Chapter 328
Everyone at Valdemar Group knew their CEO was in poor health and rarely made appearances. He seldom attended high-level meetings, let alone personally came downstairs to greet someone.
The receptionist clutched her ID badge, her palms damp with sweat.
Sebastian Valdemar was acting unusually today.
Standing beside Evelyn Roland, his usual icy demeanor had softened noticeably. There was even... a hint of deliberate ingratiation.
Though it felt disrespectful to think it, the scene resembled a man fawning over a woman.
The elevator doors slid shut with a soft ding.
Only then did the receptionist exhale, her legs weak as she leaned against the front desk for support.
Inside the enclosed elevator, Evelyn caught the faint scent of medicinal herbs clinging to Sebastian.
"What brings you here?" he asked hoarsely, clearing his throat.
"I need to discuss something with you."
As the elevator ascended, Evelyn cut straight to the point. "It's about Château Blanc."
Sebastian's eyes flickered.
He took the phone she handed him, watching the grainy surveillance footage playing on the screen.
"I suspect..." Evelyn hesitated. "It's your uncle."
The video ended. Silence engulfed the elevator.
Sebastian's fingers tapped rhythmically against his wheelchair armrest, the tempo slowing gradually.
"How long have you been investigating?" he asked abruptly.
Evelyn blinked. "Three days."
"You shouldn't have to deal with this." A bitter smile touched his lips. "Caught between me and my family."
He turned his wheelchair toward the mirrored wall, his pallid reflection staring back.
"Proceed with your plan." His voice was soft but deliberate. "Let me know if you need my cooperation."
Evelyn's tension eased.
Her biggest concern had been Sebastian letting emotions cloud his judgment. But her business partner proved more levelheaded than she'd expected.
"Thank you," she said sincerely.
As the elevator reached the top floor, Sebastian suddenly held the door open.
"Evelyn." It was the first time he'd addressed her so intimately. "No matter the outcome, I'm on your side."
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, gilding his gaunt profile in gold.
For the first time, Evelyn found this frail CEO remarkably dependable.