Chapter 177

"Deal."

A dark glint flashed in Sebastian Valdemar's eyes. This game was becoming increasingly intriguing. Acquiring the vineyard would not only bring substantial profits but also peel back the layers of Evelyn Roland's enigmatic persona.

Henry Laurent rose to his feet. "Please follow me."

They walked through the grapevines, where several European-style villas nestled among the greenery. This place held Henry's life's work and deepest concern—his vineyard and his ailing only son.

"Have a seat."

The living room resembled a miniature wine museum. Beneath the crystal chandelier, rare vintages from around the world gleamed in glass cabinets. Even the coffee table had been crafted from a repurposed oak barrel.

Henry caressed a prized bottle of red. "I'll agree to the transfer, but two conditions must be written into the contract."

"First, you must maintain your partnership. If either party withdraws prematurely, I retain the right to repurchase at market value."

His tone brooked no argument.

"Second, the vineyard's name cannot be changed during my lifetime. After my death, you may do as you wish."

The terms weren't unreasonable.

Evelyn and Sebastian exchanged glances before nodding in unison.

Just as the pen was handed to Sebastian, a whistling sound cut through the air behind him. He twisted aside—a blade flashed past, wielded by a slight figure lunging at him.

"Look out!"

Contract pages scattered like leaves. The expected pain never came. Instead, Sebastian looked up to see Evelyn gripping the blade barehanded. Blood dripped from between her slender fingers, blooming crimson on the woolen carpet.

"Evelyn!"

Sebastian didn't recognize the tremor in his own voice. He moved like lightning, seizing the assailant's wrist and pinning them to the floor. The dagger clattered aside, revealing a tear-streaked face.

"Papa...papa..."

The boy repeated the word like a broken record.

Henry stumbled forward. "Please show mercy, Mr. Valdemar! This is my son, Hugo!"

Even as Sebastian released his grip, he positioned himself protectively in front of Evelyn, his gaze as alert as a stalking panther.

"You took a blade for me?" He ripped off his tie to bind her bleeding hand, tying an exaggerated bow. "Have you lost your mind?"

Henry hurried over with a first aid kit. Amid the antiseptic scent, Sebastian's fingers traced gentle circles on Evelyn's palm before securing the bandage.

"Can't let my business partner die," Evelyn flexed her hand. "Not when my vineyard's at stake."

Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed. "Director Roland...your dedication is...commendable."

The bloodstained contract was unusable now.

Henry bowed repeatedly. "I beg you not to call the police. Ever since his illness—"

Before he could finish, Evelyn crouched before the boy.

The teenager's pupils were dilated, his arms studded with needle marks. Suddenly, she yanked his collar aside—revealing a spider-shaped birthmark on his neck.