The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 88

She walked over to the window, staring down at the quiet garden, her fingers unconsciously tightening into fists. Evelyn... she actually had the nerve to call the cops, and she acted so quickly! This was nothing like the submissive woman from her memory, the one who would endure anything just to maintain a facade of peace. Was she finally pushed over the edge by last night, or... was someone pulling strings for her? Sebastian?

At the thought of Sebastian Thorne, Lyra's heart sank even further. That man was deeply unpredictable. If he was truly involved, even actively taking Evelyn's side... this would become infinitely more complicated.

She couldn't wait around anymore. She had to strike proactively, or at the very least, secure some intel.

Powering her phone back on, Lyra ignored the dozens of missed call alerts—mostly from her parents and relatives—and quickly found a number she had saved but never used. It belonged to an ultra-expensive private investigator famous in elite circles for his aggressive tactics and deep connections. She fired off a brief text, providing the names Lydia Langford and Caleb Vance, demanding to know the precinct's current progress, the exact details of Caleb's confession, and... whatever they could find on Evelyn's movements after leaving the banquet, specifically whether she was still in contact with Sebastian.

Money was no object; speed was everything.

With the message sent, she breathed a little easier, though the boulder still hung heavy over her chest. Next, she had to face her parents, and... Christian.

She needed to fabricate a flawless, airtight story that washed her hands completely clean.

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Meanwhile, on the other side of the city.

Inside the CEO's office at Lancaster Group, the atmosphere was suffocating.

If this was true, his horrific accusations and brutal behavior toward her this morning...

No! Impossible! Lydia was spoiled, sure, but she wouldn't have the guts to do something this sick! Did Lyra know? She was so kind and gentle... Instinctively, Christian wanted to defend the Langford sisters, but a cold voice in his head argued back: Lydia had never hidden her hostility toward Evelyn, and Lyra... was she truly oblivious to her sister's schemes? That glass of water...

He whipped around and grabbed the desk phone, ready to call Lyra and demand answers. But his fingers hovered over the keypad, refusing to press down. Interrogate her? Based on what? If it was true, calling her now would just tip them off. If it was false... how could he face Lyra after unjustly accusing her?

Frustration and an unprecedented wave of helplessness drowned him. He had never felt so utterly out of control. He felt like a blind man wandering through a thick fog, unable to see clearly, unable to grasp onto anything.

Bang! He slammed his fist heavily against the solid mahogany desk. The dull thud echoed through the room, his knuckles turning instantly red. Outside the door, his assistant heard the violent noise and didn't dare step inside.