Chapter 414

The night was ink-black. Sebastian Valdemar's slender fingers lightly tapped the rim of his glass, the amber liquid glinting under the dim light.

Zachary Merouin threw back a shot of whiskey, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Seb, the rumors are everywhere. The Rolands' doorstep is practically worn out from all the marriage proposals."

Sebastian's gaze darkened, his knuckles turning white.

"Even the Laurents from the capital sent someone," Zachary added with a smirk. "But then again, someone like Evelyn Roland—"

"Enough."

Zachary shrugged and changed the subject. "Seriously, if you don't make a move soon, she'll slip through your fingers."

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, neon lights flickered. Sebastian stared at his reflection in the glass, suddenly recalling how Evelyn had been the center of attention at last week's gala.

"I bet she's into you," Zachary leaned in. "At the charity ball, she stole seven glances at you."

Sebastian's fingers twitched.

"Call her now." Zachary slid a phone across the table. "Just say—"

"My heart hurts," Sebastian blurted out.

The moment the call connected, his voice melted into liquid warmth. "Miss Roland."

The hum of a hairdryer filled the line. Evelyn's voice, still damp from her shower, came through. "Mr. Valdemar?"

"Can you come to Blenheim Palace?" He muffled a cough into the receiver. "My chest feels... tight."

Zachary bit his lip, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

"Do you need an ambulance?" Evelyn's tone sharpened with concern.

"No." Sebastian watched Zachary mouth exaggerated words and deadpanned, "I just... want to see you."

Silence.

Three ticks of his watch later, she replied, "Give me twenty minutes."

As the call ended, Zachary whistled. "Oscar-worthy performance, boss."

Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks with deliberate slowness, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "An ambulance should be called."

"Huh?"

"For you." He grabbed his coat. "One word about this, and you'll be managing our African branch by sunrise."

Zachary burst out laughing as his friend strode away. The glass reflected his gleeful smirk—tonight's drama beat any boardroom negotiation.