Chapter 141

Sebastian Valdemar's fingers absently traced the cufflink. Though his memories of the mine collapse remained hazy, the coppery tang of blood still lingered on his tongue.

It was the first time he'd remained conscious during a poisoning episode.

"Water from the mines?" His peach-blossom eyes narrowed like blades as they swept over Evelyn Roland's face.

Evelyn met his gaze calmly. "Don't believe me, Mr. Valdemar?"

The air thickened with unspoken tension.

Sebastian suddenly chuckled darkly, producing several coins from his suit pocket. The metallic clink echoed sharply in the stairwell.

"Returning what's yours."

Evelyn stared at the coins in her palm, her ears burning. Those impulsive "payment" tokens she'd left now served as damning evidence.

"Seems Ms. Roland isn't very professional either." His parting words made her nails dig into her flesh.

Olivia Valdemar's approaching footsteps broke the silence.

"What did you do to Evelyn this time?" The younger girl angrily grabbed her brother's sleeve.

Sebastian dragged his sister away without looking back. "The debt's been settled."

In the most unforgettable way.

Inside the hospital room, Isabella Langley's venomous glare instantly morphed into concern as the door opened. Edward Roland fretted over his daughter: "Did that Valdemar boy give you trouble?"

"Just expressing gratitude." Evelyn deliberately raised her voice. "If not for Mr. Valdemar's rescue on the Colorado Mines road, I wouldn't be here."

Sophia Roland paled. "Someone was on the road—"

The door burst open with a crash.

Dylan Orlando stormed in, radiating fury as he seized Evelyn's wrist. "Come with me."

His icy gaze swept over the Rolands. "You only sent one rescue team—and dare call that protection?"

Edward's pupils constricted.

Only then did Evelyn notice Isabella clutching the bedsheet, her knuckles bone-white.

"In the mines..." Sophia's voice trembled. "The rescuers could only save one..."