Chapter 351

The twilight air at Rosewood Manor was heavy with the intoxicating scent of roses. Sebastian Valdemar's polished leather shoes made soft clicking sounds against the cobblestone path. He deliberately slowed his pace, just to walk a little longer beside Evelyn Roland.

"Miss Roland."

Evelyn, absorbed in her phone, didn't turn around.

"Evelyn."

The tender address made her freeze mid-step.

"Were you calling me, Mr. Valdemar?"

She turned, her hair swaying in an elegant arc. Her calm eyes revealed nothing. Sebastian's Adam's apple bobbed as he wondered if she'd heard the intimate nickname.

"You seem different today."

Evelyn stared straight into his eyes, as if trying to decipher something. Suddenly, Sebastian felt his dress shirt collar tighten. His fingers absently traced the edges of his cufflinks.

The mighty CEO of Valdemar Group, who commanded boardrooms with ease, now fumbled like a lovestruck teenager.

A rustling came from the rose bushes. He drew a deep breath, ready to speak—

"Evelyn!"

"Little sister!"

Two tall figures emerged through the blossoms. Alexander Roland subtly positioned himself between them, while Julian Roland slung a protective arm around his sister's shoulders.

"What were you about to say, Mr. Valdemar?"

Evelyn peered out from her brother's embrace. Sebastian eyed the human barricade before him and gave a wry smile. "I was hoping Miss Roland could schedule another checkup."

"I'm free tomorrow morning." The moment she spoke, Alexander cleared his throat. "The wind's picking up. You look pale, Mr. Valdemar."

In the fading light, Sebastian's face did appear ashen—yet his gaze burned. "Thanks to Miss Roland's care, I'm much improved."

"Persistent as a barnacle," Alexander muttered under his breath. Just then, delicate raindrops began to fall, glistening on Evelyn's lashes.

"It's raining." She lifted a hand to catch the droplets. The jade bracelet on her wrist glowed softly in the mist.

In perfect synchronization, the Roland brothers shrugged off their jackets, creating an impromptu canopy over her.

Sebastian remained rooted to the spot, watching the trio disappear into the distance. Rain trailed down his jawline—whether from the storm or cold sweat, he couldn't tell. His fist clenched involuntarily.

A rose thorn pierced his palm. Crimson blood mixed with rainwater, staining the cobblestones below.