Chapter 226

The night was ink-black, the moonlight casting a cold gleam on the black sedan parked in the courtyard.

"Sebastian Valdemar, how long do you plan to hide?"

The low voice carried an icy edge, cutting through the silence of the garden.

Sebastian stepped out from behind the car, his tall frame casting a long shadow under the streetlight. "Waiting," he said flatly, his gaze scanning the surroundings.

"Waiting?" Alexander Roland let out a humorless laugh, his eyes flickering toward the faint figures lurking in the shadows. "You've surrounded the Roland estate like a fortress. Quite the show of force."

The air grew thick with tension.

"Just precautions," Sebastian replied, his tone steady. "Times are uncertain."

"Precautions?" Alexander's eyes sharpened like blades. "Since when does an outsider get to decide how my sister should be protected?"

A sudden gust of wind sent dead leaves skittering across the ground.

Sebastian leaned against the car, fingers tapping lightly on the door. "Some threats can't be ignored."

"Hmph." Alexander closed the distance between them in one stride. "Then tell me, Sebastian—what gives you the right to interfere in Roland family affairs?"

Dappled shadows swayed between them, the moonlight drawing a stark line across the ground.

Sebastian lifted his gaze, something dark swirling in his eyes. "That answer isn't mine to give."

"Spare me the theatrics." Alexander scoffed. "If you won't speak plainly, then leave."

A distant branch snapped.

"Last warning," Alexander bit out. "Stay away from my sister."

Sebastian straightened, the air around him turning glacial. "Let her tell me that herself."

The front door creaked open.

Old Joy peeked out, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he took in the standoff. He retreated inside and dialed with trembling fingers.

"Miss Evelyn, you need to come home immediately."

On the other end, Evelyn Roland had just finished changing her bandages. "What's wrong?"

"Master Alexander and Mr. Valdemar..." Joy whispered, "they're having a confrontation in the courtyard."

Evelyn grabbed her coat and bolted for the door. "I'm on my way."