Chapter 263

Evelyn Roland frowned slightly. "Why is this child..."

At his age, most children would be curious about new things. Why would he refuse a gift from a stranger?

She crouched down, studying the porcelain-faced little boy carefully.

Then she noticed something odd—the child hadn’t spoken a single word since she entered the room.

A terrible suspicion flashed through her mind.

Could it be...?

Evelyn jerked her head up to look at Sebastian Valdemar, her eyes wide with shock.

The man seemed to read her thoughts, his lips quirking slightly. "Not what you're thinking."

Relief washed over her, and Evelyn awkwardly rubbed the tip of her nose.

But how did Sebastian always know what she was thinking? Did he really have some kind of mind-reading ability?

"Theodore has severe autism," Sebastian's voice dropped lower. "My sister took him to every top specialist, both here and abroad. Nothing worked."

"He doesn’t speak or interact with people. Building blocks are the only thing he’s ever shown interest in."

Evelyn’s heart clenched. Her gaze drifted back to the little boy, now completely absorbed in his blocks.

Such a beautiful child... How could...?

After a moment’s hesitation, she couldn’t help but ask, "Theodore’s father... isn’t he here today?"

Sebastian’s eyes turned icy, his voice laced with undisguised contempt. "He claimed to be busy with work."

"Work?" Evelyn arched a skeptical brow.

Even a business titan like Sebastian could make time. How could his own father use work as an excuse?

She was about to press further when she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve.

Theodore had looked up, his large, dark eyes fixed on her. He scooted over slightly, making space beside him.

Evelyn’s face lit up with delight. She quickly sat down and joined him in building. Sebastian watched from the side, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

As the party was about to start, Evelyn stood—only for Theodore to immediately rise with her, his small hand clutching her sleeve tightly.

"Would you like to go downstairs with me to find your mom?" she asked softly.

The little boy’s eyes sparkled. He nodded emphatically.

When the three of them appeared at the top of the stairs, Olivia Valdemar nearly dropped her champagne glass.

"Theodore, he..." She stared at her brother in disbelief.

Sebastian smiled faintly—a rare sight. "He likes Ms. Roland."