeline. But that was no longer her problem.

She hailed a cab and gave the driver the address to The West End Cottage. The taxi pulled away from the suffocating concrete jungle of the financial district, winding through the streets until it entered a serene, historic neighborhood. The oak trees lining the sidewalks were turning gold, dropping leaves that danced in the autumn wind. Evelyn stared out the window, her mind utterly at peace. Her three-year marriage felt like a prolonged, exhausting nightmare. A nightmare filled with endless mockery, resentment, and suffocating compromises. Now, she was finally awake.

The cab pulled up to the cottage. It was a stunning, classic estate with high brick walls that hid the property from the street, save for the tops of lush bamboo stalks swaying in the breeze. The heavy, crimson front door was adorned with polished brass knockers.

Evelyn pushed the door open and stepped into a beautifully manicured courtyard. A winding stone path cut through the property, flanked by dense clusters of bamboo. An antique stone well sat in the corner, next to a set of stone benches. But what caught her eye was a small, empty garden plot on the east side of the courtyard. The soil had already been expertly tilled, waiting patiently for new seeds.

She walked into the main house. The interior was a masterpiece of minimalist elegance. A mahogany desk sat by the window, complete with a vintage inkstone and brushes, while priceless porcelain vases lined the display shelves. A plush daybed rested beneath a large window, bathed in a pool of golden sunlight, looking incredibly inviting.

Evelyn sat down on the edge of the daybed and pulled the velvet box from her purse. She took out the heirloom bracelet, letting the translucent green stone catch the light. She slipped it onto her wrist; it was a perfect fit.

Her phone buzzed again. This time, the caller ID read 'Christian'.

Evelyn stared at his name, hesitating for a fraction of a second before answering.

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