Chapter 362
"Miss Roland, don't look at me like that."
Sebastian Valdemar tilted his head slightly, avoiding her probing gaze. His slender fingers traced the rim of the porcelain cup absently. The tea inside had long gone cold.
"I'm not that fragile."
His voice was soft, as if afraid to disturb something unseen.
"Did I scare you?"
Evelyn Roland shook her head, her fingertips brushing the leather armrest unconsciously. The cool texture grounded her.
"So, you gave up racing because of that accident?"
She cut straight to the point.
Sebastian's pupils constricted.
"Racing?"
A cold laugh escaped him, his knuckles whitening.
"I never liked that nonsense."
"After the crash, I couldn't even stand touching a steering wheel."
Evelyn caught the contradiction instantly. If he truly despised it, their chance meeting at Chรขteau Blanc made no sense.
How had Bianca Savigny known his birthday?
The timing and location were too precise.
Something wasn't right...
A chill ran down her spine. It felt like unseen eyes watched themโnot just her, but Chรขteau Blanc, even the entire Valdemar family.
"What's wrong?"
Sebastian frowned at her sudden tension.
"Nothing."
She forced a weak smile.
He didn't press further, simply pushing a bowl of steaming congee toward her.
"Try it."
The aroma of rice mingled with seafood filled the air.
"Thank you."
He took a spoonful. The warmth sliding down his throat brought an unfamiliar peace.
This was the first anniversary of the crash without nightmares.
All because of the woman before him.
"Miss Roland."
He set down the spoon abruptly, his gaze intense.
"Come meet my parents with me."
Evelyn's head snapped up.
Their eyes locked. Her pulse roared in her ears.
"I..."
Sebastian leaned forward, his Adam's apple bobbing. Years of suppressed emotions threatened to spill over.
Bang!
The door burst open.
Olivia Valdemar gripped the doorframe, chest heaving. Her darting eyes landed on Sebastian.
"Sebastian..."
Her voice trembled.
Sebastian's expression darkened instantly, his knuckles cracking under the strain.