The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 70

“Mom, that's enough,” Christian sighed, rubbing his temples in utter frustration. He thought back to Evelyn's pale face and her hoarse voice, then remembered Sebastian's words: You came to an event like this while you're sick? Could it be... she was genuinely severely ill?

“Am I wrong?” Penelope snapped, her voice rising enough to draw curious glances from nearby guests. “Look at Lyra—so understanding, so considerate! Then look at her! No family background, no real talent, nothing but watering those stupid potted plants! And now she can't even be bothered to pretend to care!”

Lyra quickly grabbed Penelope's arm, urging her softly, “Please don't be angry, Penelope. Evelyn might just be feeling too unwell. Besides, she must be a wonderful person; otherwise, Mr. Thorne wouldn't have defended her so fiercely.”

Sure enough, Christian's expression darkened even further. Sebastian's sudden appearance and blatant protection felt like a fishbone lodged firmly in his throat. When did they even meet? Her mother did the Thorne family a favor? Why had Evelyn never mentioned any of this to him?

Lydia sauntered over with a bright, mocking smile, dropping her voice to whisper with a sickeningly eager edge, “Christian, she's been gone for so long. You don't think... she ran into something 'lucky' and just doesn't want to come back down? I heard the private suites upstairs have incredible views...” She blinked, making her insinuation glaringly obvious.

Her words acted like a single spark thrown onto a pile of dry kindling, instantly igniting the chaotic mix of frustration, suspicion, and a tiny sliver of worry Christian refused to acknowledge. He snapped his head toward Lydia, glaring at her. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Frightened by his lethal gaze, Lydia shrank back. “I... I was just making a joke...”

Just then, Lawrence finished his speech and stepped off the stage. Glancing around the room with a slight frown, he turned to Arthur. “Where is Evelyn? Has she still not returned?”

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