The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 594

Penelope Lancaster sat at her vanity for a long time.

The woman in the mirror had a pale complexion, chapped lips, and fine lines around her eyes. She stared at her reflection for a moment before pulling open a drawer, taking out her compact, and touching up her powder. She applied a fresh coat of lipstick. It wasn't about vanity; she simply needed to go out.

She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts.

Swiping from top to bottom. Names flashed past her eyes, mostly women from her social circle who she usually met for tea and shopping. Now that she was in real trouble, not a single one of them could help.

Her finger stopped halfway down the list.

Silas Whitmore.

She stared at the name, stunned for a few seconds. Then she remembered—he was a college classmate. He had studied finance but later opened a private investigation firm. Back in school, he had pursued her, written love letters, and even stood outside her dorm building all night. She had rejected him. Back then, she only had eyes for Lawrence Lancaster.

A few years ago, he showed up at a college reunion. His hair was graying and he had more wrinkles, but his eyes were still bright. When he handed her his business card, he smiled and said, "If you ever need any help, just look me up." She had taken the card, shoved it into her bag, and hadn't even saved his number when she got home. Later, when she got a new phone, her contacts synced from the old one, and his name carried over.

She had never called him.

Penelope took a deep breath and hit dial.

It rang three times before connecting.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end was a bit hoarse, carrying a hint of hesitation.

"Silas, it's me. Penelope."

A second of silence. "Penelope?" The voice changed, carrying a touch of surprise and something indescribable. "Why are you calling me all of a sudden? It's been a long time."

"It has." Penelope paused. "Are you still working as a... private investigator?"

"I am. Have been for over twenty years. What's wrong?"

"I need a favor."

He didn't answer immediately. After two seconds, Silas lowered his voice. "Can you talk right now?"

"Yes."

"Then go ahead."

Penelope bit her lip. "Let's talk in person. It's hard to explain over the phone. When are you free?"

"This afternoon. Three o'clock. Does that work for you?"

"Yes. Where?"

Silas gave her the address of a quiet cafe downtown. Penelope memorized it.