Chapter 153

Olivia Valdemar stood in the center of the office, one hand supporting her five-month baby bump, the other resting on her hip. Her sharp gaze pinned Isabella Langley in place as her crimson lips parted. "Who gave you permission to act so shamelessly here?"

Sebastian Valdemar immediately rose to his feet, carefully guiding his sister to a chair. "Didn't the doctor order bed rest?"

"If I hadn't come, certain people would've walked all over you." Olivia let out a cold laugh before turning back to Isabella. "I heard you have objections to my brother's collaboration with Celadon?"

Isabella's face paled, her fingers twisting the hem of her blouse. "Olivia, I just—"

"Stop." Olivia raised a single finger. "I don't recall my mother giving birth to a sister. And with that makeup thick enough to scrape off and use as wall paint, how dare you call me 'sister'?"

The air in the office turned glacial.

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes as she bit her lip and fled.

"Same surname, yet worlds apart in character." Olivia shook her head before flashing a warm smile at Evelyn Roland. "Evelyn, you must visit us soon. I've acquired some new calligraphy pieces you'll adore."

Evelyn gave a polite nod and slid the contract toward Sebastian. "Mr. Valdemar, please review the terms."

Sebastian skimmed the clauses and arched a brow. "Don't trust me?"

"Business is business." Evelyn's expression remained neutral. "Clear terms protect everyone."

After signing, Evelyn rose to leave. Pausing beside Olivia, she added softly, "You've been struggling with insomnia. Try an Austrian Pinot Noir—it's safe during pregnancy."

Olivia's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

Evelyn merely smiled and glided out.

"That girl is extraordinary!" Olivia clapped her brother's shoulder. "Pity some people aren't worthy of her."

Sebastian stared at the closed door, lost in thought. The mysterious herb from the mines—Theodore still hadn't traced its origins. Just how many secrets did Evelyn Roland harbor?

Back in her CH Design office, Evelyn had just finalized next season's sketches when her phone buzzed.

"Evelyn!" Bianca Savigny's cheerful voice chirped through the line. "The château just received a shipment of Burgundy. Come taste it with me!"

Evelyn's lips curved. Her former protégé, now the youngest sommelier at Château Blanc, never failed to brighten her day.