Chapter 184

Sebastian Valdemar's sleeping face looked unusually vulnerable in the dim lamplight. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on his fever-flushed skin. His thick lashes cast shadows beneath his closed eyes, brows furrowed as if trapped in an inescapable nightmare.

Evelyn Roland sat by the bed, fingers absently tracing the edge of the blanket. Olivia's words about enduring pain alone in the dead of night echoed in her mind, tightening her chest. That feeling of suffering without support—she knew it too well.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered, smoothing the crease between his brows with her fingertips.

Sebastian's breathing gradually steadied.

At dawn's first light, his fingers twitched. His eyes fluttered open to find his hand enveloped in warmth. Following the slender fingers upward, he met Evelyn's clear gaze.

He jerked his hand back, ears burning crimson.

"Your sister sent me," Evelyn said quickly, pretending not to notice his fluster. "Feeling better?"

"Mhm." His voice came out rough, Adam's apple bobbing as he avoided her eyes.

She handed him water, watching the droplet that escaped his lips trail down his throat and disappear beneath his collar.

"Thanks." His knuckles whitened around the emptied glass.

"You're welcome." She leaned in abruptly. "But there's a condition."

Sebastian recoiled against the headboard, her faint medicinal scent flooding his senses, stealing his breath.

"I need to draw blood." Straightening, she produced a syringe from the medical kit.

His pupils contracted at the intimidating needle's size. Jaw tightening, he extended his arm. "Do it."

When steel pierced skin, his teeth clenched. Sweat beaded at his temples—yet watching Evelyn's focused profile somehow dulled the pain.

"Done." She secured the bandage with practiced efficiency. "I'll notify you of the results."

As she packed her equipment, Sebastian spoke suddenly: "Château Laurent's profits are yours. I'll cover all treatment costs."

Evelyn turned, arching a brow. "Generous offer."

"Worth it." The words were soft but deliberate.

Night deepened, but Aether Medical Lab's lights remained on. Evelyn froze at the microscope, fingertips turning icy. The blood analysis report glared back—White Lotus compounds. Impossible.