Chapter 241

"I don't know your intentions." My voice trembled as I stared at the unfamiliar man. "But he's in critical condition..."

My gaze fell on the unconscious Sebastian Valdemar. His face was deathly pale, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.

The man arched an eyebrow. "Boyfriend?"

"No." The denial slipped out before I realized how absurd it sounded. This wasn't the time for explanations.

"Are you a doctor?"

"Yes."

After a tense silence, he finally stepped aside. "Make it quick."

I rushed to Sebastian, straining to lift his heavy frame. The black-clad soldiers parted like a dark tide, creating a narrow path.

In the bedroom, I gasped for breath as I settled him onto the bed. Through the closing door, I caught the man's piercing hawk-like stare.

The lock clicked shut.

I drew the curtains tight, ensuring complete privacy before picking up the folding knife from the table. Its blade gleamed coldly under the light. Gritting my teeth, I made a shallow cut on my forearm.

As blood welled up, I pried Sebastian's lips apart. Crimson droplets fell onto his pallid mouth like red blossoms blooming on snow.

One drop. Two drops...

My vision blurred while his breathing gradually steadied. The tension in his brow eased, allowing my racing heart to calm.

A memory flashed—him shoving me away, that final glance through the closing vault door.

Why would he go this far for me?

After bandaging my wound and meticulously cleaning all traces of blood, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

The villa remained swarming with black-clad men. I marched straight to the living room where the man sat listening to a subordinate's report.

"Commander Roland, the intel about the Divine Elixir must be with her," a soldier whispered. "Should we employ...persuasive measures?"

The man raised a hand. "Patience." He stood. "Guard them well. If a single hair is harmed, you'll answer to me."

"Yes, sir!"

I descended the stairs. "You have no right to detain us."

He turned, his icy stare sending chills down my spine.

"Miss, do you really think you have a choice?"

I met his gaze squarely. "You've been tailing me since afternoon—all for the Divine Elixir, isn't it?"

His pupils contracted slightly.