The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 69

Sebastian's eyes turned instantly frigid. He snatched the documents, quickly skimming the data that completely corroborated Xavier's report. “Did Lyra Langford know?”

“Caleb says he isn't sure,” Xavier added. “We pulled Lydia's recent communications and financial records. There are definitely several untraceable offshore wire transfers linked directly to that Southeast Asian syndicate.”

“Lock the evidence down,” Sebastian said, his voice completely devoid of emotion. But Xavier knew him well enough to recognize the terrifying calm before a devastating storm. “Where is Caleb Vance right now?”

“In a guest room downstairs under heavy guard. We used some... 'persuasive' methods. He's being very cooperative now.” Xavier paused. “Boss, how do you want to handle him? And the Langford sisters...”

“Keep Caleb locked up. Make sure he doesn't breathe a word of this to anyone,” Sebastian ordered, walking over to the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the dazzling yet desolate city lights. “As for the Langfords... there's no rush. Let them revel in their victory a little longer. Dig deeper into their connection with that syndicate. I want irrefutable, undeniable proof. When we strike, it has to be a killing blow.”

“Understood,” Xavier nodded, then hesitated. “And... what about Ms. Sullivan?”

Sebastian turned around, his gaze shifting toward the tightly shut bedroom door. After a long silence, he spoke. “She needs rest. Bring a light breakfast and a fresh change of clothes tomorrow morning. Also...” His eyes darkened dangerously. “Run a stealth DNA test on Christian Lancaster and Lyra's kid. I want absolute confirmation of their paternity.”

A flash of understanding crossed Xavier's eyes. “On it.”

Xavier quietly dismissed himself. Sebastian stood by the window for a few more minutes before finally returning to the bedroom.

Thunderous applause and endless congratulations erupted from the crowd.

Standing near the side of the stage, Christian clapped absentmindedly. His gaze kept darting toward the banquet hall entrance and the hallway leading to the lounge. Evelyn had been gone for almost two hours. Did it really take that long to change a dress? An inexplicable, gnawing sense of unease was rapidly growing in his chest.

“Christian,” Lyra said softly, walking up beside him with a glass of juice in her hand. Her tone was laced with a perfectly calculated amount of concern. “Evelyn has been gone for so long. Do you think she's genuinely ill? Should I... go check on her?”

Penelope, who had just walked over to join them, scoffed loudly. “Check on what? I'm telling you, she's doing this on purpose! Bringing that miserable attitude to such a joyous occasion, causing scene after scene, and now hiding away like a coward! She's deliberately trying to humiliate the Lancasters!”