Chapter 227

The night was deep, with street lamps casting mottled shadows. Among the swaying trees, Sebastian Valdemar stood tall like a pine, his face obscured in the darkness.

"Mr. Valdemar, you should leave." Alexander Roland's lips curled into a cold smile. "Our humble Roland family can't handle such a grand display."

His sharp gaze swept over the black-suited bodyguards, his tone growing even more cutting. "My sister's safety is none of your concern."

Evelyn Roland had just stepped out of the car when she sensed the tension in the air. She had never seen her usually gentle third brother so confrontational.

She intended to observe from the shadows, but as the standoff escalated, she had no choice but to step forward. Her slender fingers tightened around her bag strap as she positioned herself beside Alexander, discreetly studying his expression.

When she turned, she met Sebastian's penetrating gaze. A cigarette dangled between his fingers, its ember flickering, casting his chiseled features in and out of the smoke.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice low.

Alexander scoffed, interrupting him. "What's left to discuss? Even you—"

Before he could finish, Sebastian shifted his attention solely to Evelyn. The air grew thick with silence.

Alexander's face darkened with fury at being ignored. "Sebastian Valdemar, you—"

"Third Brother."

The soft address made Alexander stiffen. He turned to her, disbelief and complex emotions swirling in his eyes.

It was the first time Evelyn had called him that.

Though they had grown close since her return to the Roland family, twenty years of separation had left an invisible barrier between them. That single word—like a key—gently unlocked something in his heart.

Seeing his stunned expression, Evelyn pressed her lips together. "There are some private matters I need to settle with him. You should go back first—Mom and Dad will be waiting."

Another "Third Brother" shattered his resistance. After shooting Sebastian a warning glare, Alexander finally turned and left.

Watching him disappear inside, Evelyn exhaled in relief. She walked to the stone bench in the courtyard, her fingertips brushing the cool surface.

"Have a seat," she said, gesturing to Sebastian. "It's better to clear the air."

The delicate aroma of tea rose as she pushed a celadon cup toward him. "Try it. Premium Longjing."

Sebastian stubbed out his cigarette, his well-defined fingers tracing the rim of the cup. After a moment of silence, he spoke abruptly. "I came to apologize."

The night breeze carried his rare admission of guilt. "Those rumors online about the Divine Elixir—they started with me. I never expected it would cause you so much trouble."

He turned to meet her gaze, his words deliberate. "I'm sorry."