Chapter 283

Evelyn Roland frowned slightly, her gaze lingering on Sebastian Valdemar's face for a moment. The man's expression was clearly off, but since he claimed nothing was wrong, she didn't press further.

"Glad to hear it." She took a sip of tea. "I thought there was something important you wanted to discuss over dinner."

Under the soft lighting, Sebastian's fingers tapped absently against the table. The formidable business tycoon seemed uncharacteristically restless.

"Actually..." His voice dropped low. "I wanted to ask about the progress of my condition."

So it was about the poisoning. Evelyn's tense shoulders relaxed.

"We're working on it." She set down her cup. "Results will come soon."

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed as he fixed her with an intense stare. "Thank you."

The weight of his gaze made the tips of Evelyn's ears burn. She noticed the faint flush on his cheeks, though the private dining room was perfectly air-conditioned.

"Do you have a fever?" She reached out to check his forehead.

Sebastian coughed abruptly, nearly dropping the food from his chopsticks. "Just an old issue." He dodged her hand. "Nothing serious."

Evelyn silently vowed to find the antidote as soon as possible.

"Hold on a little longer." Her voice was firm. "I'll figure something out."

"Contact me immediately if you feel worse."

Mention of the hospital reminded her of Olivia. "How's your sister doing?"

"Physically recovering." Sebastian's eyes darkened. "But emotional wounds are harder to heal."

"Maybe we should visit her?" Evelyn suggested.

When they left the restaurant, Sebastian opened the car door for her with unusual care. His hand hovered protectively above her head, ensuring she wouldn't bump against the frame.

"Thank you," Evelyn murmured.

In the hospital garden, children's laughter rang bright and clear as they chased each other.

"I hope Theo can laugh like that someday," Sebastian said, watching them.

"He will." Evelyn's tone left no room for doubt.

As they entered the lobby, a familiar figure made Evelyn pause mid-step.

Julian Roland strode over and pulled her aside. "What are you doing with him?"

"Visiting a friend." She met his gaze steadily before turning to Sebastian. "Go ahead upstairs."

Sebastian's eyes flicked between the siblings before he nodded silently and walked away.

"Why are you at the hospital, Julian?" Evelyn attempted to divert the topic.

"Don't change the subject." Julian's brow furrowed. "Was he the one who interrupted your blind date last time?"

His sharp eyes caught the faint blush on his sister's cheeks, setting off alarm bells in his mind.