Chapter 158
The sharp click of high heels echoed behind Sebastian Valdemar. He turned and found himself staring into Evelyn Roland's icy gaze.
Her eyes lingered on him for less than a second before she coolly looked away, striding toward her reserved seat.
"Mr. Valdemar, do you enjoy playing golf?"
"I heard about your recent tech company acquisition. Impressive."
Sebastian tapped his fingers lightly against the table.
The meticulously made-up girl before him asked each question with deliberate flattery. The undisguised admiration in her eyes threatened to spill over.
Another tedious blind date.
He glanced discreetly at his watch. Olivia Valdemar had arranged this meeting. If he didn’t give a clear rejection, she’d likely pester him endlessly.
"Excuse me." His gaze suddenly locked onto Evelyn, his lips curving in a faint smirk. "I’ve spotted an acquaintance."
The suggestive tone made Fiona Valentine instantly perk up, her eyes darting toward the woman nearby.
Sebastian strode toward Evelyn, deliberately raising his voice. "What a coincidence. What would you like for dinner? I’ll pick you up from the office."
Evelyn’s grip on her water glass faltered.
Had he lost his mind?
They might be acquainted, but they were nowhere near close enough for dinner plans.
Fiona’s scorching gaze burned into Evelyn’s back. The girl’s poorly concealed scrutiny was painfully obvious to Evelyn.
Understanding dawned—this was Sebastian’s unwanted admirer.
Before she could react, the man suddenly leaned in. Warm breath brushed her ear, carrying a hint of cedarwood.
She instinctively recoiled, but a large hand cradled the back of her neck.
"Sebastian!"
Her warning came in a low hiss as she pressed an elbow against his chest. He grunted but didn’t budge.
Compared to this minor discomfort, shaking off the delusional girl was far more important.
"Do me a favor."
"I have no interest in being your shield." Frost coated Evelyn’s eyes.
"Is that so?" Sebastian chuckled. "Then the Valdemar family might reconsider canceling the annulment..."
Evelyn’s pupils constricted.
How did he know?
Olivia had dined at the Rolands’ last night—damn it, she’d slipped up.
A triumphant laugh brushed her ear.
"Just a guess, but your reaction confirms it..."
"So you’re my mysterious fiancée?"
"You tricked me?" Evelyn gritted her teeth. She’d fallen for such an obvious trap.
"Fiancée." He drew out the word. "If you don’t help me with this nuisance, our engagement might just be reinstated."
Her gaze sharpened like a blade, then forcibly softened into crescents the next second.
Through clenched teeth, she spat out three words: "Just for today."