Chapter 416

Zachary poured Evelyn half a glass of red wine.

"Meeting for the first time under such circumstances. I'll make it up to you properly another time."

He raised his glass. Evelyn lightly clinked hers against the rim, her lips curving slightly. "No need for formalities."

As she tilted her head back to drink, Zachary's gaze lingered on her.

Now he understood why his friend had been so infatuated with this woman.

Evelyn carried herself with innate elegance, and her face was utterly captivating.

Zachary tactfully checked his watch and stood to leave.

The moment the private room door closed, the air grew still.

"Something troubles you, Mr. Valdemar."

Evelyn's tone was certain.

"Congratulations on reaching second place on the Fortune Ranking."

Sebastian deftly sidestepped her observation.

"Likewise."

Two empty wine glasses later, the night had deepened.

Sebastian's right hand clenched and unclenched at his side, his knuckles turning white.

"Ah—"

He suddenly stood, the room spinning violently around him.

An unfamiliar heat surged through his veins.

Something was wrong.

He pressed his fingers hard against his temples.

Evelyn turned at the sound, her bag in hand, just as the man staggered, his face flushed as he massaged his forehead.

"Don't move."

She strode forward to assess him, her expression sharpening instantly.

Sebastian fought to stay conscious, but his vision blurred further.

Evelyn understood immediately—he'd been drugged.

The only person who could've tampered with his drink was Zachary, who'd just left.

"Get out!"

The words tore from Sebastian's gritted teeth as he stumbled toward the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the space as he submerged himself under the cold stream.

Evelyn waited outside, an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

The water stopped, but his condition worsened.

"Sebastian." Her voice was soft.

"Why are you still here?" His voice was ragged.

"You'll hurt yourself like this."

She reached for his hand. The scorching heat of his skin startled her.

He tried to pull away, but her grip tightened.

"Stop torturing yourself."

His head snapped up. Bloodshot eyes locked onto hers.

His fingers absently traced the back of her hand as he rasped, "Do you have any idea what you're doing, Ms. Roland?"

His Adam's apple bobbed. The next words came through clenched teeth.

"I'm a man. A very... normal man."