Chapter 268
A derisive snort came from nearby.
Evelyn Roland turned toward the sound, catching only the retreating figure of Sebastian Valdemar as he walked away.
His tall frame paused at the end of the hallway. It was impossible to tell how long he had been standing there, observing.
Olivia Valdemar seemed unfazed, as if accustomed to such behavior. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Evelyn with an apologetic smile. "Evelyn, I haven't introduced you yet. This is my husband, Howard Merouin—Theodore's father."
Howard gave a polite nod, his lips curving into a perfectly measured smile.
Evelyn returned the gesture with a faint smile of her own. But as she stepped closer, a delicate, elusive scent drifted toward her.
"Mr. Merouin, your cologne is quite distinctive," she remarked casually. "Is it 'Winter Spice' by Master Matsubara?"
For the briefest moment, Howard's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
"You must be mistaken," Olivia interjected with a light laugh. "Howard never wears cologne."
"Perhaps it's from the flight," Howard smoothly wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders. "Let's go see Theodore. I've missed him."
Evelyn watched them coolly, finally understanding the source of Sebastian's hostility.
"Evelyn should get to know Theodore better too," Olivia suggested.
When the three of them entered the child's room, the little boy was engrossed in a picture book.
"Sweetheart, look who's here?" Olivia called softly.
Howard enthusiastically spread his arms, but Theodore didn't even glance up before darting straight into Evelyn's embrace.
Howard's outstretched arms froze midair before he lowered them with a self-deprecating chuckle and sank onto the sofa. "I suppose I haven't spent enough time with him."
"Don't say that," Olivia immediately took her husband's hand. "Theodore has always been slow to warm up to people."
Touched, Howard pulled his wife into a hug. Evelyn observed the picture-perfect couple, a chill settling in her chest.
What kind of spell had this man cast over Olivia?