Chapter 376
Alexander Roland's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of displeasure flashing in his eyes.
He had always lived by his own rules, unbound by societal conventions. Watching these people harass his sister struck him as utterly ridiculous.
Blessing ceremonies? He'd never believed in such meaningless rituals.
"Stay here," he ordered coldly. "Keep an eye on them."
Alexander hesitated.
Something about the man's tone felt loaded with implication.
Just as he was about to press further, his sister gave him a subtle nod. Reluctantly, he backed down.
Sebastian Valdemar strode toward Evelyn Roland with effortless grace. His tailored black suit accentuated his impeccable physique, every step radiating innate nobility.
All eyes instinctively gravitated toward him.
"Wait for me," he murmured. "I'll take you away from here."
Evelyn pressed her lips together. "Alright."
A smile warmed Sebastian's eyes as he reached to caress her cheek—then stopped mid-motion.
"Everyone here is a businessperson," he turned, his voice measured. "You should all know Valdemar Group's standing in this city."
The grand hall fell deathly silent.
"Since we're all gathered," Sebastian ascended the steps, a faint smirk playing on his lips, "I should mention—I'm extremely protective of what's mine."
He slowly twisted the ring on his finger. "Those who cross me... should consider the consequences in advance."
"Valdemar Group stands firmly with Evelyn Roland."
The temperature in the hall seemed to plummet.
His razor-sharp aura sent chills down every spine. Several seasoned executives broke into cold sweats.
They'd clearly provoked the wrong man.
"What matters most to you," Sebastian said coolly, "is prosperity."
"Y-yes, exactly..." a few CEOs stammered in agreement.
"Then tell me," his gaze turned glacial, "who exactly holds the reins to your prosperity?"
The younger entrepreneurs immediately scrambled to distance themselves. "Mr. Valdemar, we had no part in this!"
Everyone knew Sebastian's reputation. The man who'd salvaged Valdemar Group from crisis and built it into an empire was no ordinary opponent.
Crossing him now would be suicide.
Sebastian's piercing stare made several men turn to bow at Evelyn. "Our apologies, Miss Roland. We were out of line."
Evelyn lifted her gaze to meet Sebastian's.
"We're leaving," he gave a slight nod.
The icy edge in his expression melted instantly as he turned back to her.
"Let's go."
He took Evelyn's hand and walked out, ignoring the murderous glares from her brothers and the terrified stares of the crowd.
"It's over..." The ringleader of the harassment collapsed to his knees, drenched in sweat.
"Nonsense!" An older CEO clutched his incense stick like a lifeline. "If we pray sincerely, the gods will protect us!"
His white-knuckled grip betrayed his false bravado.