Chapter 424
Sebastian's knuckles turned white as he gripped his phone.
He didn't want Evelyn dragged into this mess.
"Does Mr. Valdemar actually care about me now?"
A lazy voice purred through the receiver, like a kitten's paw brushing against his eardrum.
His Adam's apple bobbed.
The pounding of his own heartbeat roared in his ears.
"I can feel it."
Evelyn watched the man's jawline tighten abruptly on the video call, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.
She deliberately licked her lips.
The action made Sebastian grab his water glass and take a large gulp.
"Miss Roland has rather low standards."
His deep voice carried a barely perceptible roughness.
"Not at all!"
Just as Evelyn was about to continue, her phone buzzed.
The message from Alice made her gaze turn icy.
"What's wrong?"
Sebastian instantly detected the shift in her mood.
"Nothing."
She quickly schooled her expression, though her fingers unconsciously traced the edge of her phone.
"Evelyn, we're together now."
His voice softened. "You can tell me anything."
"Really, it's nothing."
When she looked up again, her smile was radiant.
Sebastian studied her for a long moment before letting it go.
"Go to sleep. And dry your hair properly."
His gaze lingered on her damp strands.
"Got it."
Her obedient nod made his breath catch.
"Goodnight. Sweet dreams."
The moment the call ended, Evelyn immediately opened WhatsApp.
Alice's lengthy message was riddled with typos, yet it made her eyes burn.
Nina had started school. The temple repairs were done. Even the leaky roof had been fixed.
She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, moonlight tracing her silhouette in silver.
The next morning.
Scarlett strode into Valdemar Group's headquarters in stilettos.
The tulips in her arms still glistened with morning dew.
"I'm Scarlett Galatea."
She tucked a stray lock behind her ear. "Here on behalf of Commissioner Galatea to discuss cooperation."
The receptionist blinked at her dazzling smile.
"One moment, please. I'll notify the executive office immediately."