Chapter 188

A sleek black Maybach glided into the gated community.

My eyes locked onto the license plate number. It looked hauntingly familiar.

The door opened, and Sebastian Valdemar stepped out with effortless grace. His tall frame was accentuated by a charcoal-gray suit.

"Miss Roland, what a coincidence."

A faint smirk played on his lips as his gaze settled on me.

The crisp scent of mint wafted from him, making my pulse quicken inexplicably.

"What brings you here, Mr. Valdemar?"

I forced composure, subtly retreating half a step.

"Heard you were coming to check on Hugo today. Thought I'd drop by."

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he spoke, but his eyes never left my face.

My ears burned. I quickly changed the subject. "Shall we go in together?"

Henry Laurent had been waiting at the entrance. His face lit up when he saw us. "Dr. Roland! Mr. Valdemar! You're here!"

Hugo's room was noticeably tidier than last time.

The eerie doll by the bedside was gone, just as I'd instructed.

"This treatment might be intense," I warned, preparing my silver needles. "But the results should be significant."

Henry wrung his hands nervously. "We trust your expertise completely."

As I inserted the needles, I felt Sebastian's intense stare.

He stood by the window, sunlight gilding his silhouette. Something unreadable flickered in those deep-set eyes.

Thirty minutes later, Hugo's eyelids fluttered open.

"Hugo!" Henry rushed to the bed, voice trembling.

The boy blinked, then suddenly threw his arms around his father. He tried to speak, but only managed strained sounds.

"Don't worry—that's normal," I reassured them. "His vocal cords need time to heal."

Hugo suddenly slid off the bed and clung to my leg.

He pointed frantically at the window, stamping his feet in excitement.

Sebastian crouched to his level. "Want to go outside?"

The boy nodded vigorously, eyes shining like constellations.

I couldn't resist ruffling his hair. "When you're better, I'll take you to Disneyland."

Henry stood nearby, eyes glistening. The fear he'd once harbored toward Sebastian was nowhere to be seen.

"Dr. Roland, words can't express my gratitude."

He bowed deeply, voice thick with emotion.

As I helped him up, I caught Sebastian watching me. The tenderness in his gaze sent an unexpected tremor through my chest.