Chapter 415

"Send me the address. I'll be right there."

Evelyn Roland set down her medical textbook, fingertips tapping twice on the desk.

The toxin in Sebastian Valdemar's system remained a ticking time bomb. The memory of his last episode still haunted her. She couldn't afford to delay, grabbing her coat as she headed out.

His deep voice resonated through the phone. "Understood."

His knuckles whitened around the phone. A sip of red wine slid down his throat, the burn failing to quell the restless heat in his chest.

The call ended with crisp efficiency.

Zachary Merouin stared at his friend as if seeing a ghost.

Sebastian continued sipping his wine, long fingers tracing the rim of the glass.

"Tsk tsk tsk..." Zachary drawled. "With acting skills like that, it's a crime you haven't won an Oscar."

Sebastian lifted his gaze, eyes clear and composed. "Problem?"

"Problem? Hell yes!" Zachary clutched his chest dramatically. "If Dr. Roland finds out you're faking—"

"Not your concern."

The blunt reply left Zachary speechless. After a beat, he managed, "When did you become such a manipulative bastard?"

Sebastian didn't grace him with a glance.

"Hey!" Zachary leaned in. "I've got way more experience chasing girls. Want some—"

"Pass." Sebastian cut him off. "Single men's advice holds zero value."

Zachary nearly launched out of his seat. "Excuse you! I turned down a supermodel two days ago!"

Sebastian swirled his wine and dropped a single syllable. "Oh."

The tone made Zachary want to hurl his glass.

The private lounge door swung open. Both men turned.

Evelyn stood at the threshold, the hem of her lab coat revealing slender ankles. Her gaze swept over the array of liquor bottles before curving into a knowing smirk.

"Mr. Valdemar's angina has improved, I see?"

Zachary felt an icy prickle down his neck.

"Dr. Roland." Sebastian rose, his stare burning.

Zachary hurried to mediate. "First time meeting. I'm Zachary Merouin."

"Pleasure." Evelyn gave a slight nod, though her attention never wavered from Sebastian. "Seems my concern was unnecessary."

Sebastian remained unflinching. "I was in discomfort earlier."

Electricity crackled between their locked gazes.

Zachary suddenly raised his glass. "Care for a taste, Doctor?"

"Certainly." She accepted the drink, her fingers brushing Sebastian's knuckles.

Zachary shot his friend a meaningful look, whispering, "Not from Château Blanc, but still exquisite."