Chapter 247

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting golden pools across the living room. The Roland mansion was so quiet the ticking of the clock echoed distinctly.

Neither Isabella Langley nor Alexander Roland were home.

Evelyn Roland sat sandwiched between her parents on the sofa, facing Julian Roland's stern expression across the coffee table.

Sophia Roland gripped her daughter's hand tightly. "Evelyn, what's really going on between you and Sebastian Valdemar?"

Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly.

"We..."

Her words caught in her throat.

Edward Roland slammed his palm on the table. "Did that bastard hurt you?"

"Dad!" Evelyn quickly grabbed her father's wrist. "It's not what you think."

She took a deep breath. "My work involves sensitive matters. I ran into some trouble. Sebastian merely offered temporary shelter. We're not even roommates."

Sophia's eyes welled up. "What kind of job forces you to live in another man's house?"

"Mom..." Evelyn's voice softened. "I didn't want to drag our family into this."

Julian spoke abruptly. "I'm here."

Three simple words that warmed Evelyn's heart.

The man who'd seemed like an adversary yesterday now stood as her staunchest ally.

"Julian," she met his gaze directly, "will you tell me the truth now?"

Soon, only the siblings remained in the living room.

Julian's knuckles turned white. "My comrade... doesn't have much time left."

His voice cracked. "The doctors say only the Divine Elixir can save him."

Evelyn's pupils contracted.

So it was to save a life.

"Julian," she asked quietly, "what if I refuse?"

Julian shot to his feet. "Then I'll leave immediately."

His military coat swirled sharply as he turned. "I won't force you."

"Wait."

Evelyn stopped him.

She walked to the window where sunlight danced on her lashes. "The Divine Elixir exists to heal people."

Julian stiffened.

"But on one condition." Evelyn turned, her eyes glinting. "I deliver it personally."

"No!" Julian's refusal was absolute.

Evelyn smiled. "Julian, we're family."

The hardened soldier's eyes reddened at those words.