Chapter 350
"Evelyn!"
"All men are liars, remember that!"
The moment Alexander Roland blurted this out, he realized he'd just insulted himself and Edward. His parents' sharp gazes immediately pinned him down.
"Except the Roland men, of course." He quickly amended with an ingratiating smile.
Evelyn Roland pressed her lips together, blinking innocently.
"Evelyn, keep your eyes open. Don't fall for sweet words and cheap gifts. You're too young to rush into marriage. Even if you never marry, this family will always take care of you."
Evelyn detected the hidden meaning in her brother's words but chose to play along. If Alexander wanted games, she'd indulge him.
"Nonsense! Just because you can't find a girlfriend doesn't mean you should stop your sister," Sophia Roland chided, rising to swat his shoulder with a warning glare.
"Evelyn, please entertain Sebastian and Bianca. Your father and I need to rest."
Sebastian Valdemar remained seated on the sofa. Alexander tried to linger, but a large hand gripped his collar.
"Dad?" He turned to see Edward.
"Come to the study. We need to talk."
"Dad!"
Alexander was practically dragged upstairs, still shouting over his shoulder, "Remember what I said, little sister!"
"Finally, some peace."
Bianca Savigny exhaled in relief, rubbing her ears.
"Master, I'd like to explore the estate."
Sensing Sebastian needed privacy, she tactfully excused herself.
"Care for a walk?"
Evelyn stood, studying the unusually quiet man.
"Alright."
The sunset bathed Blenheim Palace in golden hues as they strolled along the cobblestone path.
Sebastian watched Evelyn's slender silhouette ahead, his lips pressed tight, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
She turned abruptly, catching his conflicted expression.
"Something on your mind? Spit it out." Her smile was light.
Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke. "Miss Roland, please review this first."
Evelyn studied him briefly before accepting his phone.
"These photos were taken during the poisoned wine incident. The man is my uncle, Vincent."
He'd spent days investigating every detail. Though Daniel Murphy had been arrested, Sebastian couldn't face Evelyn until his uncle's innocence was confirmed.
The timestamped images clearly showed Vincent's alibi.
"This matter never concerned you. You didn't need to trouble yourself," she murmured.
"I had to know the truth." His voice was grave.
"Now that it's settled, you should put it behind you."
"Shall we continue?"
Evelyn absently touched her stomach. The evening stroll would help digest dinner. Vincent's involvement was but a pebble dropped into still waters—barely causing a ripple in her heart.