The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 73

She made herself perfectly clear, drawing a firm line between them to ensure no debts were owed.

Yet, Sebastian felt a sharp sting in his chest. Looking at her calm, distant face, he recalled how she had trembled beneath him last night, crying out before finally falling asleep in exhaustion. He remembered the crimson stain on the sheets, the way she had unconsciously curled into his embrace... A 'medical intervention'? 'Forget it'?

"What if I say I can't forget?" His voice dropped an octave, his gaze locking intensely onto hers.

Evelyn met his eyes, her gaze clear and unwavering. "Mr. Thorne, aside from a minor favor my mother may have done for your family in the past, there are no ties between us. Last night was a product of circumstance, and I am deeply grateful for your intervention. But beyond that, there shouldn't be anything more. You are the head of the Thorne family, and I am the soon-to-be-divorced Evelyn Sullivan. We don't belong in the same world, and our paths shouldn't cross any further."

Her logic was flawless, her boundaries absolute, shutting down every unspoken possibility he harbored.

Sebastian stared at her for a long time. Suddenly, he let out a soft chuckle, though the amusement didn't reach his eyes. "Evelyn, are you always this rational? Even after going through something like that?"

"Being rational is the only way to survive." Evelyn lowered her eyelashes, watching the water ripple in her glass. "Letting emotions dictate your actions only makes you vulnerable to getting hurt. I used to be too emotional. And my mother... she's the best example of why that fails." She was referring to how Vivian had misplaced her trust and ultimately died of a broken heart.

Silence fell over the room, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning.

After a long moment, Sebastian stood up, towering over her. His tone returned to its usual commanding cadence, yet it carried an undeniable weight. "Evelyn, you can draw whatever lines you want; that's your prerogative. But I operate by my own principles. What happened last night was never just a 'medical intervention' to me."

He paused, continuing, "I'll handle the Langford sisters and Caleb, consider it my way of giving you an answer. As for us..." He gave her a deeply meaningful look. "We have plenty of time. Eat your oatmeal first; you need your strength. Your clothes and phone are over there. Xavier will be here at nine to take you wherever you need to go. If you need anything, call me."

Without giving her a chance to argue, he turned on his heel, walked out of the bedroom, and gently closed the door behind him.

Evelyn leaned against the headboard, a slight frown creasing her brow as she watched him leave. Sebastian's parting words gave her a sinking feeling. This man... didn't seem entirely willing to follow the script she had laid out.

She picked up the warm oatmeal and slowly began to eat. It was mild and comforting. Her body was indeed exhausted and desperately needed sustenance.

After finishing, she got out of bed. The cut on her leg still stung, but it was bearable. She walked over to the sofa, where a brand-new set of clothes lay perfectly folded. From the lingerie to the outerwear, everything was exactly her size. Next to the clothes sat her phone and clutch.

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