The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 62

The crowd turned toward the voice to see a man in a dark gray suit walking slowly toward them. Tall and commanding, his sharp, predatory features were complemented by eyes as cold as a frozen lake. With every step he took, the air in the room seemed to grow heavier.

“Mr... Mr. Thorne?” someone gasped, instantly recognizing him.

Sebastian Thorne, the current CEO of the Thorne Group and the eldest heir of his powerful family. At only thirty years old, he already controlled a massive business empire. Known for his ruthless tactics and low-profile lifestyle, he rarely made public appearances.

He walked straight to Evelyn's side. After examining her closely for a moment, he frowned. “You came to an event like this while you're sick?”

His tone was incredibly natural, carrying a familiar sense of concern.

Evelyn was caught off guard. Before she could answer, Sebastian turned his icy gaze toward Penelope. “Mrs. Lancaster, publicly humiliating your daughter-in-law at your husband's birthday gala... is this the famous Lancaster hospitality?”

Penelope's heart skipped a beat under his chilling stare, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. “Mr. Thorne, this is a private family matter. I don't believe it's your place to interfere.”

“A family matter?” A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Sebastian's lips. “If I'm not mistaken, the gift Ms. Sullivan brought is a handcrafted calligraphy stone by Samuel Montgomery. The master has been retired for years, making his pieces utterly priceless. Yet you called it a 'broken piece of rock.' Is the Lancaster family's standard that impossibly high, or is your taste simply lacking?”

“Samuel Montgomery?” someone in the crowd gasped.

“The master craftsman? His last piece sold at auction for millions of dollars!”

“Oh my God, I completely missed that...”

Penelope's face instantly drained of color. She didn't know much about antiques, but even she had heard of Samuel Montgomery. If that stone really was his work...

Lydia's eyes darted around before she feigned a look of exaggerated surprise. “Oh my, I had no idea the gift was so expensive! How thoughtful of you, Evelyn. But...” She shifted gears, her tone dripping with implication. “Mr. Thorne certainly seems to know a lot about your affairs, right down to the exact gift you brought. You two must be very close. Evelyn, you aren't even divorced yet, and you're already eager to lock down your next target?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the surrounding whispers grew even louder.

“Lydia!” Christian snapped, his face dark with fury.

Startled by his sharp tone, Leo burst into tears, wrapping his arms tightly around Christian's neck. “Daddy... scared...”

The pristine white silk was instantly soaked, the golden liquid dripping down the delicate fabric.

“I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!” Lydia apologized profusely, frantically grabbing napkins to dab at the dress. “My hand slipped! Are you okay, Evelyn?”

Evelyn looked down at the massive stain on her chest, her brows knitting together in annoyance.

“Lydia, how could you be so clumsy!” Lyra scolded, though a meaningful gleam flickered in her eyes. She turned back to Evelyn with her gentle smile. “Evelyn, let me walk you to the lounge so you can change. I brought a spare gown just in case.”

“No need,” Evelyn replied calmly, pushing Lydia's hand away. “I'll take care of it myself.”

Giving Arthur a polite nod, she turned and headed toward the private lounge near the side doors of the banquet hall.

Watching her walk away, the corners of Lyra's lips curled into a barely noticeable smirk. The expression vanished in a flash as she returned to her sweet demeanor, whispering to Christian, “Christian, you should go check on Evelyn. She's all alone...”