Chapter 17

Olivia's eyes sparkled with anticipation as her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her blouse.

Sebastian gave a slight nod, signaling his assistant to pull up the highway surveillance footage immediately.

"That girl was quite beautiful," Olivia mused, narrowing her eyes in recollection. "Around your age, actually. You two would make a striking pair."

A mischievous grin suddenly played on her lips.

"Why not offer yourself as repayment for your sister's debt?"

Sebastian's expression remained impassive, not even a flicker of emotion crossing his features.

"Boring," Olivia huffed, rolling her eyes. "You've been this cold since you were a child."

Her smile faded as she turned serious. "You don't have to cling to that engagement. The Valdemar family is at its peak now—we don't need alliances to secure our position."

Sebastian responded with a noncommittal hum.

His life was already destined to be short. Love was nothing but an unnecessary burden. Maintaining the engagement with the Rolands was merely an extra layer of security for the family.

Olivia studied her brother's stoic profile, a pang of sorrow tightening her chest.

She had defied their family to marry a man with nothing, and now she lived in happiness. How she wished Sebastian could find his own joy.

The next morning, at KL Design Group.

Evelyn had barely stepped into the office when Jessica's shrill voice cut through the air.

"Hannah, is buying coffee beneath you?"

"Don't forget you arrived only days before Evelyn. Serving your seniors is basic courtesy!"

Hannah clutched a stack of files to her chest, flustered. "But the supervisor asked me to sort these drafts first..."

"You were quick enough to defend Evelyn yesterday!" Jessica sneered.

Evelyn's gaze darkened.

What a way to start the day.

Hannah bit her lip, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Problem?" Evelyn drawled, her tone deliberately languid. "Think the surveillance cameras missed your little bullying act?"

"Should I post the footage online and let the public judge?"

Jessica's face flushed crimson. "You—!"

A colleague quickly pulled her back, whispering that the supervisor was about to arrive.

"Thank you," Hannah murmured. "You helped me again."

Evelyn, unusually talkative, added, "The more you retreat, the more they'll push."

Hannah nodded firmly.

With Evelyn here, she suddenly found the courage to resist. At worst, she could quit—better than enduring this humiliation.

"Evelyn, the supervisor wants to see you."

Setting down her bag, Evelyn headed toward Adrienne's office.

"You did well with the cleanup last night," Adrienne said without looking up. "There's a new assignment for you today."

She slid a manila envelope across the desk toward Evelyn.