Chapter 222

Sebastian's pupils constricted violently. The woman in his arms was drenched in blood, her body temperature frighteningly low like a block of ice.

The black-clad men exchanged glances before retreating reluctantly.

He removed his suit jacket and wrapped Evelyn securely. She felt weightless as he carried her effortlessly into the car.

Evelyn's eyelashes trembled. Even unconscious, her expression remained tormented, as if trapped in an inescapable nightmare.

The elevator at Valdemar Tower ascended directly to the penthouse.

Sebastian carried her down the corridor, his leather shoes muffled against the plush carpet. Only after placing her on the office sofa did he realize his back was drenched in sweat.

"A hospital would be safer," he murmured, fingers absently tracing the armrest. "But Olivia can't handle any more shocks right now."

The first aid kit landed heavily on the coffee table.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he stared at her bloodied collar. After a hesitation, his fingers brushed the first button.

The shirt slipped away, revealing a vicious wound. Fresh blood seeped from below her collarbone, staining the sofa cushions.

"Mr. Valdemar, the meeting materials—"

Documents scattered across the floor. The manager's glasses slid down his nose as he froze mid-step.

Sebastian materialized like a specter before the sofa. The room temperature plummeted.

"Out."

The manager scrambled backward, nearly catching his fingers in the door. Pressing his ear against the wood, his expression suddenly cleared with understanding.

"So the boss prefers this type?"

Inside, Sebastian dabbed alcohol-soaked cotton against the wound. Evelyn whimpered faintly in her unconscious state.

"Bear with it," he softened his movements. "Almost done."

When Evelyn awoke, the first thing she noticed was the faint scent of sandalwood. She twitched her fingers, sending sharp pain radiating from her shoulder.

"Don't move."

Sebastian stood silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows. Noticing her consciousness, he poured a glass of water.

"Were they after the Divine Elixir?"

Their fingers brushed as she accepted the glass. Both recoiled simultaneously, nearly shattering it.

"About today—"

"I'll handle it." He checked his watch. "Rest here. I'll escort you home after my meeting."

Pausing at the door, he added without turning, "Fresh clothes are in the dressing room."

Only when the door clicked shut did Evelyn realize she wore his shirt. The subtle ambergris scent enveloped her, inexplicably soothing.