Chapter 221

Dark clouds loomed overhead as violent winds whipped up swirling sands, casting the entire city in an oppressive pre-storm gloom.

Inside the CEO's office of Valdemar Group, floor-to-ceiling windows reflected Sebastian Valdemar's tall silhouette. He was casually reviewing documents when the vibrating phone on his desk interrupted his thoughts.

His fingers stilled at the name flashing onscreen.

Evelyn Roland?

They hadn't seen each other in half a month. This sudden call raised his suspicions. The moment he answered, an unexpected male voice assaulted his ears instead of her familiar tone.

"Grab her! The Divine Elixir must be on her!"

The gruff shout mixed with chaotic footsteps, followed by Evelyn's ragged breathing. Then the line went dead, leaving only hollow static.

Sebastian's pupils constricted violently.

Those two words - Divine Elixir - stabbed into his memory like a blade. Months ago during the mining disaster, that mysterious pill had saved his life. He'd later posted a bounty on the dark web just to trace its origin.

Could it be...?

He shot to his feet, long fingers flying across the keyboard. Three seconds later, satellite coordinates locked onto a cemetery on the city outskirts.

"Mr. Valdemar! The board meeting is about to—"

Theodore Ashcroft barged in with an armful of files, only to be shoved aside as Sebastian streaked past like a released arrow. "Cancel all appointments," came the terse command.

A black sports car became a blur on the highway. Sebastian's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel, Evelyn's pale face flashing through his mind. If his momentary curiosity had endangered her...

Meanwhile, on the desolate grounds outside the cemetery, Evelyn staggered against a gravestone. Blood gushed from her waist, blooming a grotesque crimson stain across her beige trench coat.

Five black-clad figures advanced in a semicircle. The leader twirled a dagger with a cold smirk. "Hand over the Divine Elixir, and we'll make it quick."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she panted, heels hitting solid stone.

"Playing dumb?" The man lunged without warning, blade aimed at her throat. "Ask the devil in hell then!"

Steel flashed—

A dark shadow materialized like a specter. The sickening crunch of shattering bones preceded the attacker flying several meters like a ragdoll.

Familiar cologne enveloped her.

"Hold on." Sebastian caught her collapsing form with one arm while deflecting another blade with his free hand. Warm blood splattered across his chiseled profile, painting eerie patterns.

Evelyn's lips moved soundlessly. Darkness flooded her vision, the last image searing into her consciousness—those crimson-ringed eyes burning with fury.