The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 611

When Evelyn set her phone back down, Eleanor was staring at her.

It wasn't a casual glance; it was the kind of look that screamed she had something on the tip of her tongue but couldn't quite figure out how to say it.

"Eleanor, you must be exhausted from that long flight. Why don't you get some rest?"

Eleanor glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'm fine. Not really tired."

"Just go lie down for a bit. Martha can keep you company. I need to take care of some business."

Eleanor's lips twitched. It wasn't quite a smile, more like a knowing, 'I-told-you-so' expression.

"Alright. Go do your work." She stood up, smoothing down her immaculate coat. "But let me tell you something right now—do not shoulder everything on your own. Sebastian might not be physically standing next to you, but when there's work to be done, you make him do it. Men are meant to be put to work. Don't go handling everything yourself and end up spoiling him."

Evelyn laughed softly. "I won't. I promise."

"Don't just say yes to humor me. I already warned Sebastian—you are pregnant, and you shouldn't be stressing yourself out. If he dares to let you overwork yourself, I'll wring his neck."

Martha chuckled from the sidelines as she cleared the dishes. "Oh, Mrs. Thorne, stop fretting. Miss Evelyn knows exactly what she's doing."

"I know she does. It doesn't mean I'm not going to worry." Eleanor walked over to Evelyn and gently patted the top of her head, the way one would comfort a child. "Finish your work and go to bed early. No staying up late."

"I won't."

Eleanor turned and headed for the guest bedroom. She took two steps before pausing, not turning around.

"Evelyn?"

"Yes?"

"Just remember... in a mother's eyes, you are just as important to me as Sebastian is."

Evelyn froze.

Without waiting for a response, Eleanor walked into the bedroom and softly closed the door behind her.

Evelyn stood motionless in the dining room, staring at the closed door for several long seconds. Then she turned on her heel and walked directly into the study.

The study was small—just a desk, a chair, and a laptop. The curtains were drawn, letting a faint strip of pale light bleed across the rug.

She sat down and booted up the laptop.

She logged into the encrypted software. X's avatar was online.

She began typing.

[Did you look into Theodore Vance?]

The reply came immediately.

[I did. He's completely clean.]

Evelyn's fingers hesitated over the keyboard.

[Clean? What does that mean?]

[It means exactly what it sounds like. There is absolutely nothing to find. His resume is spotless, his background is flawless, and his social connections are entirely mundane. During his time working in foreign affairs, there isn't a single irregular record. The years he spent stationed in France involved nothing but standard diplomatic duties. Zero direct or indirect ties to Logan Astor.]

Evelyn's brow furrowed tightly.

[Not even a single red flag?]