Chapter 220
Sebastian Valdemar moved faster than expected.
By dawn the next day, the winery's official account released a bombshell announcement—the establishment of the Laurent Mental Health Foundation.
The statement clearly outlined free counseling and treatment services for all young people struggling with psychological issues.
Evelyn Roland had been tossing and turning all night, agonizing over the winery's tarnished reputation.
She'd even considered relocating the entire business to another city for a fresh start.
Then she saw the news.
Her finger hovered over the screen for three full seconds.
She never expected Sebastian to intervene personally.
Even less did she anticipate this masterstroke.
The foundation's announcement swept through like a cleansing breeze, dispelling the dark clouds over the winery.
Sales began a slow but steady recovery.
Young people flocked to sign up for counseling services.
The storm Fiona Valentine had unleashed with her life faded into silence.
On a drizzly morning, Evelyn stood deep in the cemetery under a black umbrella.
Her slender frame was outlined by a simple black dress.
The silk ribbon in her hair fluttered in the wind.
"We could have been friends."
Her gaze lingered on the photograph etched into the headstone.
Fiona's smile was forever frozen at eighteen.
From her bag, Evelyn withdrew an exquisitely crafted piano miniature.
Custom-made for this moment.
"Next life, just be an ordinary, happy person."
Raindrops clung to her lashes.
As she turned, seven masked figures materialized on the steps below.
Black fabric obscured their faces.
Only their murderous eyes remained visible.
"Hand over the Divine Elixir!"
The leader's voice was a rasping growl.
Evelyn tightened her grip on the umbrella. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Take her!"
They lunged as one.
The umbrella slashed through the air with lethal precision.
Two attackers crumpled instantly.
But the numbers were overwhelming.
Evelyn soon found herself outmatched.
Seizing a split-second opening, she spun and fled.
Footsteps pounded behind her.
In the chaos, her phone slipped from her bag.
The screen illuminated with a single glaring name:
Sebastian Valdemar.
The call connected.
The device lay abandoned in the rain.