Chapter 140

Evelyn gave a slight nod and began conversing with Sebastian as if no one else was present. The Roland family's attention was entirely fixed on them, oblivious to Isabella's ashen face in the corner.

Isabella clenched the hem of her dress so tightly her nails nearly pierced her palms. She never imagined the man in the mines was Sebastian himself.

Fear crashed over her like a tidal wave. The memory of her actions in the mines sent cold sweat trickling down her spine.

"This is all Evelyn's fault!" she screamed internally, her venomous gaze locked onto Evelyn.

Sebastian suddenly spoke. "Miss Roland, may we speak privately?"

Sophia immediately stepped between them. "Absolutely not!"

Seeing Sebastian's raised brow, she hastily added, "Evelyn hasn't fully recovered yet."

"Whatever you have to say, say it here," Edward interjected, stepping forward.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, scanning the Roland family. "You all seem unusually invested in a mere employee's affairs."

Evelyn's chest tightened. She pushed back the covers and stood. "I'm fine. This must be urgent, Mr. Valdemar?"

Sophia instinctively reached out to steady her—a gesture that darkened Sebastian's gaze further.

In the hallway, the overhead lights stretched their shadows long and thin.

"Thank you for saving my life," Evelyn broke the silence first.

Sebastian abruptly closed the distance, gripping her wrist. "That woman at the cabin was you."

Not a question. A statement.

Evelyn's breath hitched, but she forced composure. "Are you here to settle scores, Mr. Valdemar?"

"How bold of you," he sneered. "Vanishing without a trace after that night."

"You're not expecting me to take responsibility, are you?" Evelyn's lips curved, but her eyes remained cold.

Sebastian stiffened, his grip tightening unconsciously.

"Let go." She wrenched free. "I've long forgotten that night. You should do the same."

The air turned glacial.

Abruptly, Sebastian shifted tactics. "What did you give me when I was unconscious?"