Chapter 70
Evelyn Roland was immersed in organizing the design drafts for KL Jewelry's new season when her phone vibrated abruptly.
She glanced at the screen—a message from Olivia Valdemar.
"Evelyn, I've been feeling uneasy lately. The doctor says the baby's condition is unstable. I heard you know some traditional remedies. Could you come see me?"
Her fingers hovered over the screen. Evelyn bit her lower lip lightly.
She had wanted to sever all ties with the Valdemar family.
"By the way, some ladies I know admire your design style. They’d like to commission a few custom jewelry sets."
At this, Evelyn's eyes brightened.
This was exactly the kind of opportunity she needed.
"Alright, tomorrow afternoon."
The next day, Evelyn arrived at a discreet private club in the suburbs, following the location sent to her.
The club was understated yet luxurious, its corridors lined with thick carpets that muffled every footstep.
When she pushed open the door to the private room, she froze.
Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, silhouetted against the sunlight, was Sebastian Valdemar's tall figure.
He turned, the light gilding the sharp contours of his profile.
"Why are you here?"
They spoke simultaneously.
Evelyn immediately took a step back, her fingers tightening around the door handle.
"Miss Valdemar said she wasn’t feeling well—"
"My sister just stepped out to take a call."
Sebastian frowned, clearly realizing something was amiss.
Evelyn turned to leave but found the door wouldn’t budge.
"What’s going on?"
She twisted the handle forcefully, the metal screeching in protest.
Olivia’s anxious voice came from outside: "The lock seems jammed! I’ve called maintenance."
The sound of footsteps faded away.
An eerie silence settled over the room.
Evelyn remained by the door, deliberately keeping the maximum distance between herself and Sebastian.
"Mr. Valdemar, we need to make things clear."
She took a steadying breath. "Our collaboration is over. Please stop letting your sister misunderstand things."
Sebastian set down the documents in his hand, his gaze heavy.
"That’s exactly what I wanted to say."
A sudden clap of thunder echoed outside as rain poured down without warning.
The maintenance worker never arrived.
In the confined space, the air grew stiflingly thin.