The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 598

The taillights of Owen's car vanished at the estate gates.

Sebastian Thorne stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the twin red glows recede until the woods swallowed them whole. Dawn was just breaking; the garden fountain was still splashing, its spray catching the cold, silvery white of the early morning light.

Seth Sterling walked over from the far end of the hallway, carrying two cups of coffee.

"Boss." He handed one over. "You were up all night. Drink something warm."

Sebastian took it but didn't drink, just holding it in his hand. The heat seeped through the cup, warming his palm.

"Any news from Lance?" he asked.

"We just spoke on the phone. Louis hasn't woken up yet, and Dr. Sullivan is keeping watch at the hospital. Logan's people haven't come snooping again." Seth paused. "Lance said you shouldn't worry."

Sebastian nodded. He took a sip of the coffee—it was bitter and scalding, making his stomach clench as it went down.

He turned back, sat on the sofa, and placed the cup on the coffee table.

"I need you to handle something."

"Say the word."

"HEC Paris. Find a Chinese student named Anna Williams. That's Lydia Langford."

Seth's fingers paused. "Lydia Langford? Lyra's sister?"

"Yes."

"Boss, looking for her—" Seth hesitated.

Sebastian didn't answer immediately. He leaned back against the sofa, staring up at the ceiling. The crystal chandelier was off, leaving the ceiling bare, illuminated only by the grayish-white morning light filtering through the window.

"She's currently pregnant with The Duke's child," his voice was perfectly even. "And her face looks almost identical to the Duke's first love. A man in his sixties who has wealth, status, power—everything. At this point in his life, what's his biggest regret?"

Seth remained silent.

"The one that got away." Sebastian's voice dropped, so low it sounded like it was being squeezed from his throat. "And now, there's a woman who looks exactly like her, carrying his child. Think about it. How important is this woman to him?"

Seth was quiet for a few seconds.

"Understood. I'll get it arranged right away."

"Don't show your face. Send someone unfamiliar, don't let anyone recognize they're with us."