Chapter 206

Evelyn Roland's fingers tightened slightly, her nails nearly digging into her palms. She took a deep breath, forcing down the turbulent emotions swirling in her chest.

Sebastian Valdemar noticed her hesitation instantly, his tone softening unexpectedly. "The headaches have been getting worse. I probably need a second treatment."

A faint sheen of sweat glistened at his temples under the light as he frowned slightly.

Evelyn's gaze lingered on his strained expression. Her instincts as a healer wouldn't allow her to ignore a patient's suffering.

"I can treat you today."

A flash of triumph flickered in Sebastian's eyes before he schooled his features back into weakness. "Thank you, Miss Roland. After all, you promised to cure me."

This man really knew how to seize an opportunity. Evelyn rolled her eyes internally.

Even more absurd—she thought she detected a hint of vulnerability in his deep voice. She must be hearing things.

"Let's go to your place," she finally conceded.

The sharp edges of Sebastian's aura melted away instantly. His lips curved. "Much obliged."

Only after settling into the black Maybach did Evelyn realize she'd been led by the nose again.

As the scenery blurred past the window, she studied Sebastian's focused profile while driving and suddenly found the situation amusing.

Fine. Consider it professional compassion.

The Valdemar villa remained eerily quiet, as if uninhabited. While preparing her silver needles, Evelyn glanced around.

"Do you live here alone?"

Sebastian lay on the sofa, cracking one eye open. "Why? Feeling sorry for me?"

"This will hurt. Bear with it." She ignored his teasing, holding up a sterilized needle.

This batch was thicker than last time.

Sebastian closed his eyes again. "Do your worst."

As each needle found its mark, beads of sweat formed along his hairline. Noticing his clenched jaw, Evelyn unconsciously lightened her touch.

"Any thoughts about boosting the winery's sales?" Sebastian asked abruptly.

Evelyn's hand jerked, nearly missing the acupuncture point. She steadied herself. "Traditional sales methods are outdated."

"Oh?" Sebastian sounded intrigued. "Go on."

"It's the age of digital influence." Adjusting a needle's angle, she continued, "I'm planning online campaigns and considering a brand ambassador."

Sebastian's lips quirked. "Not bad."

His approval made her ears burn. She hurriedly bent over the needles to hide her reaction.

Outside the door, Olivia Valdemar muffled a giggle, tiptoeing away to avoid disrupting the charged atmosphere.

These two were practically made for each other. She was already calculating how large a wedding gift to prepare.