Chapter 231

Sophia Roland's teacup paused mid-air, the liquid inside rippling slightly. She lifted her gaze to her daughter, brows knitting together. "Why bring this up so suddenly?"

Edward Roland set aside his newspaper, concern evident behind his glasses. "Isn't the winery stable now?"

Evelyn Roland tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her teacup. "The new season's tasting event requires extensive preparation. It would be more convenient to stay near the winery."

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow on her profile.

"Mother, you know I've always valued my independence." She reached for Sophia's wrist, her voice softening. "I promise to visit every weekend."

Sophia sighed and tapped Evelyn's forehead lightly. "You've always been stubborn, even as a child."

At dawn the next day, Evelyn tiptoed downstairs with her suitcase in tow.

Pushing open the front door, she inhaled the crisp morning air laced with dew. But her breath caught when she saw the scene in the courtyard.

A black Maybach waited beneath the plane tree, its window rolled down to reveal Sebastian Valdemar's sharp profile.

"You—" Evelyn instinctively glanced back at the second-floor windows before lowering her voice. "Why are you here so early?"

Sebastian took her luggage, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Didn't want to risk you changing your mind."

As the car pulled into the Valdemar estate, sunlight broke through the clouds. Evelyn stood by the guest room window, lost in thought as she gazed at the blooming roses in the garden.

A knock interrupted her reverie.

She turned to find Sebastian at the door, holding a steaming cup of floral tea.

"Tired?" His eyes flickered to the faint sheen of sweat at her temple. "Rest for a while. We'll go shopping this afternoon."

The midday sun was warm when Evelyn descended the stairs, dressed and ready. Sebastian waited by the foyer, his rolled-up sleeves revealing toned forearms beneath a slate-gray casual shirt.

They walked along the tree-lined path in comfortable silence.

"Does the wound still hurt?" Sebastian stopped abruptly.

Evelyn shook her head, but before she could respond, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. Stumbling back, she was steadied by Sebastian's firm grip on her shoulders.

"Miss Roland? What a coincidence."

Silas Eisner stood three paces away, his damp hair still dripping. His gaze flickered between them before curving into a knowing smile. "And this is...?"

"A friend," Evelyn answered quickly, her nails digging into her palms.

Silas tilted his head, studying Sebastian before chuckling. "A friend who makes you this nervous must be quite special."