Chapter 369

"It really stopped itching?"

The frail woman's words sent the surrounding villagers swarming forward. Dozens of eyes fixed on her exposed arm, where angry red rashes had once spread.

"It's gone! The itching's gone!"

She rubbed her arm in disbelief. A full minute passed without her scratching. The crowd erupted, turning to Evelyn Roland with newfound awe.

"A miracle worker!"

"Who knew someone so young could be so skilled?"

Suspicious glances transformed into reverence. Several elders pressed their palms together, bowing repeatedly toward Evelyn.

"Could you show us again?"

Evelyn nodded, slowing her movements. Delicate fingers crushed herbs in a stone mortar. The villagers held their breath, not daring to blink.

"Thank you, miss!"

"Take these mushrooms as payment!"

The gaunt woman shoved forward, clutching a bulging cloth sack. Dark circles ringed her eyes as her trembling wrists extended the offering.

"Unnecessary."

Evelyn's refusal made the woman wilt like a parched flower—until something cool touched her palm.

"Steep these in hot water. Three times daily."

When the woman looked up, Evelyn was already walking away with only a few mushrooms. Sunlight glinted off the lacquered medicine box in her hand.

"Wait! What's your name?"

Villagers chased after her but froze mid-step. A silent column of black-suited bodyguards materialized along the forest path. As the motorcade disappeared, the villagers bowed deeply.

"Sis, why take mushrooms?"

Isabella Langley caught up, dabbing her glistening nose with a lace handkerchief.

"Payment."

Evelyn shook the sack, releasing an earthy scent. Isabella wrinkled her nose in distaste.

"Everyone's waiting."

Her sugary tone drew eye-rolls from nearby socialites. One muttered loudly, "Imagine making us delay our hike for this..."

"Evelyn was saving lives!"

Sophia Roland's voice cut through the whispers. After her quick explanation, the group's gazes toward Isabella turned knowing.

"Shall we continue?"

Isabella linked arms with their parents, unfazed. Evelyn chuckled, tucking the mushrooms into her backpack.

The trail steepened. Sebastian Valdemar's breathing grew labored. Sweat dripped from his ashen jaw, darkening the stone steps beneath them.

"Rest."

Evelyn broke off chocolate. Their fingers brushed as Sebastian accepted it. His Adam's apple bobbed—whether from the sweetness or bitterness, who could tell?

"I'm fine."

The strained words contradicted his white-knuckled grip. Veins snaked across his clenched fists. Vincent Valdemar appeared behind him, landing a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"Uncle..."

"Take the shortcut. I know a faster route."

Sebastian shook his head, pushing upright. When Vincent moved to steady him, he sidestepped the contact. Their locked gazes turned the mountain breeze icy.