Chapter 310
Evelyn grasped Bianca's trembling wrist. "Stay calm."
Bianca bit her lip and nodded, trailing behind Evelyn like a startled rabbit.
"Thank goodness Ms. Roland is here."
The staff exchanged glances before quietly returning to their posts.
Whenever Evelyn was present, even the fiercest storm could be calmed—this was the unspoken understanding among all employees at Château Blanc.
They stayed not just for the generous salaries, but for the radiant presence of their young leader.
Inside the wine cellar, returned crates of red wine towered like mountains.
"All returned this morning."
"I see."
Evelyn's gaze flickered as her fingertips traced the edges of a wooden crate, methodically counting.
"Expect more returns in the coming days. Accept every single one."
"But they're the ones breaching the contract—"
"Do it."
Her two words carried finality.
"Restock these."
She shrugged off her blazer and rolled up her sleeves.
Throughout it all, her expression remained as still as deep water.
Bianca watched her mentor's efficient movements, throat tightening.
"Evelyn..." Her voice wavered. "You don’t have to push yourself like this."
The Roland heiress should have been spoiled and willful, yet this woman before her was stubborn to the point of heartache.
Evelyn didn’t turn. "Work."
Bianca opened her mouth, then sighed.
"Alright."
She knelt to organize the crates.
After twenty minutes of silent labor, the cellar door swung open.
Three pairs of eyes met in the dim light.
Sebastian Valdemar stood at the entrance, phone in hand, his tailored suit unable to mask the tension in his brow.
Bianca immediately averted her gaze.
His purpose here needed no explanation.
Evelyn's eyes lingered on him briefly before looking away.
Sebastian strode forward, his gaze tracing the flush on her cheeks down to her wood-dusted fingertips.
The high ponytail couldn’t hide the sweat at her temples. Though her aura remained sharp, the faint crease between her eyebrows betrayed her.
Without a word, he extended a thermos. "Take a break."
His tone was cool yet unyielding.
"Unnecessary."
"Ms. Roland," he stepped closer, "as a business partner, I have the right to be involved in château affairs."
Behind his glasses, his eyes gleamed with intensity.
Evelyn pressed her lips together and moved aside.
"Ms. Savigny should rest too."
Startled at being addressed, Bianca nearly knocked over a bottle.
"I'll handle this." Sebastian undid his cufflinks. "Go get some sleep."
Bianca stole a glance between them, curiosity burning.
"Wipe your sweat." Evelyn suddenly shoved a tissue at her, eyes warning.
Flustered, Bianca ducked her head, pretending to dab at nonexistent perspiration.