Chapter 229

Evelyn Roland turned to leave when a strong hand suddenly clamped around her wrist.

She spun around and found herself drowning in Sebastian Valdemar's bottomless gaze.

"The Rolands still don't know about your kidnapping," he said in a low voice. "And you have no intention of telling them."

"Why should I?" Evelyn frowned, trying to pull away but failing. Mid-sentence, her eyes widened in realization.

"Sebastian Valdemar!" Her voice turned icy. "Are you threatening me? If I refuse to move in with you, you'll expose this to my family?"

Upstairs by the floor-to-ceiling window, Isabella Langley dug her nails into her palms.

She glared at the entangled pair below, jealousy burning in her eyes.

Sebastian's grip on Evelyn's wrist was unyielding, their bodies nearly touching.

"That bitch..." Isabella seethed, itching to rush down and tear them apart.

Sebastian remained silent for a long moment, his dark eyes growing even more inscrutable.

"My place is the safest," he finally said, his tone brooking no argument. "I can't trust anywhere else."

Evelyn was caught off guard by his sudden concern.

She took a deep breath. "Let go."

Sebastian immediately released her.

Clutching her bag strap, Evelyn hesitated before relenting. "Don't come for me tomorrow. I don't want another confrontation between you and my brother."

The tension in Sebastian's jaw eased. "Fine."

Watching the black Maybach disappear down the driveway, Evelyn rubbed her temples.

Had she really just agreed to live with Sebastian Valdemar?

The thought made her pulse quicken. Images of their daily interactions flashed through her mind, warming the tips of her ears.

"Evelyn, you're back?"

Sophia Roland's voice snapped her back to reality. In the living room, Edward Roland was speaking with his wife, who beckoned her over.

"Alexander is in the study," Sophia said, pulling her onto the couch and stroking her cheek worriedly. "You look exhausted."

"I'm fine. The company is running smoothly," Evelyn forced a smile.

Edward set down his teacup. "Don't overwork yourself. Delegate more."

"Your father's right," Sophia agreed. "Look at you—you've lost color in your face."

Evelyn lowered her head to hide her unease.

She couldn't possibly tell them what she'd just agreed to.