Chapter 420

"Wait a little longer." Evelyn Roland leaned against the car door, her fingertips lightly tapping the window. "The timing isn't right yet."

Sebastian Valdemar frowned slightly, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "Am I really that embarrassing to be seen with?"

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across his face—highlighting the faint scratch on his cheek. Evelyn couldn't resist reaching out to trace it with her fingers. "If news gets out that the Valdemar heir was poisoned, do you think those people would let me—your obvious weakness—off the hook?"

She paused, lowering her voice. "Not to mention... your father's side..."

"I understand." Sebastian suddenly grinned, catching her wrist in his hand. "As long as I can stand by your side openly, I'll wait however long it takes."

Evelyn arched a brow. This man had just been sulking, and now he looked like a cat who'd gotten the cream.

"Let's go." She pulled her hand free and turned to open the car door.

"Wait." Sebastian suddenly tugged at the hem of her coat. "Text me when you arrive."

Evelyn glanced back and saw the blatant expectation in his eyes. It reminded her of how this wolf had pinned her to the couch last night, kissing her senseless. Her ears burned, and she slammed the door shut with a sharp click.

In the rearview mirror, his tall figure remained rooted in place until the car turned the corner and he vanished from sight.

At the Valdemar Group headquarters, the receptionist was touching up her makeup when the elevator dinged. She glanced over—and nearly drew her lipstick down to her chin.

"G-Good morning, Mr. Valdemar!"

The entire lobby fell silent. Everyone gaped at the man in a pink hoodie—their usually icy, ruthless CEO, who was not only two hours late but also radiating an unmistakable aura of... satisfaction?

"Morning." Sebastian actually nodded in response before striding toward his private elevator, his steps unusually light.

The employees exchanged stunned looks.

"Am I hallucinating? Did the boss just wear... pink?"

"Is that a... mark on his neck?"

"Shh! Do you have a death wish?"

On the 28th floor, Theodore Ashcroft was reviewing meeting materials when the office door opened. "Just leave the documents on the desk," he said without looking up.

"Clear my afternoon schedule."

The familiar deep voice made Theodore jerk his head up. His folder hit the floor with a thud as he took in his boss's noticeably snug hoodie and the faint scratches peeking above the collar. His brain short-circuited.

"Sir, would you... like some coffee?" he managed weakly.

Sebastian glanced at his phone's lock screen—a photo of the two of them together—and smirked. "Double sugar."

Half an hour later, a dazed Theodore floated out of the office, only to be ambushed by curious colleagues.

"Theo, is the boss...?"

"Don't ask." Theodore clutched his chest. "I need a moment."

Meanwhile, Evelyn's phone buzzed.

"I'm here," came the unmistakably cheerful voice on the other end. "How's your side?"

Evelyn surveyed the warehouse full of oak barrels and sighed. "Sebastian, it's work hours."

"But I miss you." His voice dropped, warm and intimate, as if he were standing right behind her. "Last night, when you dug your nails into my back—"

"Shut up!" She hung up abruptly, but the tips of her ears betrayed her, flushing pink.

The winery staff peeked at their usually no-nonsense boss, now glaring at her phone—yet failing to suppress the tiny smile tugging at her lips.