Chapter 421

Theodore Ashcroft stood outside the CEO's office, his finger hovering in midair, hesitating to knock.

A rare gentle voice drifted through the crack in the door. "Remember to eat on time. Don't overwork yourself."

The sound sent a shiver down Theodore's spine. For a moment, he thought he'd come to the wrong floor.

The person on the other end of the line must have said something, because Sebastian Valdemar chuckled softly. "I miss you too."

Theodore's hand froze in place, caught between retreating and proceeding.

"Come in."

The icy command from inside made him jump.

When he pushed the door open, Sebastian had already reverted to his usual cold demeanor. A cold sweat broke out on Theodore's back, as if the tender exchange he'd overheard had been a hallucination.

"Sir, I—"

"Give me the file."

Sebastian cut him off, his long fingers tapping impatiently on the desk.

Theodore hurriedly handed over the gilded official document, barely daring to breathe. He stole a glance at his boss's expression and caught the faintest trace of a lingering smile at the corner of his lips.

"Autism research project?"

Sebastian paused mid-flip, his gaze deepening.

"Yes. It's a collaboration personally spearheaded by Director Galatea."

Theodore added cautiously, "Should I have someone look into the background?"

"No need."

Sebastian closed the file, fingertips brushing the cover. He remembered the way Evelyn Roland's eyes had reddened when Theodore Valdemar first called her "Mom."

"Reply directly that we agree to cooperate."

The decision came so swiftly that even Theodore was taken aback. But he quickly realized—this had to be about Miss Roland.

"Anything else?"

Sebastian arched a brow when his assistant remained rooted in place.

Theodore gathered his courage. "Sir, about you and Miss Roland..."

"Hm."

That single syllable made the air in the office freeze. Sebastian's warning glare had Theodore clamping his mouth shut instantly.

"I'll go send that email right away!"

Theodore practically fled. As the door clicked shut behind him, he heard the telltale chime of a phone being unlocked.

Out in the hallway, he wiped sweat from his brow. Looks like he'd have to start calling her "Madam" from now on.

Meanwhile, Sebastian was already dialing Olivia Valdemar's number.

"Sis, there's a project I need you on."

Gazing at the sunlight streaming through the window, he pictured Evelyn helping Theodore with his therapy exercises.

"It's for children with autism spectrum disorder."

Olivia's delighted voice came through the line. "An official project? Perfect! I'll add another fifty million in funding."

Sebastian chuckled. "Knew you'd support it."

After hanging up, he opened his photo gallery. The most recent picture showed Evelyn bending to tie Theodore's shoelaces, sunlight gilding them both in gold.

The man's stern features softened imperceptibly.