Chapter 234

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows as Evelyn Roland hung the last garment in the walk-in closet.

Sebastian Valdemar had prepared a room that balanced minimalist elegance with understated luxury, every detail reflecting his impeccable taste.

Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed. Just as she closed her eyes, her stomach growled in protest.

"Grr—"

An enticing aroma suddenly wafted through the air.

Like an alert kitten, she lifted her nose and followed the scent.

In the kitchen, Sebastian stood focused over a sizzling frying pan, expertly flipping a sunny-side-up egg.

Dressed in soft cotton loungewear, the gray apron strings accentuating his lean waist. His slender fingers moved the spatula with practiced ease.

Morning light gilded his profile, even the shadow cast by his lashes seemed perfectly placed.

Evelyn unconsciously held her breath.

"Done staring?"

His deep voice startled her, sending heat rushing to her ears.

"I—I was just hungry," she stammered, hastily pulling out a dining chair.

He set breakfast before her—golden eggs with crisp edges, buttery toast, steaming milk.

"Didn't expect the CEO to have such skills," she quipped, trying to diffuse the tension.

He untied the apron with the grace of removing a silk tie. A faint smile played on his lips. "Try it."

A memory flashed—twenty years ago in the Valdemar mansion's empty kitchen, a scrawny boy straining on tiptoes to reach bread in the cabinet.

All those solitary nights now swirled in the depths of his eyes.

"I'm going to Stanford today," Evelyn blurted.

Sebastian's fingers stilled. "Reason?"

"To submit an assignment." She poked at the egg yolk. "I'll be back soon."

Silence settled over the dining room. His gaze lingered on the crown of her head, darkening.

Some things she'd never know. Like how he'd deliberated thirty minutes over ingredients this morning. How he'd secretly cataloged every food preference of hers.

"I'll drive you." Three measured words were all he offered.