Chapter 232

Silas Eisner blinked his peach-blossom eyes and drawled, "After all, our Aether Research Lab—"

"Exactly! No need for formalities between friends."

Evelyn Roland's heart skipped a beat. She swiftly cut him off, shooting him a warning glare while forcing a polite smile. "We're in a hurry. Let's catch up another time."

She gritted her teeth. Sebastian Valdemar only knew about her medical skills, not her connection to the Aether Research Lab.

Silas froze, looking at her with puppy-dog eyes like an abandoned stray.

"I'll get lovesick if I don't see you."

His mournful tone made Evelyn sound like some heartless playgirl.

She paused mid-step and glared over her shoulder. "See you tomorrow."

Only then did Silas leave satisfied, tossing her a flirtatious wink before disappearing.

Evelyn exhaled in relief once he was gone.

Too close. That idiot almost blew her cover.

She stole a glance at the man beside her, meeting Sebastian's probing gaze.

"Promises?"

"Lovesick?"

"Meeting tomorrow?"

His sarcastic tone dripped with enough vinegar to sour the air.

"We just met yesterday," Evelyn sighed, rubbing her temples. "Who knows what's wrong with him—"

She abruptly cut herself off.

Wait. Why was she explaining?

At most, they were just temporary roommates.

"The mall's here. Let's go." She quickly changed the subject, striding ahead.

Sebastian remained rooted, watching her retreating figure with an unconscious smirk.

In a corner of Starbucks, Isabella Langley stirred her coffee elegantly before brightening at the entrance. "Cousin!"

Vanessa Valrose stormed in and plopped down, gulping half her coffee in one go.

"Well?" Isabella masked her distaste.

Vanessa leaned in conspiratorially. "I stayed up all night and finally came up with a brilliant idea."

"What idea?"

"Marry Evelyn off!" Vanessa whispered, eyes gleaming with calculation. "Once she's wed, she'll have to leave the Roland family for good!"