The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 591

Seeing Penelope's lack of enthusiasm, Piper finally dropped the subject.

The three women continued browsing for a while. As noon approached, Vanessa asked, "Penelope, what do you want for lunch?"

"That exclusive French bistro ahead. Didn't you two say you wanted to try it last time?"

"Sounds perfect."

The three of them headed toward the restaurant. It was located on the fourth floor of the mall, tucked away in a quiet corner rather than on the main promenade. You had to navigate a couple of winding corridors to find it. Because of the secluded location and premium pricing, it wasn't overly crowded, but it attracted a loyal clientele who appreciated fine dining.

When they reached the entrance, Penelope handed her purse to her sister. "I'm going to the restroom. You two go ahead and get a table."

"Alright."

Penelope walked down the hallway toward the restrooms, following the twisting architecture of the restaurant. The corridor was narrow, forcing anyone passing by to step sideways.

After using the restroom, she stood at the sink with her head bowed. The ice-cold water rushed from the faucet. She splashed a handful onto her face, the shocking chill helping to clear the fog in her head. Looking up at the mirror, she noted that she still looked pale and exhausted. Pulling a tube of lipstick from her clutch, she carefully applied a fresh coat.

She turned and headed back out.

Just as she stepped out of the restroom, a man approached from the opposite direction.

He was in his late twenties, wearing a charcoal gray overcoat. He carried a leather folder, his eyes glued to the documents inside as he walked with a hurried, purposeful stride. Penelope didn't pay him any mind, simply turning sideways to let him pass. But in the brief second they brushed shoulders, she caught a glimpse of his profile.

Penelope froze dead in her tracks.

All the blood instantly rushed to her head.

That face—that sharp jawline, the distinct slope of the brow—she had seen it before. A very long time ago. It was a face that belonged to one specific man: Ethan Lancaster. Lawrence Lancaster's younger brother. A man who had been dead for over two decades.