Chapter 322
The blue glow of the computer screen cast shadows across Evelyn Roland's face, deepening the intensity in her eyes.
"Take a close look at the surveillance footage from competition day."
She lounged carelessly on the leather sofa, twirling a pen between her slender fingers.
Julian Roland accepted the tablet, his lips curling into a faint smirk.
The footage was shaky, captured from an awkward angle.
Blurred figures moved through the corridors of Chรขteau Blanc, the camera jerking unpredictably.
"Wait."
Evelyn suddenly sat upright, the pen clattering onto the coffee table.
Her finger stabbed at the lower right corner of the screen.
"That man."
She'd missed it during her first viewing, but now the anomaly stood out.
Not the faceโbut the distinct cut of that tailored suit.
She remembered it clearly. Vincent Valdemar had worn that exact outfit that day.
"Julian, do you recognize him?"
Evelyn tilted her head, fingertips drumming lightly on the table.
Her brother's gaze turned glacial.
"The third Valdemar heir."
The air thickened instantly.
Evelyn zoomed in. Pixelation blurred the image, but the identification was unmistakable.
"Just as I thought."
A derisive snort escaped her, cold fury flashing in her eyes.
Julian's knuckles cracked audibly.
The arrogant message left at the winery resurfaced in his memory.
"Suicidal."
The word hissed through his clenched teeth.
Every military officer knew how terrifying Julian Roland became when provoked.
Clearly, Vincent Valdemar didn't.
"Fascinating."
Evelyn replayed the video for confirmation.
When she turned, she noticed her brother's unsettling stillness.
"Julian."
She unwrapped a peppermint candy and pressed it between his lips.
"Don't dirty your hands. I'll handle this."
Sweetness spread across Julian's tongue. The tension in his shoulders eased slightly.
"Fine."
His eyes remained locked on the screen as he crushed the candy between his teeth.
"Make sure he never leaves this city."