Chapter 248

Sebastian Valdemar's eyes snapped open.

The familiar ceiling of his bedroom came into view.

"Evelyn Roland?!"

He sprang up from the bed like a coiled spring. The last scene before he lost consciousness flashed through his mind—a special forces soldier pressing a gun to Evelyn's temple.

Sebastian took the stairs two at a time, tearing through the villa from top to bottom.

In the living room, several soldiers in camouflage stood at attention with rifles.

They circled Sebastian, their dark eyes scrutinizing him.

"Vitals normal."

"Mental state stable."

"Motor functions adequate."

"Stand down."

As the soldiers filed out, Sebastian grabbed the last one by the arm.

"Where's Evelyn?"

"Miss Roland has returned safely to the Roland estate."

Only then did Sebastian's racing heart slow slightly.

Thirty minutes later, outside the Roland mansion.

Armed special forces surrounded the building like an impenetrable wall.

"I need to see Evelyn."

"Apologies. Miss Roland is not receiving visitors."

Sebastian's gaze darkened.

"Did she say that herself?"

The soldiers remained stone-faced.

Sebastian's knuckles turned white.

If the special forces were protecting the Rolands, it could only mean Evelyn herself refused to see him.

Was it because he failed to protect her?

Night fell like spilled ink, but the VIP lounge of Le Bar du Ritz blazed with light.

Sebastian sat alone on a leather sofa, a crystal glass dangling from his long fingers.

Women in skimpy outfits swayed their hips nearby, casting lingering glances his way.

"Another bottle."

A woman near the door stepped out just as Joanna Garten passed by.

Through the crack, Joanna's eyes widened in shock—

Sebastian was surrounded by women in a nightclub?