Chapter 236

"Who said anything about introducing men to me?" Evelyn Roland's lips curled into a cold smirk. "You've dated so many yourself, yet none worked out. As for me..."

She deliberately let her words trail off.

"If I date someone, it'll be with marriage in mind. Not like certain people who change partners as often as they change clothes."

Isabella Langley's face turned deathly pale.

"What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever dated anyone?" She forced a haughty tone. "Mother only wants what's best for you. Oliver Valrose is exceptional, yet you refuse to even meet him—"

Before she could finish, a tall figure stepped between them.

Sebastian Valdemar had appeared without warning, shielding Evelyn with subtle protectiveness.

Isabella's eyes lit up with delight—until she noticed his stance. Her expression twisted instantly.

"Mr. Valdemar..." Her voice trembled.

Sebastian didn't even glance at her.

"Isabella," he said, his voice icy. "Evelyn's affairs are none of your concern. Since you think so highly of Oliver, why don't you pursue him yourself?"

"You—!"

Isabella dug her nails into her palms but didn't dare lash out in front of Sebastian. She spun on her heel and stormed off, shooting Oliver a venomous glare on her way out.

Oliver immediately caught her meaning. Seeing Sebastian's hand on Evelyn's shoulder, he stepped forward.

"Hey man, first come first ser—"

Sebastian's gaze sliced toward him.

That look was sharp as a blade, carrying suffocating pressure.

Oliver froze, a cold sweat breaking out down his back.

"Stay away from her." Sebastian's voice was dangerously low. "Or else..."

He left the threat hanging.

Oliver nodded instinctively. By the time he regained his senses, he was already fleeing. The carefully prepared roses were tossed aside, soon swept into a trash bin by a janitor.

Evelyn rubbed her temples.

"What are you doing here?"

"Passing by." Sebastian's expression didn't change. "Need me to walk you in?"

"No." She took a step back. "I can handle small fry like him on my own."

With that, she turned and left, her retreating figure radiating distance.

Sebastian watched her go, his fingertips still tingling from the brush of her hair.

He glanced at his empty hand, his eyes darkening.

Back in his car, he stripped off the cologne-tainted jacket with disgust and changed into a fresh one.

Meanwhile—

"Useless!" Isabella shoved Oliver hard in an alley. "You can't even handle one woman!"

Oliver's face darkened, still haunted by that terrifying glare.

"There are plenty of secluded spots on campus," Isabella hissed. "Next time she's alone..."

Oliver's eyes gleamed.

"Relax," he licked his lips. "There isn't a woman I can't conquer."

Elsewhere, Evelyn paused after submitting her assignment.

Her instincts prickled—someone was following her.

The hairs on her nape stood on end.

Without alerting her stalker, she quickened her pace toward the crowded school gates.