Chapter 352

Raindrops pounded against the car window. Sebastian Valdemar's grip tightened on the steering wheel as he watched the Roland family villa shrink in the rearview mirror.

"Mr. Valdemar, should I have someone monitor the Rolands?" His assistant spoke cautiously from the passenger seat.

Sebastian's gaze remained fixed ahead. "Unnecessary."

The engine roared to life. Windshield wipers carved arcs through the downpour. This sudden storm mirrored his aborted confession.

Upstairs, a curtain fluttered. Evelyn Roland's silhouette vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Master Julian, Mr. Valdemar has departed," the butler murmured.

Julian Roland stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, the ember of his cigarette pulsing like a dying star. "Investigate the Valdemars' recent activities."

In the dining room, Evelyn stabbed her fork into a slice of fruit.

"Evelyn." Julian took the seat across from her. "About Sebastian—"

"Brother." She cut him off. "I know my limits."

Their silent standoff lasted three heartbeats before Julian exhaled sharply.

Footsteps pattered down the staircase. Isabella Langley entered, her dress dripping onto the marble.

"Sister." Her saccharine voice made Evelyn's teeth ache. "May I borrow something to wear?"

Evelyn didn't glance up. "Guest room closet. Help yourself."

"But..." Isabella bit her lip. "I wanted one of yours."

The fork clinked against porcelain.

"Isabella." Evelyn finally met her gaze. "Does your boyfriend know you wear other women's clothes at midnight?"

Isabella's face drained of color.

"Funny coincidence." Evelyn dabbed her lips with a napkin. "Sebastian was just here discussing that bid your lover wants from Valdemar Group."

"You—" Isabella's nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

Julian stood abruptly. "Enough. Both of you—bed. Now."

Rain drummed louder as Evelyn leaned against the corridor wall, watching Isabella flee like a startled rabbit.

Her phone vibrated. Sebastian's message glowed: [See you tomorrow]

She stared at those three words until her reflection blurred in the dark screen. Then powered it off.